Financial ratings wrap-up: Verizon, RIM, Nortel and more

The following list includes ratings changes and financial information for wireless companies announced this week by investment-banking and financial-services firms.
Carrier
–Lehman Brothers lowered its price target on Verizon to $48 from $50 and lowered its current-year EPS estimate on the company to $2.66 from $2.74. The firm cited the impact of financing its 700 MHz auction licenses.
–Lehman Brothers raised its 2008 estimates on MetroPCS to 38 cents from 36 cents to reflect strong first-quarter results.
Handset and infrastructure vendors
–Oppenheimer raised its price target on Research In Motion to $150 from $115 after the company reported strong fourth-quarter results and provided strong first-quarter guidance. The firm said it believes guidance still leaves ample room for upside.
–Credit Suisse First Boston lowered its price target and estimates on Ericsson saying it expects the company to experience a tough first half of the year.
–R.W. Baird lowered its rating on Nortel Networks to neutral due to a combination of a weaker enterprise environment as well as lower CDMA spending expectations.
Other
–Lehman Brothers lowered its rating on Broadcom Corp. to $25 from $30 and lowered its current-year EPS estimate on the company to $1.19 from $1.23 on expectations of flat near-term revenue results.
–Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services raised its corporate credit rating on Amdocs Ltd. to BBB from BBB- to reflect the company’s stronger business profile.