5 Stocks Analysts Are Upgrading Now

By Larry Gellar Analysts are taking optimistic action on 5 big-name stocks. While Delta (DAL), Dover (DOV), Netflix (NFLX), and St. Jude (STJ) received full-on upgrades, Time Warner’s (TWX) price target and earnings estimates were both increased. Let’s see what’s been happening with these 5 stocks: Delta Air Lines Analyst action: Evercore Partners upgraded Delta from Underweight to Equal-weight with a price target of $11. Recent performance: Delta started off 2012 near $8, but the stock price is now over $10. Recent headlines: Delta’s earnings report was significantly better than analysts were expecting. The company earned 45 cents per share compared to estimates of 37 cents per share, and revenue was up 8 percent year over year. Like other airline carriers, Delta has embarked on a strategy of reducing its number of flights and increasing its fares, which has significantly improved margins. While travelers may not be thrilled about this change, it is allowing Delta to run more efficiently in a tough economy. In fact, revenue per passenger-mile for the airline increased by 12% this past quarter. What we think: With price to earnings now at 19.60 and price to sales now at 0.24, it may be too late for…