'UNDERWHELMING' PERFORMANCE: JPMorgan analyst Matthew Boss downgraded Nordstrom ($JWN) to Underweight from Neutral with a price target of $34, down from $39. The company's absolute and relative performance "remains underwhelming" with full price revenues 900 basis points below department store peers, Boss told investors in a research note. The analyst added that the current backdrop is "potentially as good as it gets" for both Nordstrom's core customer and on the pricing/promotional front. DISAPPOINTING GUIDANCE: Argus analyst Jim Kelleher downgraded Beyond Meat ($BYND) to Hold from Buy, citing the company's below-consensus third quarter revenue guidance announced earlier this month. The analyst noted that the weakness is being driven by labor shortages and slowing sales to foodservice companies, while also citing his concerns that the Delta variant will have a negative impact on Foodservice sales. Kelleher added that Beyond Meat is investing for long-term growth but warned that as capacity is added with the aim of improving operating leverage over time, the near-term margins will be negatively impacted. COMPELLING VALUATION: Barclays analyst Adrienne Yih initiated coverage of Victoria's Secret ($VSCO) with an Overweight rating and $100 price target. The company has "multiple levers available" to reposition and grow, supported by an attractive risk/reward with a "compelling valuation," Yih told investors in a research note. The analyst believes Victoria's Secret is benefiting from clean inventory and closure of unprofitable stores, with "ample room for upside" from revitalizing the brand. RISING COMMODITY PRICES: Piper Sandler analyst Michael Lavery downgraded Campbell Soup ($CPB) to Neutral from Overweight with a price target of $43, down from $51. "Broad exposure" to rising commodity prices, especially steel, is becoming a "significant risk" to Campbell's fiscal 2022 outlook, Lavery told investors in a research note. Noting that Campbell typically has annual calendar contracts for steel, the analyst added that he has "little visibility" where 2022 will land. The rise in the commodity's price over the past few months adds uncertainty to its outlook, Lavery contended. LEASE-TO-OWN ROLLOUT OPPORTUNITY: Bank of America analyst Jason Haas initiated coverage of Rent-A-Center ($RCII) with a Buy rating and $85 price target. The company's recent acquisition of Acima will accelerate its growth as the strong #2 competitor in the "high-growth" virtual lease-to-own industry, the analyst told investors in a research note. Only 10 out of the 40 largest retailers offer a lease-to-own financing option, and many could roll out programs in the coming years given the success of the early adopters, Haas added.Disclosure: I may trade in the ticker symbols mentioned, both long or short. My articles represent my personal opinion and analysis and should not be taken as investment advice. Readers should do their own research before making decisions to buy or sell securities. Trading and investing include risks, including loss of principal. If you liked this article, please click the LIKE (thumbs up) button. Feel free to leave any comments, question, or opinions. (Sign-up if you haven't already done so). Follow us/bookmark us and check back occasionally for additional articles or comments on our page... Wild Tiger Trading - start/main page. .