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. AT&T Upgraded by Barclays
Domestic telecom services provider AT&T (T ) saw its stock upgraded pre-market on Tuesday with Barclays confirming an Overweight rating and a new price target of $39.00. Finishing Monday’s session at $35.04 (up 0.1%), AT&T’s adjusted dividend yield is 5.37% with an annual payout of $1.88 (paid quarterly). The stock is 6.51% from its 52-week high.
2. Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania Upgraded by Keefe Bruyette & Woods
Regional bank Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania (UVSP ) was upgraded on Tuesday with Keefe Bruyette & Woods raising their target price to $24.00 and their rating to Outperform. Finishing Monday’s session at $20.01 (up 0.1%), UVSP’s adjusted dividend yield is 4.00% with an annual payout of $0.80 (paid quarterly). The stock is 7.10% from its 52-week high.
3. Diageo Upgraded by Nomura
Alcohol beverage supplier Diageo (DEO ) saw its stock upgraded pre-market on Tuesday with Nomura changing its rating to Buy. No target price was supplied. Citing the possibility of share buybacks in 2016, the Japanese bank was confident in the company’s short-term growth plans. Finishing Monday’s session at $119.95 (up 0.7%), Diageo’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.80% with an annual payout of $3.36 (paid quarterly). The stock is 8.33% from its 52-week high.
4. Molson Coors Downgraded by Nomura
Beverage brewer Molson Coors (TAP ) saw its stock downgraded pre-market Tuesday with Nomura adding the stock to their Neutral list. The target price is $74.00. The rerating comes after Morningstar lowered their credit rating for the stock to “BBB”. Finishing Monday’s session at $73.85 (up 0.9%), Molson Coors’ adjusted dividend yield is 2.22% with an annual payout of $1.64 (paid quarterly). The stock is 6.73% from its 52-week high.
5. Choice Hotels Downgraded by UBS
Lodging company Choice Hotels International Inc. (CHH ) saw its stock downgraded to Sell by UBS on Tuesday. The new target price is $51.00. Finishing Monday’s session at $56.44 (down 0.09%), Choice Hotels’ adjusted dividend yield is 1.38% with an annual payout of $0.78 (paid quarterly). The stock is 13.58% from its 52-week high.
6. Western Digital Downgraded by JP Morgan
Data storage device manufacturer Western Digital (WDC) was downgraded on Tuesday with JP Morgan lowering their target price to $92.00 and their rating to Neutral. Finishing Monday’s session at $91.60 (up 0.6%), Western Digital’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.18% with an annual payout of $2.00 (paid quarterly). The stock is 20.13% from its 52-week high.
