Analyst Downgrades: Dunkin, Gilead, Progress Software

Analysts downwardly revised their ratings on Dunkin Brands Group Inc (NASDAQ:DNKN), Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD), and Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ:PRGS)

Josh Selway

Oct 2, 2015 at 10:00 AM

Analysts are weighing in on doughnut devotee Dunkin Brands Group Inc (NASDAQ:DNKN), biotech Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD), and software firm Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ:PRGS). Here's a quick roundup of today's bearish brokerage notes on DNKN, GILD, and PRGS.

DNKN got whacked yesterday on news that one franchisee is closing 100 in-store kiosks amid dwindling sales. The stock is up 0.7% today at $43.28, even as the Street weighs in with pessimism. No fewer than seven brokerage firms cut their price targets on the shares, with J.P. Morgan Securities setting the bar the lowest, at $47. Elsewhere, CLSA actually raised its outlook to "outperform." Short sellers are likely pleased with the stock's longer-term struggles, down 24% since its mid-July record high of $56.79. Short interest on Dunkin Brands Group Inc represents almost 11% of its float, accounting for over six days of buying power, at normal daily volumes.

GILD is off 3.2% this morning at $95.13, after Morgan Stanley lowered its opinion on the stock to "equal weight" from "overweight." Still, most on the Street are bullish on the stock, with 13 of 16 analyst saying it's a "buy" or better. Lately, though, the options crowd has taken a more bearish stance. Gilead Sciences, Inc.'s 50-day International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) put/call volume ratio of 0.56 ranks higher than 82% of readings in the last year. This means put buying has been much more popular than normal of late. Technically speaking, GILD is resting just 1% above its year-to-date flatline.

PRGS has taken a 10.8% step back to $22.87 -- and earlier hit an annual low of $21.94 -- as traders pan the company's disappointing fiscal third-quarter results. Analysts are weighing in, as well, with Benchmark and Wedbush cutting their price targets to $30 and $25, respectively. It wouldn't be surprising, either, to see additional bearish attention come the stock's way. Progress Software Corporation's average 12-month price target of $31.75 represents a nearly 39% premium to current levels, possibly setting the stage for more price-target reductions.

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