Thursday's Analysts' Upgrades and Downgrades

CHANGE IN RATINGS

Atmos Energy (ATO Quote) upgraded at Wachovia to Outperform. Stock has pulled back for two specific reasons, but the long-term growth outlook remains positive. Atmos can generate a 15% to 20% total return over the next year.

BB&T (BBT Quote) upgraded at Suntrust Robinson Humphrey from Neutral to Buy. $44 price target. Stock trades at an attractive valuation, even though the near-term outlook remains murky.

Dice Holdings (DHX Quote) initiated at Morgan Stanley with an overweight rating and $15 price target.

Idacorp (IDA Quote) upgraded at Wachovia from Underperform to Market Perform. Valuation call, as recent regulatory action should add to earnings.

Collective Brands (PSS Quote) downgraded at Keybanc from Aggressive Buy to Hold. Second quarter results missed expectations, but the company's long-term trends look favorable.

STOCK COMMENTS / EPS CHANGES

Countrywide Financial (CFC Quote) target cut at Credit Suisse to $28 from $40 based on hostile financing environment and tumultuous secondary mortgage market conditions. Maintained Overweight rating.

ENSCO International (ESV Quote) estimates lowered at Jefferies. 2007 EPS estimates lowered to $6.68 from $6.84. Reiterates Buy rating and $76 price target.

Joy Global (JOYG Quote) numbers lowered at UBS. 2007 EPS estimates lowered to $2.65 from $2.87. 2008 EPS estimates lowered to $3.05 from $3.35. Price target lowered to $55 from $60. Reiterates Buy rating.

Joy Global price target cut at Goldman to $49 from $53 due to disappointing Q3 earnings and guidance. Slowing US growth expected to push out coal recovery. Maintained Sell rating.