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. Duke Realty Upgraded by UBS
Real estate developer Duke Realty (DRE ) saw its stock upgraded Wednesday, with UBS confirming a Buy rating and a new target price of $23. In July, the company announced a net profit of $449 million. This equated to an EPS of $1.30. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $20.01 (up 0.6%), Duke Realty’s adjusted dividend yield is 3.40%, with an annual payout of $0.68 (paid quarterly). The stock is 11.85% from its 52-week high.
2. J.M. Smucker Upgraded by Credit Suisse
J.M. Smucker (SJM ), the eighth biggest beverage and food supplier, was upgraded on Wednesday, with Credit Suisse lifting their rating to Outperform and adding a new price target of $125. Recently the company announced guidance for fiscal year 2016 sales would be $8 billion. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $108.97, J.M. Smucker’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.46%, with an annual payout of $2.68 (paid quarterly). The stock is 9.68% from its 52-week high.
3. Signet Jewelers Upgraded by Exane BNP Paribas
Signet Jewelers (SIG ) saw its stock upgraded pre-market on Wednesday, with Exane BNP Paribas changing their rating to Outperform. No price target was supplied. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $124.13 (up 0.7%), Signet Jewelers’ adjusted dividend yield is 0.71%, with an annual payout of $0.88 (paid quarterly). The stock is 11.95% from its 52-week high.
4. Methanex Corporation Downgraded by Raymond James
Specialty chemicals company Methanex (MEOH ) was downgraded pre-market on Wednesday, with Raymond James confirming an Outperform rating and a new price target of $55. This comes after the company missed Q2 earnings estimates, with a 16% fall in profits and an EPS of 52 cents. Analysts were expecting 75 cents per share. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $43.89 (down 1.5%), Methanex’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.51%, with an annual payout of $1.10. The stock is 38.09% from its 52-week high.
5. Wal-Mart Downgraded by Gilford Securities
Retail chain Wal-Mart (WMT ) saw its stock downgraded to Neutral from Buy by Gilford Securities on Tuesday afternoon. No target price was supplied. The company shifted their profit guidance lower, citing pressure from employee wages and e-commerce. One of their leading competitors is Amazon. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $69.48 (down 3.4%), Wal-Mart’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.76%, with an annual payout of $1.92. The stock is 23.62% from its 52-week high.
