Below are the dividend stocks that were subject to analyst moves before the bell. Analysts weigh in with insight and commentary as to what you can expect going forward.
1. Digital Realty Trust Upgraded by Cowen
Real estate developer Digital Realty Trust (DLR ) saw its stock upgraded pre-market on Thursday with Cowen attaching a target price of $73.00 and an Outperform rating. Citing management confidence and business growth, the analyst also noted the potential for M&A activity. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $65.00 (up 1.8%), Digital Realty Trust’s adjusted dividend yield is 5.11% with an annual payout of $3.32 (paid quarterly). The stock is 13.78% from its 52-week high.
2. Axiall Corporation Upgraded by SunTrust
Synthetics producer Axiall (AXLL) was upgraded pre-market on Thursday with SunTrust adding a Buy rating and a new target price of $44.00 to the stock. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $35.49 (up 1.2%), Axiall’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.80% with an annual payout of 64 cents (paid quarterly). The stock is 30.89% from its 52-week high.
3. Edison International Upgraded by Guggenheim
Electrical utilities company Edison International (EIX ) saw its stock upgraded pre-market on Thursday with Guggenheim highlighting a shift in their valuation and adding the stock to their Buy list. Previously the stock held a Neutral rating. The new target price is $64.00. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $57.42 (up 0.3%), Edison’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.91% with an annual payout of $1.67 (paid quarterly). The stock is 17.49% from its 52-week high.
4. HCC Insurance Downgraded by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods
Property insurer HCC Insurance (HCC ) saw its stock downgraded on Wednesday afternoon with Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowering their rating from Outperform to Market Perform. Setting a new target price of $78.00, this re-rating comes after the stock jumped 36% on Wednesday off the back of takeover news. Japanese insurer Tokio Marine agreed to purchase the U.S.- based insurer for $7.5 billion. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $77.35 (up 36.4%), HCC’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.53% with an annual payout of $1.18 (paid quarterly). The stock is 0.06% from its 52-week high.
5. Chesapeake Downgraded by Oppenheimer
Oil and gas company Chesapeake (CHK ) saw its stock downgraded pre-market on Thursday with Oppenheimer changing its rating to Perform from Outperform. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $13.06 (down 1.2%), Chesapeake’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.68% with an annual payout of $0.35 (paid quarterly). The stock is 58.53% from its 52-week high.
6. Harley-Davidson Downgraded by Wedbush
Motorcycle producer Harley-Davidson (HOG ) saw its stock downgraded pre-market on Thursday with Wedbush highlighting a shift in their rating and putting the stock on their Neutral list. The new target price of $57.00 is $17.00 below the previous. Analysts for Wedbush cited disappointing sales growth as the main reason behind the move. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $54.69 (up 1.2%), Harley’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.27% with an annual payout of $1.24 (paid quarterly). The stock is 24.43% from its 52-week high.
