Analyst Action: New Stock Ratings

Among the new or revised stock ratings issued Monday by Wall Street analysts:

* Avery Dennison Corp. (ticker symbol: AVY; close and change: $52.88, up 69 cents) was raised to “buy” from “market perform” by J.P. Morgan Securities.

* Dell Computer Corp. (DELL; $43.25, up 69 cents) was rated “sell” in new coverage by Gilmour & Associates.

* Keith Cos. Inc. (TKCI; $5.50, unchanged) was rated “attractive” in new coverage by Granite Financial Group, with a target of $8.

* Lone Star Steakhouse (STAR; $7.94, up 6 cents) was downgraded to “hold” from “accumulate” by Jefferies & Co.

* Microsoft Corp. (MSFT; $92.56, up $2.56) was rated “sell” in new coverage by Gilmour & Associates.

* USX-Marathon Group (MRO; $28, down 44 cents) was raised to “buy” from “market perform” by Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities, with a target of $34.