Q8XA7EVCKNZ9
Yum! Brands (YUM) reported earnings of $0.59 per share, topping the consensus analyst estimate of $0.53, yesterday after market close. The stock has been upgraded by MarketGrader, from a HOLD to a BUY on improving revenue and income growth.

Barron’s 400 component Intel (INTC) reported their strongest 1st quarter revenues ever of just under $10.3 Billion. We maintain our current BUY rating on Intel. Intel is now up 13.4% since our January 15th, 2010 upgrade. Check out our free report on Intel (INTC) by clicking here.

Biogen Idec (BIIB) will be one of the first Barron’s 400 companies to report when earnings season begins next week. We upgraded BIIB from a HOLD to a BUY on 10/21/2009 following their 10/20/2009 earnings report.  Since the upgrade, the stock is up 23.9%, compared to 9.5% for the S&P 500 Healthcare Index, and 7.2% for the S&P 1500 Biotech Index.

Preview MarketGrader’s coverage of Biogen Idec by clicking here.  Read our blog as earning season unfolds for new company upgrades and downgrades.

Alcoa (AA) is scheduled to announce earnings after market close this coming Monday, April, 12th, officially kicking off earnings season. Biogen Idec (BIIB) will be the first Barron’s 400 component to report on the same day. Barron’s 400 components: Intel (INTC), Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) and YUM! Brands (YUM), will be reporting next week, as well. We will be highlighting some of the Barron’s 400 components in our Blog over the next few weeks.