Analyst Update: Biogen, Box, Republic Airways Holdings

Analysts are weighing in today on pharmaceutical firm Biogen Inc (NASDAQ:BIIB), cloud-based storage firm Box Inc (NYSE:BOX), and air carrier holding company Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:RJET). Here's a quick look at today's brokerage notes on BIIB, BOX, and RJET.

• After downward revision to its full-year outlook wiped out Biogen Inc's year-to-date gains last week, the company's stock is 2.3% higher today at $307. The reason for the increase? Perhaps it is news that BIIB will forge a strategic alliance with the Parkinson's Institute and Clinical Center, focused on learning more about the disease. This news is helping take some investors' minds off of last week, but a number of brokerages can't forget. Morgan Stanley issued a price-target cut to $426 from $520, but reiterated its "overweight" opinion. This move accompanied Baird's decision to slash BIIB's price target to $316 from $480, as well as additional price-target cuts at Leerink, RBC Capital Markets, and UBS. Optimism may unwind in the option pits, too, as the firm's Schaeffer's put/call open interest ratio (SOIR) of 0.98 is lower than 86% of the readings taken in the past 52 weeks. Further pressure could come from analysts, as the biopharmaceutical company has earned nine "strong buys" and one "buy" out of 18 total ratings. Downgrades could serve to push BIIB lower.


• BOX is 1.8% higher this afternoon at $16.58, after the company received a late-night upgrade from Pacific Crest. The brokerage upped Box Inc to an "overweight" rating. Despite today's solid performance, the shares seem boxed in a trading range defined by the $19.50/$20 region on the top end and the $16 region on the bottom. Bulls may be hoping that a short-covering rally could push the stock higher, as 9.9% of BOX's float is sold short. It would take nearly six days for these shorts to cover their positions, representing ample sideline purchasing power.


• Our final news comes from Republic Airways Holdings Inc., which has lost 56.5% to trade at $3.69 -- and earlier touched a three-year low of $3.63. Yesterday, Deutsche Bank reduced its rating to a "hold" from a "buy," and cut RJET's price target to $9 from $15. The brokerage cited an uncertain earnings outlook, along with pilot staffing issues, for the move. Cowen and Company slashed its price target, as well, to $8 from $13. Further contributing to the panic selling is news RJET has rescinded all previously issued financial and operational guidance, as it continues to suffer from an ongoing labor dispute and a pilot shortage.