The unofficial closing bells put the DJIA up more than 63 points to 12,170.86 (0.52%), the NASDAQ rose more than 21 points (0.83%) to 2,599.45, and the S&P 500 rose 0.83% or more than 10 points to 1,254.07.

There were several analyst upgrades and downgrades today, including Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (NYSE: POT) raised from ‘sector perform’ to ‘outperform’ at RBC Capital Markets. Other ratings actions today include Agrium Corp. (NYSE: AGU) cut from ‘outperform’ to ‘sector perform’ at RBC Capital Markets; Saks Inc. (NYSE: SKS) cut from ‘outperform’ to ‘neutral’ at Zack’s; Vivus Inc. (NASDAQ: VVUS) cut from ‘buy’ to ‘neutral’ at Roth Capital and maintained ‘outperform’ at Credit Suisse; and Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) maintained as ‘buy’ with an $11 target price at Sterne Agee and maintained as ‘outperform’ at Credit Suisse.

Here are some of last night’s and today’s post-earnings news reactions with prices during the last half-hour of trading: Micron Technology is up nearly 18% at $6.54; American Greetings Inc. (NYSE: AM) is down more than -21% at $13.37, after posting a new 52-week low of $12.85 earlier in the day; CPI Corp. (NYSE: CPY) is down more than -62% at $2.00, after posting a new 52-week low of $1.96 earlier in the day; Neogen Corp. (NASDAQ: NEOG) is down nearly -3% at $31.15; Tibco Software Inc. (NASDAQ: TIBX) is up nearly 8% at $23.74; and Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBY) is down more than -6% at $57.70.

Other standouts from today include the following stocks:

RAM Energy Resources Inc. (NASDAQ: RAM) is up nearly 71% at $1.88. The independent oil & gas company has today relisted on the NASDAQ and has also announced a $550 million investment from a private equity firm headed by the former chairman and CEO of Petrohawk.

WCA Waste Corp. (NASDAQ: WCAA) is up nearly 31% at $6.43, after posting a new 52-week high of $6.44 earlier. The non-hazardous waste processor has approved a cash buyout offer for $526 million ($6.50/share) from a private investment fund.

ARCA biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ: ABIO) is down more than -24% at $1.02, after posting a new 52-week low of $0.97 earlier today. The biopharmaceutical firm announced a private placement of $1.75 million in stock and warrants.

PHH Corp. (NYSE: PHH) is down more than -15% at $11.01 after posting a new 52-week low of $8.75 earlier today. The mortgage servicer’s credit ratings were cut at S&P to ‘BB-’ on concern that the company would not be able to make a $423 million debt repayment scheduled for March 2013 out the its free cash flow.

Vivus Inc. (NASDAQ: VVUS) is down more than -16% at $8.72 after posting a new 52-week low of $8.60 earlier. The biopharmaceutical firm announced that its weight-loss drug Qnexa led to a higher rate of birth defects in children whose mothers were taking the drug during pregnancy.

LRR Energy, L.P. (NYSE: LRR) is up more than 9% at $19.34. The independent oil & gas company has received positive ratings from several brokers following last week’s more than 9 million new common units.

Stay tuned for Friday. Here are the noteworthy events on the schedule (all times Eastern):

• 8:30 a.m. – Durable goods orders report
• 8:30 a.m. – Personal income and spending report
• 10:00 a.m. – New home sales

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Paul Ausick

After the first half hour of trading this morning, RAM Energy is up nearly 57% at $1.73 Volume is approaching 2 million shares. The independent oil & gas company has today relisted on the NASDAQ and has also announced a $550 million investment from a private equity firm headed by the former chairman and CEO of Petrohawk.

WCA is up nearly 30% at $6.38, after posting a new 52-week high of $6.43. Volume is already more than 40x the daily average. The non-hazardous waste processor has approved a cash buyout offer for $526 million ($6.50/share) from a private investment fund.

Akamai is up more than 15% at $30.75. Volume is already about 75% of the daily average. The internet technology company has agreed to acquire cloud-based software company Cotendo for $268 million in cash.

American Greetings is down nearly -20% at $13.63 after posting a new 52-week low of $13.06. Volume is already more than double the daily average. The greeting card company missed earnings estimates this morning.

ARCA biopharma is down nearly -23% at $1.04 after posting a new 52-week low of $0.79. Volume is already about double the daily average. The biopharmaceutical firm announced a private placement of $1.75 million in stock and warrants.

Vivus is down more than -15% at $8.80. Volume is already nearly double the daily average. The biopharmaceutical firm announced that its weight-loss drug Qnexa led to a higher rate of birth defects in children whose mothers were taking the drug during pregnancy.

Also Read: Top Ten Analyst Upgrades & Downgrades

Paul Ausick

The NASDAQ stocks which fit this bill are as follows: Cadence Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: CADX); Diamond Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: DMND); Tesla Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA); Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ: OMEX); Pacer International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PACR); MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ: MNKD); Wave Systems Corporation (NASDAQ: WAVX); Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENER); NutriSystem Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI); and Zix Corporation (NASDAQ: ZIXI). 

The NYSE stocks which fit this bill, except for one, are as follows: Mindray Medical International (NYSE: MR); Sealy Corporation (NYSE: ZZ); Rogers Communication, Inc. (NYSE: RCI); The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI); HHGregg, Inc. (NYSE: HGG); American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM); Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI); and Life Time Fitness (NYSE: LTM). 

We only looked at companies with an average volume of more than 250,000 shares and have added some loose color on these if applicable.

We have provided an earnings preview on each, shown pricing data, and added color if applicable.

Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) reports on Monday. Thomson Reuters estimates for the sporting goods and apparel giant are $1.16 EPS and $5.54 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are $1.27 EPS and $5.67 billion in revenues.  With shares around $81.40, its 52-week trading range is $66.34 to $92.49.  This one has recovered a bit after getting hit on its last earnings report when shares fell to $77 from $85 before the report.

Wednesday…

American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) is due with its gift and greeting card earnings. Thomson Reuters estimates are $0.78 EPS and next quarter estimates are $0.27 EPS.  With shares around $23.62, its 52-week trading range is $17.89 to $24.75. Why do we all accept paying so much for greeting cards?

Family Dollar Stores Inc. (NYSE: FDO) is due to report on Wednesday.  Thomson Reuters estimates are $0.95 EPS and $2.17 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.65 EPS and $2.12 billion in revenues.  With shares around $52.25, its 52-week trading range is $35.31 to $56.92.  After the buyout interest was there and with sector consolidation being well documented, we’ll be paying close attention to ‘non-earnings news.’

General Mills Inc. (NYSE: GIS) will show us more about how the food business is going.  Thomson Reuters estimates are $0.52 EPS and $3.68 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.69 EPS and $3.7 billion in revenues.  With shares around $37.00, its 52-week trading range is $33.11 to $40.00.

KB Home (NYSE: KBH) is due with its homebuilder earnings.  Thomson Reuters estimates are -$0.32 EPS and $257.05 million in revenues; next quarter estimates are -$0.05 EPS and $384.54 million in revenues.  With shares around $11.75, its 52-week trading range is $9.43 to $16.11.

Monsanto Co. (NYSE: MON) will be key to watch as it has been in a turnaround mode.  Thomson Reuters estimates are $1.11 EPS and $3.38 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are -$0.18 EPS and $2.05 billion in revenues.  With shares around $66.00, its 52-week trading range is $44.61 to $76.69.

Thursday…

Apollo Group Inc. (NASDAQ: APOL) is going to turn in its online university earnings, and we’ll get to see how much the pressure added when these were under the Washington scrutiny. Thomson Reuters estimates are $1.34 EPS and $1.2 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.92 EPS and $1.09 billion in revenues.  With shares around $42.00, its 52-week trading range is $33.75 to $53.61.

Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE: STZ) is due and Thomson Reuters estimates are $0.38 EPS and $648.48 million in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.59 EPS and $715.92 million in revenues.  With shares around $20.83, its 52-week trading range is $14.97 to $23.19.

Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE: DRI): Thomson Reuters estimates are $1.00 EPS and $1.99 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.92 EPS and $1.92 billion in revenues.  With shares around $48.52, its 52-week trading range is $37.08 to $52.12.  This is one which we think can eventually challenge McDonald’s for the high dividends.

McCormick & Co Inc. (NYSE: MKC) will show the food and spices earnings. Thomson Reuters estimates are $0.54 EPS and $855.16 million in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.70 EPS and $858.17 million in revenues.  With shares around $50.00, its 52-week trading range is $37.37 to $50.68.

Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: SCHN) is historically not a sector moving stock but right now it seems that investors want guidance of any bit from any company.  Thomson Reuters estimates are $1.19 EPS and $831.16 million in revenues; next quarter estimates are $1.25 EPS and $841.31 million in revenues.  With shares around $53.05, its 52-week trading range is $37.00 to $69.43.

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JON C. OGG

American Greetings Corp. (NYSE: AM) Cut to Hold at S&P Equity Research.
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBY) Maintained Neutral but raised target to $55 at BoA/ML; Maintained Buy and raised target to $55 at Argus.
Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS) Raised to Buy at S&P Equity Research.
Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. (NYSE: HOV) Cut to Underperform at BofA/ML; Maintained underperform and cut estimates at Credit Suisse.
LM Ericsson Telephone Co. (NASDAQ: ERIC) Cut to Neutral at Goldman Sachs.
Micron Technology Inc. (NYSE: MU) Maintained Outperform but cut target to $10 from $15 at Credit Suisse.
Privatebancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: PVTB) Cut to Market Perform at BMO.
Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG) Maintained Neutral but raised target to $43 at Credit Suisse.
Xilinx Inc. (NASDAQ: XLNX) Cut to Outperform at Raymond James.

You can join our free daily email distribution list to hear more about dividend trends, analyst upgrades and downgrades, top day trader and active trader alerts, news on Buffett and other investment gurus, IPOs, secondary offerings, private equity, and more.

JON C. OGG

CoreBrand reviewed the top 100 hardest working brands for the final quarter of 2009.  Their researchers point out that “the food industry moves to the top of the list, reflecting the economy and the general improvement of consumer staples businesses. Hershey’s (HSY), Campbell Soup (CPB), and Kellogg (K) make it into the top 5.” On the other hand “troubled industries like financial services and auto manufacturers have seen dramatic decline.”

Harley-Davidson (HOG) is in the top 10 among the hardest working brands. Before rumors of a buy-out, the motorcycle firm’s stock languished at $25, down from $42 less than two years ago. Harley’s stock trades for a low 1.2 times sales. Also near the top of the list is crippled book retailer Barnes & Noble (BKS), which trades for .3 times sales. Blockbuster (BBI) is in the top 25, with a ratio of .1x sales. The firm said in its 10-K that it is at risk for filing Chapter 11.

Douglas A. McIntyre  douglasamcintyre@247wallst.com

24/7 Wall St. asked Corebrand, the brand research and consulting firm, to look at the top 100 brands based their contribution to market capitalizaton. Using this method, the hardest working brand was Hershey (NYSE:HSY), followed  by Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) and Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG)

Corebrand described the process briefly to 24/7 Wall. St.

24/7 Wall St.: Corebard often refers to the brands on this list as the”hardest working brands”. How did you come to that description?

Corebrand: There are a lot of people measuring and examining the “strongest brands” or the “most valuable brands”.  Our opinion is that examining one without the other is somewhat meaningless.  How “strong” a brand is nice to know but not very relevant unless you understand how that strength benefits business.  Similarly, “value” is little more than a measure of corporate size unless you understand the drivers of that value and how to influence it. By examining the strength of the brand and it’s contribution to total market value, we can help companies and their leadership manage that strength and value over time.

24/7 Wall St.: Is there any advantage or disadvantage to having a brand value be a very large percentage of market cap in the present and as an indication of a company’s future performance?

Corebrand: The brand will need to be in balance with the rest of the company’s assets.  A company should strive to have it’s brand strong enough to fend off competitors or changing market conditions but not so strong that it becomes overly dependent on the brand as a single driver of value.  If a company can achieve and maintain its appropriate maximum strength without becoming over-dependent, it will see greater returns in bull markets and retain greater value in bear markets.

The list:

Each year, on a rolling basis, CoreBrand conducts 8,000 telephone interviews among business leaders to measure their perceptions of some of the world’s best corporate brands. Respondents are business decision-makers from the top 20% of U.S. businesses.

This senior business audience (VP level and above) represents the investment community, potential business partners, and business customers across 49 key industries. 400 respondents rate each company per year; 800 companies are measured each year. Our reports are updated on a quarterly basis to reflect any subtle changes.

CoreBrand collects financial performance data and communications investment information to understand the support behind and impact of these brands. These corporate brand strength ratings, as well as a company’s financial data are used in CoreBrand’s statistical model to determine the percentage of market capitalization that is directly derived from the corporate brand. Once that percentage is calculated, a dollar value is assigned to the corporate brand.

The percentage of market capitalization, attributable to the corporate brand. The percentage is then translated into a dollar value, based on the current market capitalization. The analysis is examined over time, to determine if the corporate brand is a growing or declining asset.

Douglas A. McIntyre

American Greetings (AM) New share buy-back does not seem to be helping. Down to $5.35 from 52-week high of $21.81.

Burlington Northern (BNI) Rival CSX posts weak figures. Sell off to $66.55 from 52-week high of $114.58.

Cepheid (CPHD) Posts poor financial outlook. Moves down to $6.66 from 52-week high of $33.36.

Douglas A. McIntyre

American Greetings (AM) Says it lost money. Drops to $6.20 from 52-week high of $22.17.

McClatchy (MNI) Newspaper shares keep plunging. Someone may know something the general public has missed. Off to $.65 from 52-week high of $13.31.

Berry Petroleum (BRY) No news. Bad oil prices. Sells down to $6.15 from 52-week high of $62.15.

Smurfit-Stone Container (SSCC) Deutsche Bank downgrades shares. Drops to $.23 from 52-week high of $10.90.

Douglas A. McIntyre

American Greetings (AM) Happy card company gets beat up on poor earnings. Sells down to $13.93 from 52-week high of $29.10. Have a nice day.

Rockwell International (ROK) Weak guidances sends stock diving. Moves off to $44.89 from 52-week high of $75.60.

Honeywell (HON) Hit by downgrades in defense stocks and Boeing. Sells off to $51.20 from 52-week high of $62.99.

Sonic (SONC) Fast food. Bad earnings. Falls to $14.40 from 52-week high of $26.19.

LCA-Vision (LCAV) Says number of procedures the company does will be down this quarter. Drops like a rock to $4.54 from 52-week high of $50.69.

Douglas A. McIntyre