Top Pre-Market Analyst Upgrades (AVR, BLL, CE, ETR, HCP, HR, MRK, PTNR, PTEN, UAUA, VSE)

These are not all of the upgrades or positive analyst calls seen this morning but these are some of the top calls seen this Friday morning:

• Aventine Renewable (NYSE: AVR) Raised to Buy from Neutral at UBS.
• Ball Corp (NYSE: BLL) Raised to Buy from Neutral at Goldman Sachs.
• Celanese (NYSE: CE) Started as Outperform at Credit Suisse.
• Entergy (NYSE: ETR) Raised to Buy from Hold at Jefferies.
• HCP (NYSE: HCP) Raised To Buy From Neutral By Goldman Sachs.
• Healthcare Realty Trust (NYSE: HR) Started as Outperform at Wachovia.
• Merck (NYSE: MRK) Started as Buy at Citigroup.
• Partner Communications (NASDAQ: PTNR) Started as Outperform at RBC Capital.
• Patterson-UTI Energy (NASDAQ: PTEN) Raised to Outperform at Credit Suisse.
• UAL (NASDAQ: UAUA) Raised to Overweight from Underweight at JPMorgan.
• Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM) Raised to Outperform from Market Perform at Wachovia.
• VeraSun Energy (NYSE: VSE) Raised to Buy from Neutral at UBS.

Jon C. Ogg
July 18, 2008

It’s Your Money, Your Future—Own It (sponsor)

Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.

Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!

Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.