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Analysts' Upgrades and Downgrades

Monday's Analysts' Upgrades, Downgrades

TheStreet.com Ratings Staff

04/07/08 - 09:42 AM EDT

Change in Ratings

Apple(AAPL - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) upgraded at Weisel from market-weight to overweight. Current valuation discounts the company's robust long-term growth prospects. Estimates also raised through 2009. $195 price target.

BMC Software(BMC - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) downgraded at Goldman Sachs to neutral from buy based on preference for value/turnaround plays in the current market environment. BMC's BladeLogic acquisition delays margin expansion and leaves less cash for share buybacks. Target cut to $37 from $41.

Columbia Sportswear(COLM - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) downgraded at Citigroup from hold to sell with a $41 price target. Estimates also cut, as the company will likely announce lower order backlogs with its first-quarter results.

Estee Launder(EL - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) downgraded at UBS to neutral rating from buy. Price target and 2008 EPS estimates hold at $52 and $2.37, respectively.

Emulex(ELX - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) downgraded at Wachovia to market perform. Estimates also cut, as company may guide lower at its first-quarter report. Checks show to slowing demand at key customers.

KLA-Tencor(KLAC - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) upgraded at Citigroup from hold to buy with a $56 price target. Several catalysts are likely to develop against an improving cyclical backdrop.

Lincoln Electric(LECO - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) upgraded at BB&T to buy with a $90 price target. Company has an appealing blend of international and infrastructure business.

MGM Mirage(MGM - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) downgraded at Oppenheimer from positive to neutral with a $62 price target. Business is slowing down, and the company is not likely to further develop excess land in Las Vegas.

Nortel(NT - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) downgraded at Baird. Checks show that U.S. enterprise sales have slowed down in the past few weeks. Estimates also cut, because of lower expected CDMA demand.

ComScore(SCOR - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) upgraded at Jefferies to buy rating from hold. Price target and 2008 EPS estimates hold at $27 and 38 cents.

Seagate Technology(STX - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) downgraded at Weisel from overweight to market-weight. Company will grow slower than WDC, and competition will likely weigh on gross margins. $25 price target.

Temple-Inland(TIN - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) upgraded at Citigroup from hold to buy with a $23 price target. Stock is down 40% since the end of 2007, as the containerboard industry tends to outperform in the mid-to-late stages of a recession.

TJX Companies(TJX - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) downgraded at Citigroup from buy to hold with a $36 price target. Valuation call, as the stock is already up 16% for the year. Same-store sales could also disappoint in the coming months.

Westlake Chemical(WLK - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) upgraded at UBS to buy rating from neutral. Price target and 2008 EPS estimates hold at $19 and $2.20, respectively.

Stock Comments/EPS Changes

Mosaic(MOS - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) target raised at Goldman to $150 from $135 based on accelerating earnings growth. See continued rise in DAP prices more than offsetting rising sulfur costs. Maintained buy rating.

Potash(POT - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) price target upped at Goldman to $225 from $180 based on higher earnings estimates. Note continuing strength in fertilizer fundamentals and see additional price increases. Maintained buy rating.