As previously reported, Morgan Stanley analyst Dara Mohsenian upgraded Estee Lauder to Overweight from Equal Weight as he believes the stock's sharp pullback since mid-June has created a compelling entry point. Mohsenian thinks the market is not fully recognizing Estee Lauder's long-term growth potential while the pullback has priced in the risk associated with a China slowdown. Additionally, the strong U.S. macro backdrop has reduced the risk that the market could shift to a more defensive posture away from more discretionary names like Estee, the analyst tells investors. Mohsenian edged up his price target on Estee Lauder shares to $160 from $159.

As previously reported, Morgan Stanley analyst Dara Mohsenian upgraded Coty (COTY) to Overweight from Equal Weight, pointing out that this is the first time the firm has had an Overweight rating on the stock since the company's 2013 IPO. Following four sell-side downgrades in the last two weeks and the stock's 40% year-to-date decline, Mohsenian now sees the risk/reward as "compelling," he tells investors. The analyst sees improving visibility that Coty can return to steady topline growth and sees upside to adjusted consensus EBIT in FY19 and FY20, while also believing that JAB may increase its stake post the two-year lock-up restriction. Mohsenian, however, trimmed his price target on Coty shares to $14.50 from $17.00. He also upgraded beauty industry peer Estee Lauder (EL) to Overweight from Equal Weight this morning.

Catch up on today's top five analyst upgrades with this list compiled by The Fly: 1. RH (RH) upgraded to Accumulate from Hold at Gordon Haskett. 2. Estee Lauder (EL) and Coty (COTY) upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight at Morgan Stanley. 3. First Business Financial (FBIZ) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at DA Davidson with analyst Kevin Reevey saying the current trading level on the stock presents an attractive entry point after its 10% month-to-date decline and a 19% retreat from its 52-week highs. 4. Regency Centers (REG) upgraded to Buy from Hold at Deutsche Bank with analyst Derek Johnston saying "clear signs" of a retail recovery has fueled the rally in strip real estate investment trusts in recent weeks. 5. Affimed N.V. (AFMD) upgraded to Buy from Hold at Jefferies with analyst Maury Raycroft saying its collaboration with Roche Group's (RHHBY) Genentech to develop and commercialize novel NK cell engagers indicate the intrinsic value in Affimed's platform and approach. This list is just a portion of The Fly's full analyst coverage. To see The Fly's full Street Research coverage, click here.