As the unemployment rate came in better than expected this morning at 8.5%, analyst put out new ratings on the following 4 companies. Here’s why they are positive:

Gen-Probe (NASDAQ:GPRO): Deutsche Bank initiates Gen-Probe with a Buy and target of $70.50 price target. The sees Gen-Probe’s pipeline added double=digit growth as a leader in the +$4.5 billion molecular diagnostics (MDx) market. RBC Capital Mkts upgrades from  Sector Perform to Outperform and raised target from $53 to $72.

Cepheid (NASDAQ:CPHD): Oppenheimer names Cepheid a Top Idea. Analysts cite the company’s “pioneering” one hour results technology for disease testing results. Oppenheimer reiterates it Outperform rating. RBC Capital Mkts upgraded from Sector Perform to Outperform and raised target from $38 to $42.

Forest Oil (NYSE:FST): Capital one initiates Forest Oil at Add.  The company and sector moved down the dipstick. The firm says current levels are cheap, and the stock appears to be stabilizing, so add some Forest Oil. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded from Hold to Buy and changed target to $20.

SanDisk (NASDAQ:SNDK): SanDisk moves up after Sterne Agee upgrades to Buy. The firm says price reflects the negative sentiment for handsets and a lower yen should improve margins. Sterne Agee upgraded from Neutral to Buy and changed target to $57.

Further Reading: Are Investors Getting Physical With Gold and Silver?>>

To contact the reporter on this story: Jim Wilkerson at staff.writers@wallstcheatsheet.com

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Damien Hoffman at editors@wallstcheatsheet.com

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