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. Best Buy Upgraded by Raymond James
Consumer electronics company Best Buy (BBY ) was upgraded on Wednesday, with Raymond James confirming a Strong Buy and a new price target of $40.00. Best Buy recently confirmed that they would be expanding Apple Watch distribution throughout all of their stores. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $32.95 (up 12.6%), Best Buy’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.79%, with an annual payout of $0.92 (paid quarterly). The stock is 21.55% from its 52-week high.
2. Fidelity National Information Service Upgraded by RBC Capital
Fidelity National Information Service (FIS ), the payment processing solutions provider, was upgraded on Wednesday, with RBC Capital lifting their rating to Outperform. Their new price target is $78.00. The company recently acquired information technology provider Sungard for $9.1 billion. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $65.37, FIS’ adjusted dividend yield is 1.59%, with an annual payout of $1.04 (paid quarterly). The stock is 9.59% from its 52-week high.
3. BHP Billiton Upgraded by RBC Capital
Australian mining company BHP Billiton (BHP ) saw its stock upgraded on Wednesday, with RBC Capital changing their rating to Sector Perform. No price target was supplied. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $32.92 (up 2.3%), BHP Billiton’s adjusted dividend yield is 7.35%, with an annual payout of $2.42 (paid semi-annually). The stock is 52.89% from its 52-week high.
4. Regal Entertainment Upgraded by Hilliard Lyons
Cinema chain Regal Entertainment Group (RGC) saw its stock upgraded to Long-Term Buy by Hilliard Lyons on Wednesday. No price target was supplied. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $18.33 (up 0.2%), Regal Entertainment’s adjusted dividend yield is 4.80%, with an annual payout of $0.88. The stock is 25.24% from its 52-week high.
5. Canadian Natural Resources Downgraded by JP Morgan
Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ ) was downgraded on Wednesday, with JP Morgan confirming a Neutral rating. No price target was supplied. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $19.34 (down 1.3%), CNQ’s adjusted dividend yield is 4.65%, with an annual payout of $0.90. The stock is 55.62% from its 52-week high.
6. Exelon Corp. Downgraded by Guggenheim
Exelon Corp. (EXC ) saw its stock downgraded on Tuesday, with Guggenheim changing their rating to Neutral from Buy. No price target was supplied. Finishing Tuesday’s session at $30.40 (down 6.9%), Exelon Corp.’s adjusted dividend yield is 4.08%, with an annual payout of $1.24. The stock is 21.91% from its 52-week high.
