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. DuPont Upgraded by JP Morgan
Chemicals manufacturer E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DD ) saw its stock upgraded to Outperform by JP Morgan on Friday, with a price target of $60 added. Interestingly this comes after the company announced a 12% fall in second quarter profit due to weaker demand in the pesticides sector. CEO Kullman highlighted that the current market was “challenging”. Finishing Thursday’s session at $53.03 (down 0.5%) DuPont’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.87%, with an annual payout of $1.52 (paid quarterly). The stock is 34.25% from its 52-week high.
2. Aaron’s Upgraded by Cantor Fitzgerald
Aaron’s (AAN ) was upgraded by Cantor Fitzgerald on Friday, with the broker putting the stock on their Buy list. Their new price target is $47. The rental and leasing service provider announced strong earnings in July, with EPS topping estimates by 11 cents. Full year guidance was positive. Finishing Thursday’s session at $37.17 (up 0.1%), Aaron’s adjusted dividend yield is 0.24%, with an annual payout of $0.09 (paid quarterly). The stock is 4.84% from its 52-week high.
3. CF Industries Upgraded by Barclays
Agricultural chemicals company CF Industries (CF ) was upgraded to Overweight by Barclays on Friday. Their new price target is $71. Finishing Thursday’s session at $63.22 (up 2.6%), CF Industries’ adjusted dividend yield is 1.90%, with an annual payout of $1.20 (paid quarterly). The stock is 10.10% from its 52-week high.
4. Kohl’s Corporation Downgraded by UBS
Kohl’s Corporation (KSS ) saw its stock downgraded on Friday, with UBS shifting their rating to Neutral. Their new price target is $58. The luxury goods company missed analysts’ earnings estimates with an EPS of $1.07. Revenue of $4.27 billion also disappointed. Finishing Thursday’s session at $56.11 (down 8.8%), Kohl’s Corporation’s adjusted dividend yield is 3.21%, with an annual payout of $1.80 (paid quarterly). The stock is 29.51% from its 52-week high.
5. Eaton Corp. Downgraded by Atlantic Equities
Industrial electrical equipment provider Eaton Corp. (ETN) was downgraded to Neutral by Atlantic Equities on Friday. Their price target has been reduced from $80 to $65. Reporting better-than-expected earnings in July, the company highlighted a fall in its hydraulic and aerospace sector revenues. Finishing Thursday’s session at $59.94, Eaton Corp.’s adjusted dividend yield is 3.67% with an annual payout of $2.20 (paid quarterly). The stock is 18.80% from its 52-week high.
