Analysts' Upgrades, Downgrades: Hess

CHANGE IN RATINGS

Akamai (AKAM Quote) upgraded at Goldman Sachs to Neutral from Sell following Q1 results that beat expectations. Note that strong international growth offset somewhat weak domestic results, which likely indicate increasing competition. Price target raised to $18.50 from $16.

Costco (COST Quote) downgraded at UBS from Buy to Neutral. $52 price target. Valuation call, as the stock is up 25% since early March.

Endo Pharma (ENDP Quote) downgraded at Oppenheimer from Outperform to Perform. Lidoderm may not grow as quickly as expected. Pipeline concerns also remain.

Goodyear Tire (GT Quote) downgraded at Citigroup from Buy to Hold. Valuation call, following the stock's recent run. $12 price target. Estimates also cut, to reflect lower volume sales.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber (GT Quote) upgraded at Goldman Sachs to Neutral from Sell. Q1 results showed resilient pricing and improving ability to manage near-term weakness in volumes. Expect company to benefit from cheaper materials cost in the second half of 2009, as well as lower cost structure. Price target raised to $11 from $7.

Itron (ITRI Quote) downgraded at Wachovia from Outperform to Market Perform. Company had very poor first quarter results and has little forward visibility.

Martin Marietta (MLM Quote) downgraded at Citigroup from Hold to Sell. $75 price target. Other in the materials business have warned of lower prices and volumes this quarter.

OptionsXpress (OXPS Quote) upgraded at Goldman Sachs to Neutral from Sell. Q1 results showed stability, while acquisition of Optionetics could boost long-term earnings results. Price target raised to $16 from $10.