Ticker Talk

Gemstar International Group Ltd. (GMST), which makes VCR Plus and technology for interactive-television programming guides, declared a 2-for-1 stock split. The split, effective Dec. 13 for shareholders of record on Nov. 29, will be the second this year for the Pasadena-based company. Gemstar agreed in October to buy rival TV Guide Inc. (TVGIA) for $9.2 billion in stock and debt to link the two major competing interactive program guides. Gemstar shares slipped $3.13 on Wednesday to close at $102.88 on Nasdaq.

Among new stock ratings issued on Wall Street, Lands’ End Inc. (LE; close and change: $51.56, up 75 cents) was raised to “buy” from “outperform” by ABN Amro, with a $60 target. The retailer’s shares have tumbled 38% in the last week. Other revisions: Staples Inc. (SPLS; $24.25, down $1.13) was upgraded to “buy” from “hold” by McDonald Investments Inc., with a $32 target; EMC Corp. (EMC; $83.19, up 88 cents) was downgraded to “hold” from “buy” by Argus Research Corp.; and BEA Systems Inc. (BEAS; $81.75, up $9.25) was raised to “strong buy” from “hold” by Prudential Securities, with a $105 target.