Monday's Analysts' Upgrades and Downgrades

Charles Schwab (SCHW Quote) rated new Buy at Credit Suisse: Credit Suisse said it is initiating coverage on SCHW with an Outperform rating. Believes transformation is complete following restructuring efforts. Sees company as an asset gathering machine. Sets $24 target price.

STOCK COMMENTS / EPS CHANGES

Amgen (AMGN Quote) estimates, price target cut at Morgan Stanley: Morgan Stanley believes threats to Amgen's EPO franchise continue to grow, and a contraction of Epogen is almost inevitable. Morgan Stanley cuts 2008 EPS estimates and lowers price target to $71.

Continental (CAL Quote) numbers cut at Morgan Stanley: Morgan Stanley cuts Continental Airlines Q4 EPS estimates after the company reported weaker than expected November RASM of only 2-3%.

Isle of Capri (ISLE Quote) price target raised at Jefferies: ISLE price target raised, said Jefferies. New target goes to $34.00 from $33.00. Reiterated Buy rating.

Merck (MRK Quote) estimates raised at Goldman Sachs: Goldman said it is increasing its 2007 estimates on MRK to $2.50 from $2.45 following the results of a pediatrician survey regarding HPV vaccines. Results showed strength in Merck's Gardasil. Maintained Sell rating and $36 target.

Office Depot (ODP Quote) price target cut at Goldman Sachs: Goldman said that it is lowering its target on ODP to $44 from $47 due to weak domestic sales trends in the fourth quarter. Maintained Neutral rating.

STRATEGY CALLS / MARKET CALLS

Two Trucking stocks downgraded at Merrill: Merrill Lynch said it downgraded CNW and ABFS to Sell, citing a considerable drop in LTL volumes. Price competition is also increasing, which leads to forward estimate cuts.