Stock Picks: Apple, Intel, Aetna, H&R Block

Wall Street analyst opinions on stocks making headlines in Tuesday's market

Apple Inc.: Broadpoint AmTech analyst Brian Marshall reiterated his buy rating on shares of Apple Inc. (AAPL) on Mar. 9.

In a note, Marshall said the next major catalyst for Apple shares will be the launch of the iPad on Apr. 3. "We believe the general consensus (i.e. select media outlets) view of this device and its potential is overly pessimistic," Marshall wrote. "We note the vast majority of the naysayers have not yet had the opportunity to use the iPad on a firsthand basis."

Marshall said the "true genius" of the device is its media and content -- such as eBooks, newspapers, magazines, applications, games, movies and TV episodes -- which he believe will be help provide recurring revenues for Apple.

The analyst raised his estimate for calendar 2010 iPad shipments to 4.0 million units from 2.2 million units. He also hiked his calendar 2010 revenue estimate to $57.913 billion from $55.738 billion, and his earnings per share (EPS) estimate to $12.75 from $12.00.

"In our view, Apple remains the best technology company on the planet," Marshall wrote. He raised his price target on Apple shares to $280 from $264.

Intel Corp.: Robert W. Baird analyst Tristan Gerra upgraded a rating on shares of Intel Corp. (INTC) to outperform from neutral on Mar. 9.

In a note, Gerra said that checks with industry sources point to large PC manufacturers recently raising their procurement forecasts for the first half of 2010, in part due to a rebound in corporate PC spending for 2010. "Intel could outperform semiconductor peers this year, notably those with stretched lead times," Gerra wrote. "Should a gradual recovery in true end-demand prolong the current upcycle, INTC shares should benefit as well."

Gerra expects Intel's revenues to rise 15% in 2010, following two consecutive years of revenue declines.

"Intel's valuation is compelling, in our view," Gerra wrote. The analyst raised a price target on the shares to $26 from $24.

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