2012-11-02 15:24:30 -

A number of stocks were upgraded and downgraded by equities research analysts
today, as reported by Analyst Ratings Network ( bit.ly/equitybriefdaily)
and Equity Brief:

Craig Hallum downgraded shares of Merge Healthcare Inc (MRGE) from a buy rating
to a hold rating.

Raymond James downgraded shares of MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM) from an
outperform rating to a market perform rating.

Natixis downgraded shares of ArcelorMittal ADR (MT) from a buy rating to a
neutral rating.

Compass Point upgraded shares of American Capital Mortgage Investment Crp (MTGE)
from a neutral rating to a buy rating. Compass Point now has a $27.00 price
target on the stock, up previously from $23.00. They wrote, "MTGE announced the
strongest quarter since the Company's IPO in terms of shareholder value
creation. During the quarter, MTGE generated an   annualized economic return of
72% through a $3.13 per share increase in book value per share and $0.90 in
dividends. ... Considering the strong returns, stable dividend outlook and the
current valuation of shares, we believe the risk versus reward is positively
skewed in investors favor. If achieved, our price target represents a total
return opportunity of 22.7%."

JPMorgan Chase downgraded shares of Mechel (MTL) from an overweight rating to a
neutral rating.

Zacks reiterated its neutral rating on shares of Murphy Oil Corp (MUR). They
have a $63.00 price target on the stock. Zacks' analyst wrote, "Murphy Oil
Corporation reported mixed results in third-quarter 2012. Quarterly earnings per
share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate but topline results surpassed our
expectation owing to rise in sales from exploration and production segment.
Murphy's results were negatively impacted by lower North American natural gas
sales prices as a consequence, both quarterly earnings and revenue fell short of
the company's year-ago numbers. Besides, weaker U.S. retail marketing margins
and an after tax loss from foreign exchange transactions added to the woes. The
positive value drivers for the company are significant progress in offshore
drilling activities in Kurdistan and Eagle Ford Shale, natural gas discoveries
in Malaysia and Brunei, and well completion at the Three Forks zone of Southern
Alberta may fuel its future performance. However, volatile oil prices, and
uncertainty associated with drilling results will challenge the company's
forthcoming financial results. Hence, we retain our Neutral recommendation on
the stock."

Zacks reiterated its neutral rating on shares of Maxwell Technologies (MXWL).
They have a $6.75 price target on the stock. Zacks' analyst wrote, "Maxwell
Technologies Inc. continues to be the market leader in the budding
ultracapacitor market. Recently, strong demand from the hybrid electric bus
market led to positive results. Future top-line growth should be fueled by the
expected increase in ultracapacitor sales through a production ramp-up for
automotives, as well as its focus on improving its cost structure and the steady
demand from heavy transportation, wind, braking recuperation and automotive
programs. In the near term however, downside risks include the rate of
penetration for ultracapacitor technology into broader markets, a higher cost
structure for ultracapacitor production, R&D overheads and earnings dilutive
equity issuances. Overall we believe Maxwell shares are fairly valued at this
level and thus maintain our Neutral recommendation."

Zacks reiterated its neutral rating on shares of Nucor Co. (NUE). They have a
$42.00 price target on the stock. Zacks' analyst wrote, "We are retaining our
Neutral recommendation on Nucor with a target price of $42. Third quarter
earnings topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate while sales missed. Profit slid
year over year, partly due to Skyline acquisition costs. Also, lower selling
prices and shipments led to a decline in the top line. Although end markets such
as heavy equipment, automotive, general manufacturing and energy are improving,
Nucor has more serious issues to contend with. Excess steel supply, trouble in
Europe and a weak construction markets affected the company's performance in the
third quarter and might do the same moving ahead. As a result, Nucor expects
lower earnings in the fourth quarter."

Zacks reiterated its neutral rating on shares of New York Times Co. (NYT). They
have a $8.60 price target on the stock. Zacks' analyst wrote, "The current
economic situation doesn't seem promising for The New York Times Company, who is
witnessing slump in advertising demand. The company posted a loss per share of
$0.01 for the third-quarter of 2012 that significantly missed the Zacks
Consensus Estimate of earnings of $0.08 but remained flat with the prior-year
quarter. Total revenue slid 0.6% to $449 million, and fell short of the Zacks
Consensus Estimate of $478 million due to drop in advertising revenue. However,
the quarter reflects favorable response to the digital subscription packages and
rise in circulation revenue. But, these failed to mitigate diminishing print and
digital advertising revenues. Total advertising revenue slid 8.9% in the
quarter. To mitigate this, the company is diversifying its business and adding
new revenue streams. The company is also streamlining its cost structure,
strengthening its balance sheet and restructuring its portfolio. The company is
offloading assets that bear no direct relation with the core operations in order
to re-focus on its core newspapers and pay more attention to its online
activities."

Raymond James upgraded shares of Oil States International, Inc. (OIS) from a
market perform rating to an outperform rating. Raymond James now has a $85.00
price target on the stock.

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