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. Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners Upgraded by Credit Suisse
Renewable asset manager Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP ) saw its stock upgraded on Wednesday with Credit Suisse confirming a Neutral rating. No price target was supplied. The company recently purchased U.K. wind farm assets from PNE Wind AG for $158.7 million. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $27.14 (down 0.7%), Brookfield’s adjusted dividend yield is 5.71% with an annual payout of $1.55 (paid quarterly). The stock is 19.30% from its 52-week high.
2. Commerce Bancshares Upgraded by Raymond James
Commerce Bancshares (CBSH ) was upgraded on Wednesday with Raymond James lifting their rating to Market Perform. No price target was provided. Announcing an 8% rise in Q2 profit yesterday, the company beat market estimates with an EPS of 75 cents per share. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $47.26 (up 0.4%), Commerce’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.90% with an annual payout of $0.90 (paid quarterly). The stock is 1.54% from its 52-week high.
3. Guess Upgraded by Telsey Advisory
Apparel company Guess Inc. (GES ) saw its stock upgraded pre-market on Wednesday with Telsey Advisory changing their rating to Market Perform. No price target was provided. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $21.16 (up 0.2%), Guess’ adjusted dividend yield is 4.25% with an annual payout of $0.90 (paid quarterly). The stock is 22.91% from its 52-week high.
4. Vodafone Group Downgraded by Goldman Sachs
Telecommunications provider Vodafone Group (VOD ) was downgraded pre-market on Wednesday with Goldman Sachs confirming a Neutral rating. No price target was supplied. In a note to clients, the investment bank cited the recent over-performance in the share price as a prime reason behind the valuation shift. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $36.99 (up 1.1%), Vodafone’s adjusted dividend yield is 3.15% with an annual payout of $1.17. The stock is 6.26% from its 52-week high.
5. Lincoln National Downgraded by Raymond James
Life insurer Lincoln National (LNC ) saw its stock downgraded to Outperform by Raymond James on Tuesday, with a $67.00 price target attached. Dependant on the performance of equity markets and long-term policies for earnings, the company has come under fire from a number of analysts recently. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $58.54 (down 0.7%), Lincoln National’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.37% with an annual payout of $0.80 (paid quarterly). The stock is 5.70% from its 52-week high.
