Monday's Analysts' Upgrades, Downgrades

Change in Ratings

AppleAAPL 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 SoftwareBMC 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 SportswearCOLM 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 LaunderEL downgraded at UBS to neutral rating from buy. Price target and 2008 EPS estimates hold at $52 and $2.37, respectively.

EmulexELX 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-TencorKLAC upgraded at Citigroup from hold to buy with a $56 price target. Several catalysts are likely to develop against an improving cyclical backdrop.

Lincoln ElectricLECO upgraded at BB&T to buy with a $90 price target. Company has an appealing blend of international and infrastructure business.

MGM MirageMGM 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.

NortelNT 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.

ComScoreSCOR upgraded at Jefferies to buy rating from hold. Price target and 2008 EPS estimates hold at $27 and 38 cents.

Seagate TechnologySTX 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-InlandTIN 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 CompaniesTJX 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 ChemicalWLK 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

MosaicMOS 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.

PotashPOT 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.