Morgan Stanley Issues Wave Of Pharma & Medical Device Upgrades, Downgrades

Morgan Stanley issued a wave of upgrades and downgrades in the pharmaceutical and medical device arena.

Analysts upgraded Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZMH) from Equal-weight to Overweight. Zimmer Holdings designs and produces orthopedic reconstructive devices, implants and related surgical products. Morgan Stanley issued a $134 price target.

Analysts upgraded C R Bard Inc (NYSE: BCR) from Underweight to Equal-weight. C R Bard designs and produces medical, surgical, diagnostic and patient care devices. Morgan Stanley issued a $187 price target.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HRC) from Underweight to Equal-weight. Hill-Rom manufactures hospital equipment such as beds and stretchers.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: REGN) from Equal-weight to Overweight. Regeneron researches, develops, and produces medicines to treat serious medical conditions. Analysts set a $485 price target.

Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX) was downgraded from Overweight to Equal-weight. The company produces single-use medical devices that aid in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Morgan Stanley’s target for Teleflex is $127.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXN) was also downgraded from Overweight to Equal-weight. Alexion develops therapeutic products for the treatment of diseases in the areas of hematology, nephrology, neurology, metabolic disorders, oncology and ophthalmology. Morgan Stanley’s new price target for Alexion is $202.

Finally, Morgan Stanley downgraded Amgen, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) from Overweight to Equal-weight. Amgen develops medicines for the treatment of human illnesses and conditions such as cancer, kidney disease and inflammation. Analysts set a $177 price target for Amgen.