With the 3 major U.S. stock indices moving nowhere today after an initial explosive rally to start the year, here are some notable public stocks to review with brokerage analyst coverage:

Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ:SBUX): Janney Capital names Starbucks a Top Restaurant pick for 2012. The firm says SBUX  is performing above its 4 percent estimate and feels K-Cup sales could be better than expected.. The firm reiterated its Buy rating.

McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE:MCD):  rgus raised McDonald’s target to $114.  Looking down the road, Argus sees expanding margins and expects consumer tradedown to work to McDonald’s advantage.  The firm maintains a Buy rating.

BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK): Wells Fargo raised BlackRock’s valuation range from $172-$178 to $189-$202. Strength of equity and fixed income in the fourth quarter prompted Wells Fargo to increase 2011 and 2012 earning per share estimates. The firm maintains an Outperform rating.

IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ:IMAX): Piper Jaffray says IMAX’s Q4 box office has beat expectations.  IMAX reported $98 million box office, when expectations were $88 million.  The firm believes the IMAX model will continue to perform despite box office weakness.  Piper stays with its Overweight rating.

3M Co. (NYSE:MMM): Deutsche Bank says 3M Company is pursuing a strategically sound acquisition program. The tAvery Dennison’s (NYSE:AVY) Office and Consumer Products business acquisition could effectively raise earnings 15 cents per share in 2015-2016.  The firm stays with a Buy rating and a $90 price target.

AutoZone Inc. (NYSE:AZO): Citigroup adds AutoZone to its Top Picks Live list. The firm cited the company’s exposure to a defensively positioned industry and accretive buyback as reasons for the selection. The firm reiterates its Buy rating.

To contact the reporter on this story: Jim Wilkerson at staff.writers@wallstcheatsheet.com

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Damien Hoffman at editors@wallstcheatsheet.com

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