J. Crew: Analysts' Upgrades, Downgrades

NEW YORK (TheStreet.com) -- CHANGE IN RATINGS

Barrick Gold (ABX Quote) initiated at Jefferies. Initiated with a Hold rating and $40 price target. Introduces 2009 EPS estimates of $1.90.

American Capital Agency (AGNC Quote) downgraded at Merrill/BofA to Neutral from Buy based on valuation. 2009 and 2010 EPS estimates set at $4.73 and $4.98, respectively. Price target trimmed from $25 to $23.

Atmos Energy (ATO Quote) downgraded at Argus from Buy to Hold. Valuation call, as the stock is up 40% since early March.

Armstrong World (AWI Quote) upgraded at Suntrust from Neutral to Buy. $40 price target. Stock is trading at a discount to potential liquidation value and 25% below its peer group.

Becton Dickinson (BDX Quote) initiated at Piper Jaffray. Initiated with an Overweight rating and $82 price target. Introduces 2009 EPS estimates of $4.98.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY Quote) downgraded at Morgan Stanley from Overweight to Equal Weight solely on valuation, fundamentals remain intact. 2010 and 2011 EPS estimates set at $2.15 and $2.36, respectively. Maintain $23 price target.

Hatteras (HTS Quote) downgraded at Merrill/BofA to Neutral from Buy as robust earnings outlook is already priced into shares. 2009 and 2010 EPS set at $4.75 and $.78, respectively. Maintain $28 price target.

J. Crew (JCG Quote) upgraded at Needham from Underperform to Hold. Estimates also raised, as the company has clean inventory and raised its forward guidance.

J. Crew (JCG Quote) upgraded at Citigroup from Hold to Buy. $40 price target. Estimates also raised, to reflect accelerating growth.

J. Crew (JCG Quote) price target, estimates enlarged at Barclays . Price target raised to $35 from $30 on upbeat 2Q earnings. 2009 and 2010 EPS estimates increased to $1.30 from $1.15 and to $1.60 from $1.40, respectively. Reiterate Equal Weight rating.