JP Morgan Analysts Up Cooper’s Rating

(Akron/Tire Review) JP Morgan analysts have upped their estimates for Cooper Tire & Rubber Co and upgraded its rating to “neutral.” The analysts said Cooper is benefiting from improved tyre pricing in the US and that its first-quarter results were in line with estimates. However, the company’s share price has depreciated by 20 per cent year to date, the analysts noted. Cooper’s EPS estimates for 2005 and 2006 were increased from $0.33 to $0.37 and from $0.50 to $0.70, respectively.