Why Whole Foods, Wal-Mart and Three Other Stocks Are Trending Today?

Goldman Downgrades Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Inc (NYSE:HOG) has inched down by around 3% so far today after analysts at Goldman Sachs downgraded the company to ‘Neutral’ from ‘Buy’ and trimmed their price target to $50 from $55. The analysts cited channel checks that indicate softer demand despite a less competitive environment. Harley-Davidson Inc (NYSE:HOG) is not exactly a millennial favorite and the company might need to adjust for shares to do well over the next decade or two. Of the 766 elite funds we track, 20 funds owned $683.48 million worth of Harley-Davidson Inc (NYSE:HOG)’s stock, which accounted for 7.20% of the float on March 31, versus 24 funds and $524.77 million, respectively, on December 31.

Analysts Give the Thumbs Up to Brinker 

Analysts at Telsey Advisory Group gave Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT), the owner of Chili’s and Maggiano’s, the thumbs up today. The advisory group initiated coverage on the stock with a $52 price target and an ‘Outperform’ rating, expressing belief that management will execute on their plan to increase traffic and cost efficiencies. Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT)’s shares are down by 4% year-to-date and yield a 2.8% dividend payout at current prices. AQR Capital Management was one of the top shareholders of Brinker at the end of March.

Jefferies Likes Wal-Mart 

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT)’s stock has inched up on light volume after analysts at Jefferies upgraded the stock to ‘Buy’ from ‘Hold’ and raised their price target to $82 from $60. As reasons for the upgrade, the analysts cited higher sales and earnings as well as improving conditions. Despite the competition from Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is still a cash flow machine and the stock sports a 2.8% dividend yield at current prices. The number of elite funds from our database with holdings in Wal-Mart rose by five to 54 during the first quarter.

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