Below we highlight 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. AZZ Inc. Downgraded by DA Davidson
Metal fabrication company AZZ Inc. (AZZ ) saw its stock downgraded on Thursday with DA Davidson confirming a Neutral rating. Finishing Thursday’s session at $51.79 (down 2.5%), AZZ’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.16% with an annual payout of $0.60 (paid quarterly). The stock is 4.11% from its 52-week high.
2. Mead Johnson Nutrition Downgraded by Nomura Securities
Processed and packaged goods supplier Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN) was downgraded pre-market on Friday with Nomura Securities lowering their target price from $121 to $113. This translates into a Neutral rating. The analyst covering the stock forecast a contraction in organic sales growth for the full year 2015. Finishing Thursday’s session at $90.92 (down 0.03%), Mead’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.81% with an annual payout of $1.65 (paid quarterly). The stock is 13.78% from its 52-week high.
3. Williams-Sonoma Upgraded by Oppenheimer
Home furnishings company Williams-Sonoma (WSM ) saw its stock upgraded pre-market on Friday with Oppenheimer highlighting a shift in their valuation and adding the stock to their Outperform list. Previously the stock held a Perform rating. The new target price is $90.00. Finishing Thursday’s session at $79.23 (up 0.67%), Williams-Sonoma’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.77% with an annual payout of $1.40 (paid quarterly). The stock is 6.51% from its 52-week high.
4. Mondelez International Upgraded by BMO Capital
Diversified food distributor Mondelez International (MDLZ ) saw its stock upgraded by BMO Capital on Friday with a new Outperform rating added. Setting a new target price of $47.00, the change in valuation comes off the back of a rating revision in May by BMO Capital. The company manufactures and distributes nine food brands to 165 countries. Finishing Thursday’s session at $40.36 (up 0.02%), Mondelez’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.49% with an annual payout of $0.60 (paid quarterly). The stock is 3.47% from its 52-week high.
5. Host Hotels Upgraded by Stifel
REIT hotel company Host Hotels & Resorts (HST ) saw its stock upgraded pre-market on Friday with Stifel changing its rating to Buy from Hold. Finishing Thursday’s session at $19.71 (up 0.8%), Host’s adjusted dividend yield is 4.06% with an annual payout of $0.80 (paid quarterly). The stock is 19.55% from its 52-week high.
6. HCP Upgraded by Mizuho Securities
REIT health care facilities provider HCP (HCP) saw its stock upgraded pre-market on Friday with Mizuho Securities highlighting a shift in their rating and putting the stock on their Neutral list. The new target price of $39.00 is $2.00 above the previous valuation. Finishing Thursday’s session at $38.05 (up 0.7%), HCP’s adjusted dividend yield is 5.94% with an annual payout of $2.26 (paid quarterly). The stock is 23.30% from its 52-week high.
