NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Analysts at Merrill Lynch raised estimates for gold prices and increased its profit forecasts for several gold miners, while separately boosting its investment rating on Del Monte early Wednesday.

In a morning note, Merrill Lynch raised its spot gold price estimates for 2003-2005, and raised 2003 estimates for the following gold miners based on the assumption: Newmont Mining (NEM: Research, Estimates), Placer Dome (PDG: Research, Estimates), Barrick Gold (ABX: Research, Estimates), Glamis Gold (GLG: Research, Estimates), GoldCorp (GG: Research, Estimates), Meridian Gold (MDG: Research, Estimates), Kinross (KGC: Research, Estimates), and Cambior (CBJ: Research, Estimates).

Merrill increased its rating on Del Monte (DLM: Research, Estimates) to "buy" from "sell," saying a reduction in the overhang of stock and an increase in free cash flow since the merger have improved financial fundamentals. Shares of Del Monte fell 16 cents to $8.38 Tuesday.

Credit Suisse First Boston narrowed its 2003 loss estimate for webMethods (WEBM: Research, Estimates) to a loss of 5 cents a share from a loss of 11 cents a share, but lowered its 2004 earnings estimate for the company to 9 cents a share from 17 cents a share. Shares of webMethods rose 17 cents to $10.48 Tuesday.

Credit Suisse slightly lowered its 2002 earnings estimate for Boston Scientific (BSX: Research, Estimates) by a penny, but raised its price target on its shares to $64 from $41, saying a proposed year-end launch of its stent could propel the stock. Shares of the biotech fell $1.71 to $44.06 Tuesday.

J.P. Morgan raised its rating on newsroom technology maker Avid Technology (AVID: Research, Estimates) to "overweight" from "neutral," citing its "more attractive valuation." Shares of Avid fell 93 cents to $20.65 Tuesday.

Lehman Brothers started coverage of Ralcorp Holdings (RAH: Research, Estimates) with an "overweight" rating saying the largest U.S. private-label food manufacturer likely would post better growth numbers than others in the industry. Shares of Ralcorp fell 22 cents to $24.20 Tuesday.  

--from staff and wire reports