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. Diebold Upgraded by Wedbush
Business software and services provider Diebold (DBD) saw its stock upgraded to Outperform on Friday, with Wedbush increasing their price target to $40. Recently, the company announced that restructuring had led to a significant change in the management structure, with the elimination of the COO position. Finishing Thursday’s session at $32.97 (down 1.8%), Diebold’s adjusted dividend yield is 3.49%, with an annual payout of $1.15 (paid quarterly). The stock is 15.46% from its 52-week high.
2. Ace Limited Upgraded by Bernstein
Ace Limited (ACE), the property and casualty insurance provider, was upgraded by Bernstein on Friday, with the broker putting the stock on their Outperform list. Their new price target is $141. The company posted strong Q2 results last week, with an EPS of $2.40. Finishing Thursday’s session at $108.59 (up 0.6%), Ace Limited’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.47%, with an annual payout of $2.68 (paid quarterly). The stock is 7.89% from its 52-week high.
3. Regal Entertainment Upgraded by Wedbush
Movie production company Regal Entertainment (RGC) was upgraded by Wedbush on Friday, with an Outperform rating and a new price target of $25 added. Finishing Thursday’s session at $19.82 (up 2.9%), Regal Entertainment Group’s adjusted dividend yield is 4.44%, with an annual payout of $0.88 (paid quarterly). The stock is 19.17% from its 52-week high.
4. Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. Downgraded by Credit Suisse
Host Hotels & Resorts (HST ) saw its stock downgraded pre-market, with Credit Suisse shifting their rating to Neutral. Their new price target is $22. Finishing Thursday’s session at $19.55 (down 4.3%), Host Hotels’ adjusted dividend yield is 4.09%, with an annual payout of $0.80 (paid quarterly). The stock is 20.20% from its 52-week high.
5. Fluor Corp. Downgraded by UBS
Heavy construction provider Fluor Corp. (FLR) was downgraded by UBS on Friday, with the investment bank confirming a Neutral rating and a new target price of $51. Reporting worse-than-expected Q2 earnings, analysts cited delays in project rollouts as a key reason behind the rating change. Finishing Thursday’s session at $50.90, Fluor Corp.’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.65%, with an annual payout of $0.84. The stock is 32.63% from its 52-week high.
