Equity Research

How to Read Our Equity Research Reports

The following rating and category information is provided to serve as a reference when reviewing research reports:

Raymond James & Associates (U.S.) definitions

  • Strong Buy (SB1) Expected to appreciate, produce a total return of at least 15%, and outperform the S&P 500 over the next six to 12 months. For higher yielding and more conservative equities, such as REITs and certain MLPs, a total return of at least 15% is expected to be realized over the next 12 months.
  • Outperform (MO2) Expected to appreciate and outperform the S&P 500 over the next 12-18 months. For higher yielding and more conservative equities, such as REITs and certain MLPs, an Outperform rating is used for securities where we are comfortable with the relative safety of the dividend and expect a total return modestly exceeding the dividend yield over the next 12-18 months.
  • Market Perform (MP3) Expected to perform generally in line with the S&P 500 over the next 12 months.
  • Underperform (MU4) Expected to underperform the S&P 500 or its sector over the next six to 12 months and should be sold.
  • Suspended (S) The rating and price target have been suspended temporarily. This action may be due to market events that made coverage impracticable, or to comply with applicable regulations or firm policies in certain circumstances, including when Raymond James may be providing investment banking services to the company. The previous rating and price target are no longer in effect for this security and should not be relied upon.

In transacting in any security, investors should be aware that other securities in the Raymond James research coverage universe might carry a higher or lower rating. Investors should feel free to contact their Financial Advisor to discuss the merits of other available investments.

Suitability Categories

  • Total Return (TR) – Lower risk equities possessing dividend yields above that of the S&P 500 and greater stability of principal.
  • Growth (G) – Low to average risk equities with sound financials, more consistent earnings growth, possibly a small dividend, and the potential for long-term price appreciation.
  • Aggressive Growth (AG) – Medium or higher risk equities of companies in fast growing and competitive industries, with less predictable earnings and acceptable, but possibly more leveraged, balance sheets.
  • High Risk (HR) – Companies with less predictable earnings (or losses), rapidly changing market dynamics, financial and competitive issues, higher price volatility (beta), and risk of principal.
  • Venture Risk (VR) – Companies with a short or unprofitable operating history, limited or less predictable revenues, very high risk associated with success, and a substantial risk of principal.

Suitability ratings are not assigned to stocks rated Underperform 4.