MidnightTrader Analyst Play: F5 Networks

F5 Networks (FFIV | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) closed 5.6% higher at 27.42. That move extends the 3% gain, to 26.80, recorded in pre-market trading seen after RBC reportedly boosted its rating on the stock to Outperform from Sector Perform.

In five analyst-driven pre-market moves we've tracked on FFIV over the last year, including today, the stock has four times seen its early day movement widen in the same direction in the following regular session.

5/8/08 Pre-Market: +3% at 26.80; 5/8/08 Regular Session +5.6% at 27.42 - RBC raises rating to Outperform vs Sector Perform.

1/16/08 Pre-Market: -3.5%; 1/16/08 Regular Session: -5.9% - Jefferies downgrade to Hold from Buy.

10/9/07 Pre-Market: down less than 1.7%; 10/9/07 Regular Session: -1.7% - RBC downgrade to Sector Perform from Outperform.

8/9/07 Pre-Market: up at 66.60; 8/9/07 Regular Session: +4.5% at 69.06 - ThinkEquity upgrade to Buy from Accumulate.

6/27/07 Pre-Market: -1.7%; 6/27/07 Regular Session: -0.1% - Robert W. Baird downgrade to Neutral.

Brooks McFeely is widely regarded as the leading expert on extended-hours trading. He is a Managing Partner for Brochet Capital Partners, LP and the founder of Midnight Trader, Inc. (www.midnighttrader.com), the leading provider of pre-market and after-hours trading analysis and news to retail and institutional investors.