Analysts' Upgrades, Downgrades: Ford

CHANGE IN RATINGS

Apple (AAPL Quote) upgraded at Collins Stewart to Buy. Many near term catalysts such as the release of the iPhone in China and new product releases with competitive prices have led to the increase in numbers. Price target set at $170.

Barrick Gold (ABX Quote) upgraded at RBC from Sector Perform to Outperform. $47 price target. Company should benefit from higher gold prices and outperform its peers.

Aetna (AET Quote) downgraded at Credit Suisse to Underperform from Neutral Increasing costs and lowering 2009 EPS guidance led to the ratings cut. Decreased target price to $23 from $24.

Aetna (AET Quote) downgraded at Wachovia to Market Perform. Company cut its earnings guidance, because of higher commercial medical costs and lower Medicare revenue.

American Superconductor (AMSC Quote) downgraded at Morgan Stanley from Equal-weight to Underweight. Stock has gained 90% over the past quarter, and the company faces potential headwinds.

BB&T (BBT Quote) upgraded at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods to Market Perform. Estimates cut to reflect the recent financing, though the company's capital structure is now stronger. $23 price target.

eBay (EBAY Quote) upgraded at Collins Stewart to Buy. Indications are showing margin expansion and growth acceleration through the improvement of fundamentals on its website. Price target set at $23.

Roper Industries (ROP Quote) upgraded at Oppenheimer from Perform to Outperform. $52 price target. Valuation call, as the company's earnings should hold up better than its peers this year.

Tyco Electronics (TEL Quote) upgraded at Citigroup from Hold to Buy. $25 price target. Valuation call, based on recent cost-cutting efforts and market share gains.