Analyst PT Change

UBS today maintained a Buy rating on Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) and raised its price target to $67.00 (from $63.00). Analyst Matthew Roden sees ongoing strength for its HIV franchise.

"Ahead of the second ph2 result expected near term for tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), a next-gen replacement for Viread, we spoke to 2 HIV experts and conducted a survey of top-volume prescribers to gauge initial receptiveness and expected utilization once available. Results were highly supportive of TAF, but also for GlaxoSmithKline's (NYSE: GSK) dolutegravir, which will compete against GILD's Stribild," said Roden.

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) click here. For more ratings news on Gilead Sciences click here.

Shares of Gilead Sciences closed at $54.96 yesterday, with a 52 week range of $39.21-$79.37.

Deutsche Bank today maintained a Buy rating on Access Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: ACMP) and raised its price target to $57.00 (from $46.00). Access Midstream recently provided updated information at its Analyst Day, introducing guidance for 20% EBITDA growth into 2015.

Commenting, analyst Curt Launer said, "Based upon the information provided at the meeting and our increased estimates through 2015, we are increasing our target yield expectation for ACMP to 3.8% which results in an increase in our target price. . . The 3.8% target yield is still a premium to the drop-down growth opportunities shown by Western Gas (NYSE: WES) (current yield 3.5%) and EQT Midstream (NYSE: EQM) (current yield 3.1%)."

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Access Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: ACMP) click here. For more ratings news on Access Midstream Partners, L.P. click here.

Shares of Access Midstream Partners, L.P. closed at $43.00 yesterday, with a 52 week range of $27.27-$44.91.

Deutsche Bank today maintained a Buy rating on Pier 1 Imports (NYSE: PIR) and raised its price target to $29.00 (from $25.00). At its recent analyst day meeting, Pier 1 Imports said it wia attempting to increase ecommerce sales.

"At the meeting, PIR reiterated its goal of 10% all-in ecommerce sales by FY16 (Feb 2016) . . . Starting from base of $0 two years ago, we see ecommerce growth providing between 30% - 40% of PIR’s annual sales growth over the next four years. Given the favorable margin implications, we see accelerated operating profit growth over this period, especially after PIR reaches critical mass and can leverage its recent investment," said analyst Adam Sindler.

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Pier 1 Imports (NYSE: PIR) click here. For more ratings news on Pier 1 Imports click here.

Shares of Pier 1 Imports closed at $24.65 yesterday, with a 52 week range of $14.78-$25.29.

(Updated - May 17, 2013 10:32 AM EDT)

Morgan Stanley today maintained an Overweight rating on Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) and raised its price target to $109.00 (from $103.00). Morgan Stanley also called the stock its "New Top Pick in U.S. Autos." Analyst Adam Jonas thinks the company is pound for pound the strongest brand in the auto industry?

"What Tesla has accomplished isn't luck, it's real," said Jonas. "Tesla is 1/100th the size of BMW, wins Motor Trend car of the year, scores highest ever rating by Consumers Reports. Not a bad start."

An important point touched on in the note was the idea that selling ZEV credits to other OEMs can fund multiple years of Tesla capex.

Regarding Tesla's recently announced financing deal, Jonas said its "lease deal doesn't just enlarge the addressable market, it multiplies it."

Regarding valuation, Morgan Stanley "We continue to value Tesla on a 15-year DCF with a 12% WACC but update our assumptions to consider new information. (1) First time inclusion of regulatory credits of >$220m/year, adding $15 per Tesla share. (2) Exit EBITDA multiple up to 9x from 7x to reflect strong launch execution and declining going-concern risk. (3) A 40% increase in our Model S est to 30k by 2015. (4) A 70% increase in Gen 3 volume and other efficiencies."

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) click here. For more ratings news on Tesla Motors click here.

Shares of Tesla Motors closed at $92.25 yesterday, with a 52 week range of $25.52-$95.00.

(Updated - May 17, 2013 9:49 AM EDT)

Lazard Capital today maintained a Buy rating on Vanda Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VNDA) and raised its price target to $17.00 (from $11.00). Shares opened noticeably higher and are on the move early on Friday.

Update: Analysts cited positive checks from sleep specialists on tasimelteon for non-24 hour disorder.

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Vanda Pharmaceuticals click here. For more ratings news on Vanda Pharmaceuticals click here.

Shares of Vanda Pharmaceuticals closed at $5.50 yesterday, with a 52 week range of $2.92-$5.60.