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. C. R. Bard Upgraded by Goldman Sachs
Medical instruments and supplies company C. R. Bard (BCR) was upgraded on Thursday, with Goldman Sachs confirming a Buy rating and a new price target of $220.00. C.R. Bard recently agreed to a $200 million mesh injury settlement. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $189.44 (up 2.9%), C. R. Bard’s adjusted dividend yield is 0.51%, with an annual payout of $0.96 (paid quarterly). The stock is 6.44% from its 52-week high.
2. Abercrombie & Fitch Upgraded by UBS
Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) was upgraded on Thursday, with UBS lifting their rating to Neutral. Their new price target is $20.00. The company announced better-than-expected earnings this week, with Q2 revenue at $817.8 million. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $18.91, ANF’s adjusted dividend yield is 4.23%, with an annual payout of $0.80 (paid quarterly). The stock is 58.44% from its 52-week high.
3. CSX Corp. Upgraded by Stifel Nicolaus
Transportation company CSX Corp. (CSX ) saw its stock upgraded on Thursday, with Stifel Nicolaus changing their rating to Buy. Their new price target is $35.00. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $26.37 (up 4.2%), CSX Corp.’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.73%, with an annual payout of $0.72 (paid quarterly). The stock is 30.59% from its 52-week high.
4. Kansas City Southern Upgraded by Stifel Nicolaus
Kansas City Southern Liquid error: internal, a Midwest rail provider, saw their stock upgraded to Hold by Stifel Nicolaus on Thursday. Their confirmed price target is $90.00. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $89.46 (up 3.4%), Kansas City Southern’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.48%, with an annual payout of $1.32. The stock is 29.28% from its 52-week high.
5. TerraForm Power Inc. Downgraded by Baird
Diversified utilities provider TerraForm Power Inc. (TERP ) was downgraded on Thursday, with Baird confirming a Neutral rating. Their new price target is $25.00. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $21.75 (up 7.31%), TerraForm Power’s adjusted dividend yield is 6.16%, with an annual payout of $1.34. The stock is 49.02% from its 52-week high.
6. WPP Plc. Downgraded by Investec
WPP Plc. (WPPGY) saw its stock downgraded on Thursday, with Investec changing their rating to Add. No price target was supplied. Finishing Wednesday’s session at $103.31 (down 0.3%), WPP’s adjusted dividend yield is 3.88%, with an annual payout of $4.01. The stock is 16.23% from its 52-week high.
