Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of February 28 2022

 

Upgrades:

 

American Electric Power (NASDAQ:AEP) was upgraded by investment analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating in a report released on Monday, Briefing.com reports. The brokerage currently has a $101.00 target price on the stock, up from their previous target price of $93.00. Wells Fargo & Company's target price points to a potential upside of 12.90% from the company's current price.

Separately, Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of American Electric Power from $110.00 to $105.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, February 18th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $96.78.

Shares of NASDAQ AEP opened at $89.46 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a current ratio of 0.63. The firm has a market cap of $45.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.96, a PEG ratio of 3.08 and a beta of 0.35. American Electric Power has a 1 year low of $74.80 and a 1 year high of $91.66. The stock's 50-day simple moving average is $88.50 and its 200-day simple moving average is $86.41. Read more …

 

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) was upgraded by equities researchers at Wolfe Research from a “peer perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, Briefing.com reports.

Several other equities analysts also recently commented on LMT. Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $376.00 to $425.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 26th. Susquehanna raised their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $400.00 to $445.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 26th. Bank of America downgraded shares of Lockheed Martin from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and dropped their price target for the company from $440.00 to $375.00 in a research note on Monday, November 1st. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $379.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 26th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $387.00 to $401.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 26th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $410.68. Read more …

 

Kroger (NYSE:KR) was upgraded by investment analysts at Telsey Advisory Group from a “market perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, Briefing.com reports. The brokerage presently has a $54.00 price objective on the stock, up from their prior price objective of $47.00. Telsey Advisory Group’s target price points to a potential upside of 15.38% from the stock’s previous close.

A number of other research analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company cut shares of Kroger from an “equal weight” rating to an “underweight” rating and set a $42.00 target price on the stock. in a research note on Tuesday, January 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Kroger from $44.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Friday. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Kroger from $44.00 to $48.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Friday, December 3rd. Bank of America upgraded shares of Kroger from an “underperform” rating to a “neutral” rating and upped their price target for the company from $38.00 to $52.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 19th. Finally, Zacks Investment Research cut shares of Kroger from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating and set a $47.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Friday. Six analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $44.88. Read more …

 

 

Pembina Pipeline (NYSE:PBA  (TSE:PPL) was upgraded by stock analysts at BMO Capital Markets from a “market perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

PBA has been the subject of several other research reports. TD Securities raised their target price on shares of Pembina Pipeline from C$44.00 to C$45.00 in a report on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. started coverage on shares of Pembina Pipeline in a report on Tuesday, November 23rd. They set a “neutral” rating for the company. National Bank Financial raised their target price on shares of Pembina Pipeline from C$41.00 to C$42.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 26th. Zacks Investment Research raised shares of Pembina Pipeline from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $34.00 target price for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 9th. Finally, Tudor Pickering reissued a “buy” rating and set a C$45.00 target price on shares of Pembina Pipeline in a report on Friday, November 5th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $42.61. Read more …

 

Dividend Increases Week 5 (Part 1)

 

In this article, I will go through the weekly dividend increases and cuts in popular and well-known stocks. (Member of The Dividend Champions or Canadian All-Star list)

 

Recently, 28 companies announced dividend increases. Note that no dividend cuts or suspensions were announced during this period. This is the first part of the weeks notifications.

 

The table below summarises the dividend change announcements.  The table shows the current dividend, the new dividend and the percentage increase (%). Dividends are shown on an annual basis and in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Yield is the new dividend yield of the most recent price, and Years is the years of consecutive dividend increases.

 

 

 

 

 

German American Bancorp, Inc. (GABC)

German American Bancorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for German American Bank that provides retail and commercial banking services. The company operates through three segments: Core Banking, Wealth Management Services, and Insurance Operations. German American Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1910 and is based in Jasper, Indiana.

On January 31, GABC declared a quarterly dividend of $0.23 per share.

This is a 9.5% increase from prior dividend of $0.21. 

Payable February 20 for shareholders of record February 10, ex-div February 9.

 

United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS)

United Parcel Service, Inc. provides letter and package delivery, transportation, logistics, and financial services. It operates through three segments: U.S. Domestic Package, International Package, and Supply Chain & Freight. United Parcel Service, Inc. was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

On February 1, UPS declared a quarterly dividend of $1.52 per share.

This is a 49.0% increase from prior dividend of $1.02. 

Payable March 10 for shareholders of record February 22, ex-div February 18.

 

CSG Systems International, Inc. (CSGS)

CSG Systems International, Inc. provides revenue management, customer experience, and payment solutions primarily to the communications industry in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company was incorporated in 1994 and is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

On February 1, CSGS declared a quarterly dividend of $0.265 per share.

This is a 6.0% increase from prior dividend of $0.25. 

Payable March 30 for shareholders of record March 18, ex-div March 17.

 

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD)

Gilead Sciences, Inc., a research-based biopharmaceutical company, discovers, develops, and commercializes medicines in the areas of unmet medical need in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Foster City, California.

On February 1, GILD declared a quarterly dividend of $0.73 per share.

This is a 2.8% increase from prior dividend of $0.71. 

Payable March 30 for shareholders of record March 15, ex-div March 14.

 

Midland States Bancorp, Inc. (MSBI)

Midland States Bancorp, Inc. operates as a financial holding company for Midland States Bank that provides various banking products and services to individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other entities. It operates through Banking, Wealth Management, and Other segments. The company accepts various deposits, such as checking, savings, money market, and sweep accounts, as well as certificates of deposits. The company was founded in 1881 and is headquartered in Effingham, Illinois.

On February 1, MSBI declared a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share.

This is a 3.6% increase from prior dividend of $0.28. 

Payable February 18 for shareholders of record February 11, ex-div February 10.

 

 

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL)

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. operates as a less-than-truckload (LTL) motor carrier in the United States and North America. It provides regional, inter-regional, and national LTL services, including expedited transportation. The company also offers various value-added services, such as container drayage, truckload brokerage, and supply chain consulting. It owns 9,288 tractors and 42 maintenance centers. As of August 3, 2021, it owned 248 service centers. Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. was founded in 1934 and is based in Thomasville, North Carolina.

On February 2, ODFL declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share.

This is a 50.0% increase from prior dividend of $0.20. 

Payable March 16 for shareholders of record March 2, ex-div March 1.

 

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP)

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. is a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

On February 2, BIP declared a quarterly dividend of $0.54 per share.

This is a 5.9% increase from prior dividend of $0.51. 

Payable March 31 for shareholders of record February 28, ex-div February 25.

 

Corning Incorporated (GLW)

Corning Incorporated engages in display technologies, optical communications, environmental technologies, specialty materials, and life sciences businesses worldwide. Corning Incorporated was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Corning, New York.

On February 2, GLW declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share.

This is a 12.5% increase from prior dividend of $0.24. 

Payable March 30 for shareholders of record February 28, ex-div February 25.

 

Eversource Energy (ES)

Eversource Energy, a public utility holding company, engages in the energy delivery business. The company operates through Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution, and Water Distribution segments. The company was formerly known as Northeast Utilities and changed its name to Eversource Energy in April 2015. Eversource Energy is based in Springfield, Massachusetts.

On February 2, ES declared a quarterly dividend of $0.6375 per share.

This is a 5.8% increase from prior dividend of $0.6025.  

Payable March 31 for shareholders of record March 3, ex-div March 3.

 

Hawkins, Inc. (HWKN)

Hawkins, Inc. blends, manufactures, and distributes chemicals and other specialty ingredients in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Industrial, Water Treatment, and Health and Nutrition. The company was founded in 1938 and is headquartered in Roseville, Minnesota.

On February 2, HWKN declared a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share.

This is a 7.7% increase from prior dividend of $0.14. 

Payable March 4 for shareholders of record February 18, ex-div February 17.

 

 

ALLETE, Inc. (ALE)

ALLETE, Inc. operates as an energy company. The company operates through Regulated Operations, ALLETE Clean Energy, and Corporate and Other segments. It generates electricity from coal-fired, biomass co-fired / natural gas, hydroelectric, wind, and solar. ALLETE, Inc. was incorporated in 1906 and is headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota.

On February 3, ALE declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share.

This is a 3.2% increase from prior dividend of $0.63. 

Payable March 1 for shareholders of record February 15, ex-div February 14.

 

PNM Resources, Inc. (PNM)

PNM Resources, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides electricity and electric services in the United States. It operates through Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) segments. PNM Resources, Inc. was incorporated in 1917 and is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

On February 3, PNM declared a quarterly dividend of $0.3475 per share.

This is a 6.1% increase from prior dividend of $0.3275. 

Payable February 24 for shareholders of record February 14, ex-div February 11.

 

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX)

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated provides diagnostic testing, information, and services in the United States and internationally. The company develops and delivers diagnostic information services, such as routine testing, non-routine and advanced clinical testing, anatomic pathology testing, and other diagnostic information services. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey.

On February 3, GDX declared a quarterly dividend of $0.66 per share.

This is a 6.5% increase from prior dividend of $0.62. 

Payable April 20 for shareholders of record April 6, ex-div April 5.

 

BCE Inc. (BCE)

BCE Inc., a telecommunications and media company, provides wireless, wireline, Internet, and television (TV) services to residential, business, and wholesale customers in Canada. It operates through three segments: Bell Wireless, Bell Wireline, and Bell Media. BCE Inc. was founded in 1880 and is headquartered in Verdun, Canada.

On February 3, BCE declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.92 per share.

This is a 5.1% increase from prior dividend of C$0.875. 

Payable April 15 for shareholders of record March 15, ex-div March 14.

 

Enviva Inc. (EVA)

Enviva Inc. produces and sells utility-grade wood pellets. The company's products are used as a substitute for coal in power generation, and combined heat and power plants. It serves power generators in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Japan. The company was formerly known as Enviva Partners, LP. Enviva Inc. was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.

On February 3, EVA declared a quarterly dividend of $0.86 per share.

This is a 2.4% increase from prior dividend of $0.84. 

Payable February 25 for shareholders of record February 14, ex-div February 11.

 

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of January 24 2022 (Part 2)

 

Upgrades:

 

Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM) was upgraded by investment analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from a “sector perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a report released on Thursday, The Fly reports.

Several other research firms also recently commented on WSM. Loop Capital raised shares of Williams-Sonoma from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $205.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 22nd. Telsey Advisory Group raised their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $220.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, November 19th. Wedbush cut their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $250.00 to $190.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 5th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $205.00 to $180.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 5th. Finally, Citigroup cut their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $225.00 to $165.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, January 18th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Williams-Sonoma currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $179.35. Read more …

 

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) was upgraded by stock analysts at New Street Research from a "sell" rating to a "neutral" rating in a report released on Friday, Briefing.com reports. The brokerage currently has a $165.00 price target on the iPhone maker's stock. New Street Research's price objective points to a potential upside of 3.63% from the stock's current price.

A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Apple from $200.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research report on Friday. Raymond James upped their target price on shares of Apple from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research note on Friday. Credit Suisse Group initiated coverage on Apple in a report on Friday, October 29th. They issued a "neutral" rating and a $150.00 price objective for the company. Cowen increased their price objective on Apple from $180.00 to $200.00 in a research report on Friday. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their price target on Apple from $175.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a research report on Friday, January 14th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-four have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $186.59. Read more …

 

Crown Castle International (NYSE:CCI) was upgraded by investment analysts at Raymond James to an "outperform" rating in a research report issued on Friday, Stock Target Advisor reports. The firm currently has a $184.00 price objective on the real estate investment trust's stock. Raymond James' price objective points to a potential upside of 7.24% from the stock's previous close.

Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of Crown Castle International from $200.00 to $204.00 in a report on Thursday. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on shares of Crown Castle International from $208.00 to $207.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of Crown Castle International in a report on Wednesday, October 13th. They set an "underperform" rating and a $162.00 target price for the company. Credit Suisse Group upgraded shares of Crown Castle International from a "neutral" rating to an "outperform" rating and lifted their target price for the company from $192.00 to $195.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 19th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered shares of Crown Castle International from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating and lowered their target price for the company from $226.00 to $203.00 in a report on Monday, January 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Crown Castle International has an average rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $201.38. Read more …

 

 

General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Wolfe Research to a "peer perform" rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, Stock Target Advisor reports.

Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of General Dynamics from $230.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a report on Monday, January 10th. Susquehanna Bancshares boosted their price objective on shares of General Dynamics from $225.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a "positive" rating in a report on Thursday, October 28th. Susquehanna boosted their price objective on shares of General Dynamics from $225.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a "positive" rating in a report on Thursday, October 28th. Finally, UBS Group upgraded shares of General Dynamics from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $220.00 to $245.00 in a report on Tuesday, December 14th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $216.92. Read more …

 

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of January 3 2022 (Part 3)

 

Upgrades:

 

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Truist Securities from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a note issued to investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a $65.00 target price on the oil and gas company’s stock. Truist Securities’ price objective suggests a potential downside of 2.62% from the stock’s previous close.

A number of other equities analysts have also weighed in on XOM. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Exxon Mobil from $71.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, November 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a $71.00 price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Monday. Truist downgraded Exxon Mobil from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating and cut their price objective for the company from $66.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Tuesday, November 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group set a $59.00 price objective on Exxon Mobil in a research report on Wednesday, December 1st. Finally, Barclays increased their price target on Exxon Mobil from $71.00 to $73.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 8th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have given a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Exxon Mobil presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $65.25. Read more …

 

Baxter International (NYSE:BAX) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Morgan Stanley to an “overweight” rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday, Stock Target Advisor reports. The firm currently has a $110.00 price objective on the medical instruments supplier’s stock, up from their prior price objective of $86.00. Morgan Stanley’s price target would suggest a potential upside of 26.76% from the stock’s previous close.

BAX has been the topic of a number of other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on Baxter International in a research report on Friday, December 17th. They issued an “overweight” rating on the stock. Raymond James boosted their price target on Baxter International from $93.00 to $99.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Tuesday. Cowen raised Baxter International from a “market perform” rating to an “outperform” rating and set a $98.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Monday, September 13th. Finally, KeyCorp boosted their price target on Baxter International from $92.00 to $98.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Tuesday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $95.27. Read more …

 

Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE:BEP) (TSE:BEP) was upgraded by research analysts at Scotiabank from a "sector perform" rating to a "sector outperform" rating in a research note issued on Friday, Briefing.com reports.

Several other equities analysts have also recently commented on BEP. Zacks Investment Research raised Brookfield Renewable Partners from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Wednesday, October 6th. TheStreet cut Brookfield Renewable Partners from a "c-" rating to a "d+" rating in a report on Thursday, December 2nd. Tudor Pickering reaffirmed a "buy" rating and issued a C$44.00 price target on shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners in a report on Friday, September 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Brookfield Renewable Partners from a "neutral" rating to an "overweight" rating and set a $46.00 price target for the company in a report on Thursday, December 9th. Finally, Raymond James set a $44.00 target price on Brookfield Renewable Partners and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a report on Monday, November 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $44.42. Read more …

 

 

Dover (NYSE:DOV) was upgraded by analysts at Oppenheimer from a "market perform" rating to an "outperform" rating in a note issued to investors on Friday, Briefing.com reports. The firm currently has a $205.00 target price on the industrial products company's stock. Oppenheimer's price target points to a potential upside of 12.97% from the stock's previous close.

DOV has been the subject of a number of other reports. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Dover from $173.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a report on Wednesday, October 20th. Vertical Research assumed coverage on Dover in a report on Friday, October 8th. They issued a "sell" rating and a $152.00 target price for the company. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on Dover from $163.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock a "sector perform" rating in a report on Wednesday, October 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Dover from $178.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a report on Wednesday, October 20th. Finally, Mizuho began coverage on Dover in a research report on Thursday, December 16th. They set a "buy" rating and a $195.00 price target on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $183.69. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of November 15 2021

 

Upgrades:

 

Chevron (NYSE:CVX) was upgraded by research analysts at UBS Group from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday, The Fly reports.

CVX has been the topic of several other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut Chevron from an "overweight" rating to a "neutral" rating and cut their price objective for the company from $128.00 to $111.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 15th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Chevron from $109.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a report on Monday, November 1st. Piper Sandler increased their price target on Chevron from $126.00 to $137.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a research note on Friday, July 23rd. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Raymond James increased their price target on Chevron from $134.00 to $137.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research note on Monday, November 1st. Finally, Redburn Partners raised Chevron from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note on Thursday, July 22nd. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $120.24.

Shares of CVX opened at $114.23 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $220.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.05, a P/E/G ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 1.30. Chevron has a one year low of $81.03 and a one year high of $116.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.28. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $106.25 and a 200 day moving average price of $104.42. Read more …

 

Royal Dutch Shell (OTCMKTS:RDS-A) was upgraded by research analysts at Scotiabank from a “sector perform” rating to a “sector outperform” rating in a report issued on Wednesday, FinViz reports. The brokerage currently has a $56.00 price objective on the stock, up from their previous price objective of $54.00. Scotiabank’s price objective suggests a potential upside of 22.83% from the stock’s previous close.

A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on the company. TD Securities started coverage on Royal Dutch Shell in a research note on Monday, October 25th. They set a “buy” rating and a $56.00 target price for the company. HSBC dropped their price objective on Royal Dutch Shell to $51.70 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Royal Dutch Shell has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $53.14. Read more …

 

Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) was upgraded by investment analysts at BMO Capital Markets from a “market perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a note issued to investors on Thursday, The Fly reports.

GILD has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a “buy” rating and set a C$84.00 price target on shares of Gilead Sciences in a research report on Monday, August 23rd. SVB Leerink dropped their price target on Gilead Sciences from $77.00 to $75.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 29th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded Gilead Sciences from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $72.00 price target for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 10th. Evercore ISI reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Gilead Sciences in a research report on Sunday, October 31st. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Gilead Sciences from $83.00 to $84.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Tuesday, October 12th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $116.36. Read more …

 

 

TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX) was upgraded by stock analysts at Morgan Stanley to a “top pick” rating in a research note issued on Thursday, The Fly reports.

A number of other analysts also recently weighed in on TJX. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $80.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, August 16th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of TJX Companies from $101.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Tuesday. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of TJX Companies from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 19th. MKM Partners upped their price target on shares of TJX Companies from $79.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, August 20th. Finally, Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of TJX Companies from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $69.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 21st. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $80.53. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of March 29, 2021

 

Upgrades:

 

Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN) was upgraded by research analysts at BMO Capital Markets from a "market perform" rating to an "outperform" rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday, Briefing.com reports. The brokerage currently has a $36.00 target price on the closed-end fund's stock, up from their prior target price of $22.00. BMO Capital Markets' target price would suggest a potential upside of 22.45% from the stock's current price.

BEN has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Franklin Resources from $21.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an "underweight" rating in a research note on Thursday, February 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on shares of Franklin Resources from $21.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a "hold" rating in a research note on Friday, December 18th. Barclays increased their price target on Franklin Resources from $21.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock an "underweight" rating in a research note on Monday, January 25th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Franklin Resources from a "neutral" rating to a "sell" rating and set a $24.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, January 5th. Finally, TheStreet upgraded Franklin Resources from a "c+" rating to a "b" rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 2nd. Five analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. Franklin Resources has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $23.77. Read more …

 

ViacomCBS (NASDAQ:VIAC) was upgraded by stock analysts at BMO Capital Markets from an “underperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a report issued on Monday, The Fly reports.

Several other analysts have also commented on VIAC. Rosenblatt Securities boosted their price target on ViacomCBS from $30.00 to $61.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Thursday, March 11th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded ViacomCBS from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $68.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 1st. Macquarie cut shares of ViacomCBS from a “neutral” rating to an “underperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 17th. Barclays lowered shares of ViacomCBS from an “overweight” rating to an “underweight” rating and cut their price objective for the company from $36.00 to $35.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 19th. Finally, Citigroup cut shares of ViacomCBS from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and upped their target price for the company from $42.00 to $49.00 in a research report on Monday, February 1st. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. ViacomCBS has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $46.48. Read more …

 

Johnson Controls International (NYSE:JCI) was upgraded by investment analysts at Morgan Stanley from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, Briefing.com reports. The firm presently has a $73.00 price objective on the stock, up from their prior price objective of $52.00. Morgan Stanley’s target price indicates a potential upside of 21.69% from the company’s previous close.

Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Citigroup Inc. 3% Minimum Coupon Principal Protected Based Upon Russell lowered shares of Johnson Controls International from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and set a $51.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Monday, December 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of Johnson Controls International from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, December 14th. HSBC lowered shares of Johnson Controls International from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $52.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Monday, January 11th. Atlantic Securities upgraded shares of Johnson Controls International from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating and set a $56.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Wednesday, December 9th. Finally, Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Johnson Controls International from $42.00 to $56.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Thursday, February 25th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $47.15. Read more …

 

 

Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) was upgraded by analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, The Fly reports.

Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Gabelli raised Ecolab from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, January 15th. Zacks Investment Research downgraded Ecolab from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $221.00 price target for the company. in a report on Wednesday, February 17th. G.Research raised Ecolab from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, January 15th. Credit Suisse Group restated a “neutral” rating and issued a $210.00 price objective on shares of Ecolab in a research report on Monday, March 22nd. Finally, Barclays boosted their price objective on Ecolab from $225.00 to $245.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 8th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. The stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $210.69. Read more …

 

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of January 18, 2021

 

Upgrades:

 

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR) was upgraded by research analysts at Raymond James from an “outperform” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report issued on Tuesday, Anlyst Ratings reports. The firm currently has a $175.00 target price on the real estate investment trust’s stock. Raymond James’ target price suggests a potential upside of 26.86% from the company’s current price.

Several other research firms have also commented on DLR. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $141.00 to $148.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 29th. Edward Jones upgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, December 18th. Credit Suisse Group increased their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $173.00 to $179.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, October 30th. TD Securities upgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $170.00 target price on the stock in a report on Friday, December 18th. Finally, TheStreet lowered shares of Digital Realty Trust from a “b-” rating to a “c+” rating in a report on Tuesday, December 1st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Digital Realty Trust has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $160.40. Read more …

 

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW) was upgraded by The Goldman Sachs Group from a "sell" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research note issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Bank of America raised shares of Illinois Tool Works from an "underperform" rating to a "neutral" rating and boosted their price target for the company from $175.00 to $212.00 in a report on Thursday, October 29th. Credit Suisse Group raised shares of Illinois Tool Works from a "neutral" rating to an "outperform" rating and boosted their price target for the company from $209.00 to $235.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 12th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $205.00 to $225.00 in a report on Monday, October 26th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $220.00 to $225.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a report on Monday, October 26th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $200.00 to $207.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a report on Tuesday, January 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Illinois Tool Works has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $195.24. Read more …

 

Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR) was upgraded by The Goldman Sachs Group from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, Analyst Ratings Network reports. The firm presently has a $97.00 target price on the industrial products company’s stock, up from their prior target price of $89.00. The Goldman Sachs Group’s target price indicates a potential upside of 15.77% from the company’s previous close.

Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. UBS Group upgraded Emerson Electric from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and boosted their price target for the company from $69.00 to $100.00 in a report on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Emerson Electric from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 7th. Cowen reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Emerson Electric in a report on Sunday, October 4th. Stephens began coverage on Emerson Electric in a report on Thursday, October 15th. They issued an “overweight” rating for the company. Finally, Credit Suisse Group boosted their price objective on shares of Emerson Electric from $77.00 to $79.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 4th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. Emerson Electric presently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $76.31. Read more …

 

 

American Express (NYSE:AXP) was upgraded by stock analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an "underweight" rating to an "overweight" rating in a report issued on Tuesday, AnalystRatings.net reports. The firm presently has a $148.00 price target on the payment services company's stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s price target would suggest a potential upside of 16.72% from the company's current price.

AXP has been the subject of several other research reports. DZ Bank cut shares of American Express from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating and set a $128.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, December 9th. 140166 cut shares of American Express from a "positive" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $110.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Friday, October 9th. Barclays upgraded shares of American Express from an "equal weight" rating to a "positive" rating and upped their target price for the stock from $114.00 to $132.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 10th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Bank of America cut shares of American Express from a "neutral" rating to an "underperform" rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $106.00 to $95.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 23rd. Finally, Zacks Investment Research cut shares of American Express from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating and set a $126.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Wednesday, November 25th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. The stock presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $117.46. Read more …

 

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of January 4, 2021 (Part 1)

 

Upgrades:

 

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) was upgraded by investment analysts at Barclays from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, AR Network reports. The brokerage currently has a $88.00 target price on the financial services provider's stock. Barclays's target price points to a potential upside of 28.41% from the stock's current price.

A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on MS. JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on Morgan Stanley in a research note on Tuesday, October 13th. They issued an "overweight" rating and a $57.00 price target for the company. DA Davidson lifted their price target on Morgan Stanley from $64.00 to $68.00 in a research note on Friday, October 16th. ValuEngine downgraded Morgan Stanley from a "sell" rating to a "strong sell" rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 2nd. Berenberg Bank lifted their price target on Morgan Stanley from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a "hold" rating in a research note on Monday, October 19th. Finally, Oppenheimer reissued a "buy" rating on shares of Morgan Stanley in a report on Tuesday, September 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, sixteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The stock currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $59.52. Read more …

 

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS) was upgraded by stock analysts at Barclays from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a report issued on Monday, AR Network reports. The brokerage currently has a $362.00 target price on the investment management company’s stock. Barclays‘s price objective would suggest a potential upside of 37.27% from the company’s current price.

GS has been the subject of several other reports. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Monday, December 21st. ValuEngine cut The Goldman Sachs Group from a “sell” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research report on Saturday, October 17th. Credit Suisse Group increased their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $262.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday, December 11th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $267.00 to $274.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 15th. Finally, JMP Securities raised their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $280.00 to $285.00 and gave the company a “market outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating, sixteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. The company has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $262.86. Read more …

 

AT&T (NYSE:T) was upgraded by research analysts at Raymond James from a "market perform" rating to an "outperform" rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, Briefing.com reports. The firm currently has a $32.00 target price on the technology company's stock. Raymond James' target price would suggest a potential upside of 11.27% from the stock's current price.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. KeyCorp cut shares of AT&T from a "sector weight" rating to an "underweight" rating and set a $25.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Monday, October 5th. BidaskClub lowered shares of AT&T from a "sell" rating to a "strong sell" rating in a research note on Friday, December 18th. Barclays initiated coverage on AT&T in a research note on Friday, October 2nd. They issued an "overweight" rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of AT&T from $32.00 to $30.00 in a report on Monday, October 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley downgraded AT&T from an "overweight" rating to an "equal weight" rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $36.00 to $34.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 17th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company's stock. The stock presently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $32.40. Read more …

 

 

V.F. (NYSE:VFC) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Piper Sandler to an “overweight” rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday, Stock Target Advisor reports. The firm currently has a $106.00 target price on the textile maker’s stock, up from their previous target price of $73.00. Piper Sandler’s price target would suggest a potential upside of 24.11% from the stock’s current price.

A number of other analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of V.F. from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating and increased their price target for the company from $85.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 17th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of V.F. from $84.00 to $94.00 in a research report on Tuesday, November 10th. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on shares of V.F. from $85.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 10th. Cowen raised their price target on shares of V.F. from $64.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 15th. Finally, BTIG Research raised shares of V.F. from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $88.00 target price on the stock in a report on Tuesday, September 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. The stock has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $83.42. Read more …