Investing.com -- Bernstein upgraded Five Below to Outperform from Market-Perform, arguing the discount retailer's recent operational improvements have strengthened its long-term growth outlook beyond the temporary boost from viral product trends. The brokerage raised its price target to $250 from $247, implying roughly 22% upside from the stock's July 20 closing price of $204.14. Analysts said investors have become overly focused on the potential slowdown after a first-quarter 23% comparable sales gain fueled by the "Squishy Dumpling" toy craze. The firm also lifted its medium-term comparable sales forecast and expects annual store additions to remain robust, supporting a low-double-digit sales growth trajectory. Related articlesBernstein upgrades Five Below to Outperform, sees 22% upside on stronger outlookRaymond James upgrades Ralph Lauren on stronger growth outlook ahead of earningsJPMorgan sees clean energy pullback as buying opportunity ahead of earnings