Shares in Skechers U.S.A. Inc. climbed 8 percent Wednesday after BB & T; Capital Markets raised its rating on the shoe and apparel maker to a “buy” from “hold.”

Analyst David Turner said the Manhattan Beach-based company is “more focused on controlling costs” for the upcoming year after higher expenses cut second quarter profit by 21 percent, the company reported in July.

Shares in Skechers gained 8.1 percent, or $1.54, to $20.68 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Shares are down more than 42 percent so far this year.