Broadcom: Analysts' Upgrades, Downgrades

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- CHANGE IN RATINGS

Astoria Financial (AF Quote) upgraded at Barclays to Overweight from Equal Weight based on improving fundamentals and valuation. 2009 and 2010 EPS estimates set at $0.42 and $0.94, respectively. Price target upped to $14 from $12.

American Capital Agency (AGNC Quote) downgraded at Merrill/BofA to Neutral from Buy as robust earnings are already priced into shares. Price target cut to $23 from $25. 2009 and 2010 EPS estimates set at $4.73 and $4.98.

Broadcom (BRCM Quote) upgraded at Barclays to Overweight from Equal Weight on expectations of robust 3Q. 2009 and 2010 EPS raised to $1.06 from $0.96 and to $1.65 from $1.36, respectively. Price target lifted to $35 from $30.

ConocoPhillips (COP Quote) upgraded at Collins Stewart from Hold to Buy. $60 price target. E&P portfolio will begin to require less capital in the future.

City National (CYN Quote) upgraded at from Underperform to Market Perform at Friedman, Billings Ramsey. $37 price target. Deposit base is attractive, but the company has late-cycle credit exposure.

Dr. Pepper Snapple (DPS Quote) rated new Buy at Citigroup. $35 price target. Stock was also added to the Top Picks Live list, as the company has been steadily gaining market share.

Eaton Corp (ETN Quote) upgraded at Barclays to Equal Weight from Underperform. 2009 EPS estimate maintained at $1.60, 2010 raised to $2.85 from $2.70. Shares now seen reaching $60, up from $40.

First Niagara (FNFG Quote) initiated at Barclays with an Overweight rating and $16 price target. Bank deals should drive significant EPS growth through 2011. 2009 and 2010 EPS estimates set at $0.48 and $0.85, respectively.