Costco: Analysts' Upgrades, Downgrades

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- CHANGE IN RATINGS

Ashland (ASH Quote) downgraded at Susquehanna from Positive to Neutral, Susquehanna Financial said. Valuation call, based on a $37 price target.

Continental Resources (CLR Quote) initiated at UBS. Initiated with a Neutral rating and $39 price target. Introduces 2009 EPS estimates of $2.08.

Compass Minerals (CMP Quote) rated new Buy at Keybanc. $63 price target. Company has an efficient, low-cost operating and the stock appears attractive at current levels.

Costco (COST Quote) upgraded at William Blair from Underperform to Market Perform. Valuation call, as business trends will likely stabilize in the coming quarters.

Concho Resources (CXO Quote) initiated at UBS. Initiated with a Buy rating and $45 price target. Introduces 2009 EPS estimates of $4.23.

Denbury Resources (DNR Quote) downgraded at UBS from Buy to Neutral. $18 price target. Valuation call, as the stock lacks near-term catalysts.

Google (GOOG Quote) upgraded at ThinkEquity from Source of Funds to Buy. $550 price target. Company is likely to outperform as the economy recovers.

Harman International (HAR Quote) initiated at JP Morgan. Initiated with an Overweight rating and $44 price target. Introduces fiscal 2010 EPS estimates of $0.50.

Lowe's (LOW Quote) upgraded at Morgan Stanley. Rating raised to Overweight from Equal-weight. Raises fiscal 2010 EPS estimates to $1.12 from $1.11. Maintains $24 price target.

Mastercard (MA Quote) rated new Buy at Jefferies. $240 price target. Company has greater opportunity for transaction growth, as the company gains market share in debit.

OGE Energy (OGE Quote) initiated at Barclays with an Overweight rating and $37 price target. Analysts noted their successful gas pipeline business, Enogex. 2009 and 2010 EPS estimates set at $2.47 and $2.87 respectively.