Analyst initiations: STON, STP, AGU, KCAP, NWL and TSO

MOST NOTEWORTHY: StoneMor Partners, Suntech Power and Tesoro were today's noteworthy initiations:

Morgan Keegan initiated StoneMor Partners (NASDAQ: STON) with a Market Perform rating. The firm has a low level of confidence in STON's financial projections given its vulnerability to changes in state and local regulations, and financial reporting complexities.
Jesup & Lamont initiated Suntech Power (NYSE: STP) with a Buy based on the company's leading position in solar PV, industry growth and polysilicon supply agreements in place.
Tesoro (NYSE: TSO) was assumed with an Underweight rating at JP Morgan. The firm expects the West Coast margins to remain weak given the decline in the gasoline demand and capacity increases of the majors.

OTHER INITIATIONS:

RBC Capital initiated Agrium (NYSE: AGU) with an Outperform rating and $115 target.
Merrill initiated Kohlberg Capital (NASDAQ: KCAP) with a Neutral rating.
Caris started Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE: NWL) with an Average rating and $24 target.