Torchmark Upgraded, Continental Airlines Downgraded

Among today's stocks in the news, Home Depot (NYSE: - ), announced it is close to agreeing a price for the sale of its wholesale distribution arm, Gap (NYSE: - ) reported a 19% rise in earnings, and Ann Taylor Stores (NYSE: - ) earnings fell by 27%.

Today's Upgrades:

One stock was upgraded to PowerRatings (for Investors) of 10, the highest rating. The top rated stocks have historically done a superior job of identifying stocks which have risen in value over the next 12 months. Among today's list of upgrades is:

Torchmark (NYSE: - ) has a PowerRating (for Investors) of 10, upgraded from 9. The company is an insurance holding company engaged through its subsidiaries in a variety of nonparticipating ordinary life insurance products, supplemental health insurance products and Annuity products.

Today's Downgrades:

Two stocks were downgraded to an unattractive PowerRating (for Investors) today. Stocks with low PowerRatings (for Investors) have tended to underperform the market over the next 12 months. Among today's list of downgrades is:

Continental Airlines (NYSE: - ) was downgraded to 2, downgraded from 3. The U.S. air carrier is engaged in the business of transporting passengers, cargo and mail. CAL's shares have been underperforming the market, with a -22.9% YTD return.

PowerRatings (for Investors) are courtesy of .