Analyst Action: New Stock Ratings

* Compaq Computer Corp. (ticker symbol: CPQ) was raised to “buy” from “accumulate” by A.G. Edwards & Sons.

* Nextel Communications (NXTL) was rated “buy” in new coverage by Wheat First Union, with a 12-month target price of $36.

* Polaroid Corp. (PRD) was downgraded to “hold” from “buy” by Credit Suisse First Boston.

* Texaco Inc. (TX) was downgraded to “neutral” from “buy” by Lehman Bros.

* US West (USW) was raised to “buy” from “neutral” by Lehman Bros., with a 12-month target price of $68.