skip to content
  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Investment Q&A
You can view 3 more answers this month. Sign up for a free trial for unlimited access.

Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: I have a general question as to how, and if, analysts' reviews affect stocks.

On Wednesday, TD Securities downgraded Canaccord Genuity Group to "hold" from "buy" with a price target of $12.50 (Canadian). The stock was around $11.00 at the time. It subsequently plummeted about 10% and continues to drop today.

Today, Raymond James upgraded Mullen Group to "market perform" from "underperform" but cut its price target to $25 (Canadian) from $27.50. The stock has dropped about 5% so far.

In both cases, the stocks were about 10% below the analysts target. Once was considered a downgrade, although it was still a hold. The other was considered an upgrade but its target was not going to yield any greater returns.

My question is threefold. Is "market perform" considered different than "hold" (since they seem pretty similar to me); secondly, why was one stock hammered so much and the other wasn't when they are both expected to perform about the same, at least as it pertains to their target prices; finally, should TD be considered impartial since they are downgrading a competitor.

I am hoping that with your insight, I will move closer to understanding how things work!

Thanks so much.

Paul F.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on October 23, 2014
Q: Canaccord (CF) has dropped significantly in the past 2 days. Earnings release is upcoming on Nov 5th. Is there any negative news that would have a LT impact on their investment bank business or is this a good entry point? If not CF, are there alternatives you would recommend? Thanks for all the research you guys provide! Great learning experience. Thanks - John
Read Answer Asked by john on October 23, 2014
Q: After the market closed on 4/23 CF announced the its founder,the renouned Mr Peter Brown,resigned as director,officer & honouray chairman of the co & will not seek reelection to the board of directors.Going forward,it is his intention together with some friends & partners to pursue a new career advising established private companies with a growth profile & in need of private debt & equity financing Please advise the effect on the co especially its stock price.Txs a lot.
Read Answer Asked by Peter on May 25, 2014