Goldman Sachs said it is upgrading Intersil (ISIL) to Buy from Neutral based on new product cycle in notebooks, LCD DTV/displays and wireless handsets. Expect stock to fare better than peers during current downturn. Price target raised to $31 from $24.

Intersil (ISIL) was downgraded to Hold rating from Buy at Jefferies. Price target slashed to $30 from $38 and FY 2008 eps estimates dip to $1.59 from $1.69.

Intersil Corp., which designs and makes analog semiconductors, said last week that its board authorized the repurchase of up to $400 million of its commom shares over the next 12 months.

In late October, the semiconductor maker predicted its earnings will increase during the seasonally strong fourth quarter. Intersil expects quarterly earnings of between 31 cents and 32 cents per share, compared with 28 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2006. This was below analyst expectations.

The stock has a forward PE of 18.

Goldman Sachs said it is downgrading Intersil (ISIL) to Sell from Neutral due to valuation and likely PC component correction. Shares trade well above analog peer group multiples and could see weakness from decrease in demand from PC end-market. Maintained price target of $29.

fantastic growth potential in hot computer sector right now

Upgraded by Banc of America Sec from Neutral to Buy

Downgraded by Credit Suisse from Outperform to Neutral

Government business and security services

High performance analog company with 60% GM model. Growing faster than peers. Huge cash cushion. Good engineering and nice balance of application specific and general purpose products. My favorite semiconductor. Rich Beyer has been stong and recently added new president David Bell from Linear Technology. Will be real plus if he proves to be the real deal.

Downgraded by Goldman Sachs from Buy to Neutral