BUZZ-M&S: more bullish brokers propel stock to top of FTSE

** Marks & Spencer top UK blue-chip riser forsecond-day running as five star analyst & host of others becomemore bullish on the retailer following robust results releasedon Wednesday.

** Deutsche Bank, a top-ranked broker on the stock accordingto StarMine, lifts rating on the stock to "buy" from "hold" &hikes its target price to 510p vs 470p.

** DB welcomes brighter outlook on gross margins.

** Stock up 4.7 pct, putting it at 5-1/2 month highsfollowing previous session's 9.7 pct jump which was its best dayin more than 5 years.

** Goldman Sachs removes stock from Conviction Sell list,lifts target to 380p vs 340p.

** Citi lifts its target to 450p vs 400p.

** Both banks rated at four stars on recommendations on M&S,StarMine shows.

** Some short covering has been at work, traders said.Demand to borrow Marks & Spencer shares spiked this month in therun-up to earnings announcement, per Markit.

** Heavily outperforms peers again: Next up 1 pct,Debenhams 0.1 pct firmer, & Kingfisher off 0.2pct. (RM: tricia.wright1.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)