Top Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades (BAC, BX, COP, CORR, FB, GM, HBI, KLAC, NYX, NWSA, WAG, YHOO, YUM)

December 24, 2012 by Jon C. Ogg

Bull and Bear
Source: Jon Ogg
These are some of the top analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations seen in Wall St. research calls this Monday. With this being the week of Christmas, analyst upgrades and downgrades likely will be very light.

Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) reiterated Hold at Argus.

The Blackstone Group L.P. (NYSE: BX) named as Value Stock of the Day at Zacks.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) reiterated Underperform at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch.

CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust Inc. (NYSE: CORR) raised to Neutral at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch.

Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ: FB) reiterated Buy and raised target to $33 from $25 at Needham.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) started as Buy with $35 price target at Goldman Sachs.

Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE: HBI) named as Bull of the Day at Zacks.

KLA-Tencor Corp. (NASDAQ: KLAC) named as Bear of the Day at Zacks.

NYSE Euronext Inc. (NYSE: NYX) cut to Hold at Stifel Nicolaus.

News Corp. (NASDAQ: NWSA) reiterated Buy at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch.

Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG) reiterated Hold at Argus; positive valuation comments from Cantor Fitzgerald.

Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) reiterated Buy and raised target to $26 from $19 at Needham.

Yum Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM) reiterated Buy with $76 target at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch.

24/7 Wall St. reiterates its Strong Sell rating on the Mayan Calendar.

Here are some other outside (and internal) outlook pieces for the end of 2012 and 2013:

Nine Big Biotech Winners for 2013

Two extremes: $2,200 gold and $50 oil

Coal could be a top performer in 2013 after two really bad years.

S&P 500 Upside Targets for 2013, from everyone

JON C. OGG

Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.