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. Juniper Networks Upgraded by MKM Partners
Communications company Juniper Networks (JNPR ) saw its stock upgraded to Neutral, with MKM Partners confirming a new target price of $28. Earlier in the week, the company announced better-than-expected earnings for the quarter, with a net profit of $158 million and EPS of 40 cents per share. Finishing Thursday’s session at $26.49 (up 1.13%), Juniper Networks’ adjusted dividend yield is 1.51%, with an annual payout of $0.40 (paid quarterly). The stock is 6.26% from its 52-week high.
2. Walt Disney Upgraded by Topeka Capital
The Walt Disney Company (DIS ), producer of the popular animated film Frozen, was upgraded on Friday, with Topeka Capital lifting their rating to Buy. No price target was supplied. CEO Bob Iger confirmed to the media yesterday that Disney would fight European Union antitrust allegations, which identified non-competitive licensing agreements between the major studios and pay TV providers. Finishing Thursday’s session at $118.80 (down 0.4%), Disney’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.11%, with an annual payout of $1.32 (paid semi-annually). The stock is 0.92% from its 52-week high.
3. Marcus Corp. Upgraded by B.Riley
Theatre and resort provider Marcus Corp. (MCS ) saw its stock upgraded pre-market on Friday, with B.Riley shifting their rating from Neutral to Buy and adding a $23 price target. Reporting an 11% rise in revenues for the quarter, the company highlighted a 24% fall in net income due to a one-off after-tax impairment. Finishing Thursday’s session at $18.61 (down 6.8%), Marcus’ adjusted dividend yield is 2.26%, with an annual payout of $0.42 (paid quarterly). The stock is 16.21% from its 52-week high.
4. Macy’s Downgraded by Atlantic Equities
Macy’s (M ) was downgraded by Atlantic Equities on Friday, with the broker confirming an Underweight rating. No target price supplied. Analysts expect Amazon to surpass the clothing retailer on a sales basis in two years’ time. Finishing Thursday’s session at $71.21 (down 1.0%), Macy’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.02%, with an annual payout of $1.44. The stock is 3.26% from its 52-week high.
5. Centerstate Banks Downgraded by Keefe Bruyette & Woods
Florida-based Centerstate Banks (TRST ) saw its stock downgraded to Market Perform by Keefe Bruyette & Woods on Friday, with a new price target of $14.50. Finishing Thursday’s session at $13.66 (down 2.4%), Centerstate Banks’ adjusted dividend yield is 0.59%, with an annual payout of $0.08. The stock is 4.01% from its 52-week high.
