Two prominent analysts upgraded Viacom’s stock Thursday, sending shares up 2 percent, to close at $35.82.

Merrill Lynch analyst Jessica Reif Cohen changed from “underperform” to “buy” on hopes new management will reconfigure the cable networks, push aggressively into digital outlets and reverse studio losses.

“We believe shares are poised to begin pricing in more robust potential — whether or not Viacom remains a stand-alone entity or combines with buy-rated CBS,” Cohen said.

Viacom is home to such networks as MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon.

Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvicker changed her Viacom rating to “market perform” from “underperform” in the belief that the beleaguered company is near the floor.

Ryvicker maintained her Viacom forecast throughout a spate of bad news, but on Thursday reduced her earnings forecast to a level below the industry’s consensus.