Shrinking subscriber numbers and rising costs have both companies considering a deal.
Stocks are higher as Americans head to the polls.
A $700 million settlement between the satellite provider and AMC Networks ends a 3-month blackout.
BB&T is both upgraded and downgraded, while H&R Block is initiated with a 'buy.'
Big Lots is downgraded to 'underweight,' and VeriSign is downgraded to 'neutral.'
Stocks drift lower despite an improvement in the weekly jobless claims data.
Scripps Networks is upgraded to a 'buy,' while CVS Caremark is downgraded to 'market perform.'
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