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. Aflac Upgraded by Keefe Bruyette & Woods
Accident and health insurance company Aflac (AFL ) was upgraded on Friday, with Keefe Bruyette & Woods confirming an Outperform rating and a new price target of $68.00. The insurer recently launched a technological upgrade, which would allow for one-day claims processing. Finishing Thursday’s session at $58.63 (up 3.0%), Aflac’s adjusted dividend yield is 2.66%, with an annual payout of $1.56 (paid quarterly). The stock is 9.94% from its 52-week high.
2. Intercontinental Hotels Group Upgraded by Credit Suisse
Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG ) was upgraded on Friday, with Credit Suisse lifting their rating to Outperform. No price target was supplied. The company recently denounced rumours of a merger with U.S.-based Starwood. Finishing Thursday’s session at $37.45, IHG’s adjusted dividend yield is 0.72%, with an annual payout of $0.27. The stock is 16.26% from its 52-week high.
3. ASML Holdings Upgraded by Berenberg
Semiconductor company ASML Holdings (ASML ) saw its stock upgraded on Friday, with Berenberg changing their rating to Buy. No price target was supplied. Finishing Thursday’s session at $91.91 (up 4.0%), ASML’s adjusted dividend yield is 0.75%, with an annual payout of $0.69 (paid annually). The stock is 19.48% from its 52-week high.
4. Patterson Companies Upgraded by Piper Jaffray
Medical equipment wholesaler Patterson Companies (PDCO ) saw its stock upgraded to Overweight by Piper Jaffray on Friday. Their new price target is $54.00. Finishing Thursday’s session at $45.94 (down 6.3%), Patterson’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.92%, with an annual payout of $0.88 (paid quarterly). The stock is 13.44% from its 52-week high.
5. Golar LNG Upgraded by Stifel Nicolaus
Golar LNG (GLNG ) saw its stock upgraded on Friday, with Stifel Nicolaus changing their rating to Buy. No price target was supplied. Finishing Thursday’s session at $36.40 (up 6.4%), Golar LNG’s adjusted dividend yield is 4.95%, with an annual payout of $1.80 (paid quarterly). The stock is 51.10% from its 52-week high.
6. FMC Corp. Downgraded by Longbow Research
Diversified chemicals manufacturer FMC Corp. (FMC ) was downgraded on Friday, with Longbow Research confirming a Neutral rating. No price target was supplied. Finishing Thursday’s session at $42.31 (up 5.1%), FMC Corp.’s adjusted dividend yield is 1.56%, with an annual payout of $0.66. The stock is 36.52% from its 52-week high.
