Financial ratings wrap-up: Qwest, Palm, F5 Networks and more

The following list includes ratings changes and financial information for wireless companies announced this week by investment-banking and financial-services firms.
Carriers
–Morgan Stanley downgraded Qwest Communications to equal weight from overweight after recent outperformance on the stock market, limiting further outperformance potential.
–RBC Capital Markets downgraded Embarq to sector perform from outperform, saying its takeout premium has narrowed. The firm raised its price target on the company to $39 from $35.
Handset and infrastructure vendors
–Deutsche Bank upgraded Palm to hold from sell and raised its price target to $6 from $1, saying it is positive on the company’s new WebOS.
Other
–RBC Capital Markets lowered its price target on F5 Networks Inc. to $27 from $28 after the company posted a small revenue shortfall for December and lowered its guidance for the first quarter. Barclays Capital lowered its price target on the company to $27 from $29 and reduced its 2009 EPS estimate on the company to $1.50 from $1.68.