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. Royal Dutch Shell Upgraded by UBS
Petrochemical company Royal Dutch Shell (RDS-A ) saw its stock upgraded to Buy by UBS on Monday. No price target was supplied. Last week, CEO Ben van Beurden announced that Shell would be cutting 6,500 jobs and reducing overall spending by over 20%. Finishing Friday’s session at $57.48 (up 0.2%), Royal Dutch Shell’s adjusted dividend yield is 6.54%, with an annual payout of $3.76 (paid quarterly). The stock is 30.73% from its 52-week high.
2. Assurant Upgraded by Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Assurant (AIZ ), the accident and health insurer, was upgraded by Bank of America Merrill Lynch on Monday, with the bank putting the stock on their Buy list and adding a new price target of $89. Announcing better-than-expected Q2 earnings last week, the company confirmed a shift in the business towards the housing and lifestyle sectors. Finishing Friday’s session at $74.60 (down 0.7%), Assurant’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.61%, with an annual payout of $1.20 (paid quarterly). The stock is 2.16% from its 52-week high.
3. First Potomac Realty Trust Upgraded by BMO Capital
Real estate developer First Potomac Realty Trust (FPO) was upgraded by BMO Capital on Monday, with an Outperform rating and a new price target of $15 added. Finishing Friday’s session at $11.35 (up 4.6%), First Potomac Realty Trust’s adjusted dividend yield is 5.29%, with an annual payout of $0.60 (paid quarterly). The stock is 15.30% from its 52-week high.
4. NVIDIA Corporation Upgraded by Macquarie
Semiconductor specialist Nvidia Corporation (NVDA ) was upgraded by Macquarie on Monday, with the investment bank confirming an Outperform rating. No target price was supplied. On August 1, the company announced an 88,000 unit recall of its Shield Tablets due to fire risk. Finishing Friday’s session at $19.95, Nvidia Corporation’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.95%, with an annual payout of $0.39. The stock is 15.47% from its 52-week high.
5. Coach Downgraded by JP Morgan
Apparel, footwear, and accessories company Coach (COH) saw its stock downgraded pre-market, with JP Morgan shifting their rating to Neutral. Their new price target is $30. Finishing Friday’s session at $31.20 (down 0.3%), Coach’s adjusted dividend yield is 4.33%, with an annual payout of $1.35 (paid quarterly). The stock is 28.88% from its 52-week high.
