Before Friday’s opening bell, a number of big name dividend stocks were the subject of analyst moves. Below, we highlight the important analyst commentary for investors.
Citigroup Upgraded at KBW
Citigroup (C ) has been upgraded from “Market Perform” to “Outperform” at KBW as the company can generate improved returns and should be trading above book level. The firm has a $61 price target on Citi, suggesting a 14% upside. C has a dividend yield of 0.07%.
Jefferies Raises Estimates on Costco
Jefferies has boosted its price target on Costco (COST ) to $140, suggesting a 7% decline. The firm has also raised estimates on COST due to improve gas results and higher realized margins. COST has a dividend yield of 0.94%.
UnitedHealth Group Upgraded to “Neutral”
UnitedHealth Group (UNH ) has been boosted to “Neutral” at Sterne Agee on a valuation call. UNH has a dividend yield of 1.31%.
JP Morgan Raises Price Target on Kroger
JP Morgan has raised its price target on Kroger (KR ) to $82, suggesting a 10% upside. The firm has also boosted estimates on KR due to it’s new guidance. KR has a dividend yield of 1.00%.
Dow Chemical Upgraded to “Overweight”
Dow Chemical (DOW ) has been boosted from “Neutral” to “Overweight” at JP Morgan as the company is expected to grow its free cash flow. The firm has a $56 price target on DOW, suggesting a 14% upside. DOW has a dividend yield of 3.44%.
Barclays Lowers Estimates on NASDAQ OMX
Barclays has cut its price target on NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (NDAQ ) to $55, suggesting an 8% upside. The firm has also lowered estimates on NDAQ due to lower trading volumes. NDAQ has a dividend yield of 1.18%.
Jefferies Lowers Estimates on Joy Global
Jefferies has lowered its price target on Joy Global (JOY) to $43, suggesting a 7% increase from the stock’s current price. The firm has also lowered estimates on JOY due to lower end market demand. JOY has a dividend yield of 2.00%.
State Street Downgraded at JP Morgan
State Street (STT ) has been cut to “Underweight” at JP Morgan and has been given a $72 price target (suggesting a 3% decline). The firm has also lowered estimates on STT, as it is buying back fewer shares. STT has a dividend yield of 1.61%.
