Ahead of the Bell: Electronic Arts upgraded

Soleil Securities Group analyst Daniel Ernst boosted his rating on the Redwood City, Calif., company to "Buy" from "Hold" and set a $55 price target, implying he expects the stock to jump 25 percent over Friday's $43.94 close.

"We believe EA has a strong (product slate for the second half of the year) that should drive growth and serve as a catalyst for the stock," Ernst said in a note to clients.

The company plans to launch such titles as "Mercenaries 2" and "Left 4 Dead" later this year, he said. In addition, the 20th anniversary of the popular "Madden NFL" game will likely debut in August, helping the company's sports line, he said.

Ernst increased his fiscal 2009 earnings estimate to $1.64 from $1.54 per share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect, on average, earnings of $1.59 per share for the period.

A company representative was not immediately available for comment.

So far this year, shares have slipped 25 percent.