Dividend Kings In Focus: Illinois Tool Works

 

Each year, we individually review all the Dividend Kings. The next in the series is Illinois Tool Works (ITW).

 

Illinois Tool Works has increased its dividend for 50 consecutive years, which is especially impressive since it operates in a highly cyclical sector. This article will discuss the major factors for Illinois Tool Works’ long dividend history.

 

 

Business Overview

Illinois Tool Works has been in business for more than 100 years. It started out all the way back in 1902 when a financier named Byron Smith placed an ad in the Economist. At the time, Smith was looking to invest in a “high-class business (manufacturing preferred) in or near Chicago.” A group of inventors approached Smith with an idea to improve gear grinding, and Illinois Tool Works was born.

 

Today, Illinois Tool Works has a market capitalization of $68 billion and generates annual revenue of nearly $15 billion. Illinois Tool Works is composed of seven segments: Automotive, Food Equipment, Test & Measurement, Welding, Polymers & Fluids, Construction Products, and Specialty Products.

 

These segments have performed very well against its peers and has allowed Illinois Tool Works to achieve “best of breed” status in its industry.

 

Illinois Tool Works’ portfolio is concentrated in product segments that each hold above-average growth potential in their respective markets. The overarching strategic growth plan for Illinois Tool Works is to continuously reshape its business model, when necessary. The company frequently utilizes bolt-on acquisitions to expand its reach.

 

 

Growth Prospects

While 2020 was a very difficult year for the global economy, due to the coronavirus pandemic which weighed heavily on economic growth, Illinois Tool Works continued to generate steady profits. In 2021, the company continued to grow its earnings and the stock price continued to run higher with a total year return of 23.4% for the entire year of 2021.

 

Continue reading …

 

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of March 28 2022

 

Upgrades:

 

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) was upgraded by research analysts at Morgan Stanley from an "underweight" rating to an "equal weight" rating in a report issued on Monday, The Fly reports.

Several other research firms also recently issued reports on BAC. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Bank of America from $52.50 to $53.50 in a research note on Thursday, February 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a "buy" rating on shares of Bank of America in a research note on Friday, December 17th. Argus boosted their target price on shares of Bank of America from $50.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 20th. Societe Generale downgraded shares of Bank of America from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 5th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Finally, Robert W. Baird raised shares of Bank of America from an "underperform" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $42.00 target price for the company in a research note on Tuesday, March 8th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $50.38. Read more …

 

Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) was upgraded by investment analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an "underweight" rating to a "neutral" rating in a report released on Monday, The Fly reports. The firm presently has a $440.00 target price on the industrial products company's stock, up from their previous target price of $355.00. JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s target price would suggest a potential upside of 0.81% from the company's previous close.

A number of other analysts have also commented on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on shares of Deere & Company from $400.00 to $417.00 and gave the company a "hold" rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 22nd. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of Deere & Company from $354.00 to $415.00 in a research note on Monday, November 29th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a "buy" rating and set a $450.00 price objective on shares of Deere & Company in a research note on Friday, December 3rd. Zacks Investment Research lowered shares of Deere & Company from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating and set a $412.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Monday, February 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Deere & Company in a research report on Friday, March 11th. They issued an "overweight" rating and a $455.00 price target for the company. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Deere & Company currently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average price target of $437.59. Read more …

 

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW) was upgraded by equities researchers at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a "neutral" rating to an "overweight" rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday, The Fly reports. The firm currently has a $255.00 price objective on the industrial products company's stock, down from their prior price objective of $262.00. JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s price objective suggests a potential upside of 20.43% from the stock's previous close.

Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $218.00 to $210.00 and set an "underweight" rating for the company in a research note on Monday, February 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $239.00 to $263.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research report on Monday, December 13th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $231.00 to $220.00 and set a "hold" rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 10th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $239.54. Read more …

 

 

 

Downgrades:

 

Citigroup (NYSE:C) was downgraded by analysts at Morgan Stanley from an “equal weight” rating to an “underweight” rating in a research report issued on Monday, The Fly reports. They currently have a $60.00 price objective on the stock, down from their prior price objective of $75.00. Morgan Stanley’s target price would suggest a potential upside of 5.75% from the company’s previous close.

Several other research analysts also recently commented on C. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Citigroup from $83.00 to $78.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, March 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Citigroup from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $79.00 to $60.00 in a report on Monday, March 7th. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on Citigroup from $88.00 to $85.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 18th. Credit Suisse Group reduced their price target on Citigroup from $72.00 to $66.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, March 7th. Finally, Oppenheimer reduced their price target on Citigroup from $120.00 to $114.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 18th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $74.75. Read more …

 

Campbell Soup (NYSE:CPB) was downgraded by analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from an “outperform” rating to a “sector perform” rating in a report released on Monday, The Fly reports. They presently have a $46.00 price target on the stock, down from their previous price target of $47.00. Royal Bank of Canada’s price objective suggests a potential upside of 3.30% from the stock’s previous close.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on CPB. Credit Suisse Group raised their target price on shares of Campbell Soup from $41.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of Campbell Soup from $45.00 to $46.00 in a research report on Tuesday, March 1st. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Campbell Soup from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Thursday, March 10th. Evercore ISI restated a “hold” rating on shares of Campbell Soup in a research report on Thursday, December 16th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Campbell Soup from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, February 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and ten have issued a hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $44.56. Read more …

 

Altria Group (NYSE:MO) was downgraded by equities researchers at Royal Bank of Canada from an "outperform" rating to a "sector perform" rating in a report issued on Monday, The Fly reports.

Several other research firms also recently issued reports on MO. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $47.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 26th. Bank of America downgraded shares of Altria Group from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $56.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 5th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Altria Group from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $48.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Tuesday, March 22nd. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $54.17.

Shares of MO opened at $53.62 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.67. The stock has a market cap of $97.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.32, a PEG ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a 50-day moving average of $51.17 and a two-hundred day moving average of $48.29. Altria Group has a 12-month low of $42.53 and a 12-month high of $53.96. Read more …

 

 

CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) was downgraded by investment analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Briefing.com reports. They presently have a $110.00 price objective on the pharmacy operator's stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft's price target points to a potential upside of 1.81% from the company's previous close.

Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Truist Financial upped their price target on CVS Health from $118.00 to $124.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 5th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on CVS Health from $98.00 to $107.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a report on Monday, December 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on CVS Health in a report on Tuesday, December 14th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $121.00 price objective for the company. Tigress Financial upped their price objective on CVS Health from $108.00 to $122.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a report on Thursday, December 23rd. Finally, Seaport Global Securities initiated coverage on CVS Health in a report on Wednesday, December 1st. They issued a "buy" rating and a $110.00 price target for the company. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen 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 an average price target of $112.95. Read more …

 

Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK) was downgraded by equities research analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research note issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

Several other analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $70.00 to $63.00 and set an "equal weight" rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, March 22nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded Bank of New York Mellon from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating and increased their target price for the company from $66.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 11th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded Bank of New York Mellon from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and set a $66.00 target price for the company in a research note on Monday, January 10th. Barclays increased their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $62.00 to $74.00 in a research note on Monday, January 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Bank of New York Mellon from a "neutral" rating to an "overweight" rating and increased their target price for the company from $62.50 to $67.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 16th. 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 a consensus price target of $63.57. Read more …

 

Kimco Realty (NYSE:KIM) was downgraded by investment analysts at Morgan Stanley from an "overweight" rating to an "equal weight" rating in a report released on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Jefferies Financial Group raised Kimco Realty from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and increased their price target for the stock from $24.00 to $29.00 in a research report on Monday, January 10th. StockNews.com raised Kimco Realty from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 22nd. Citigroup increased their price target on Kimco Realty from $26.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research report on Thursday, December 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded Kimco Realty from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating and increased their price target for the stock from $24.00 to $26.00 in a research report on Monday, January 3rd. Finally, Truist Financial raised their target price on Kimco Realty from $25.00 to $27.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research report on Friday, December 10th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus target price of $26.07. Read more …

 

 

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) was downgraded by equities research analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an "overweight" rating to a "neutral" rating in a report issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on PG. StockNews.com raised Procter & Gamble from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Wednesday. Truist Financial upgraded Procter & Gamble from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and raised their target price for the company from $165.00 to $175.00 in a research report on Tuesday, March 22nd. Zacks Investment Research cut Procter & Gamble from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating and set a $163.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on Procter & Gamble from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a "sector perform" rating in a research report on Thursday, January 20th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their target price on Procter & Gamble from $179.00 to $173.00 in a research report on Tuesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $158.85. Read more …

 

HP (NYSE:HPQ) was downgraded by research analysts at Morgan Stanley from an “equal weight” rating to an “underweight” rating in a note issued to investors on Thursday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They presently have a $31.00 price objective on the computer maker’s stock, down from their prior price objective of $34.00. Morgan Stanley’s target price indicates a potential downside of 20.19% from the company’s previous close.

Several other analysts also recently commented on HPQ. Barclays increased their target price on shares of HP from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an “underweight” rating in a report on Tuesday, March 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of HP from $38.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 20th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of HP in a research report on Thursday. They set a “buy” rating for the company. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their target price on shares of HP from $32.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 11th. Finally, Evercore ISI reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $42.00 target price on shares of HP in a research report on Friday, February 25th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, HP currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $35.79. Read more …

 

Canadian Utilities (TSE:CU) was downgraded by TD Securities from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note issued on Friday, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a C$39.00 price objective on the stock. TD Securities’ price objective would suggest a potential upside of 2.20% from the company’s current price.

Separately, National Bankshares decreased their price objective on shares of Canadian Utilities from C$37.00 to C$36.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 26th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Canadian Utilities currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of C$37.11.

Shares of TSE CU traded down C$0.16 during trading on Friday, hitting C$38.16. 177,970 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 643,627. The company has a market cap of C$10.28 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.54. Canadian Utilities has a 1 year low of C$33.76 and a 1 year high of C$38.51. The firm’s fifty day moving average price is C$36.17 and its 200 day moving average price is C$35.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 140.27, a current ratio of 1.22 and a quick ratio of 1.10. Read more …

 

 

Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:WBA) was downgraded by Robert W. Baird from an “outperform” rating to a “neutral” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, The Fly reports. They presently have a $51.00 price objective on the pharmacy operator’s stock, down from their prior price objective of $70.00. Robert W. Baird’s price target indicates a potential upside of 13.92% from the company’s previous close.

WBA has been the topic of several other research reports. StockNews.com started coverage on Walgreens Boots Alliance in a research report on Thursday. They set a “buy” rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley downgraded Walgreens Boots Alliance from an “equal weight” rating to an “underweight” rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $56.00 to $49.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 16th. Mizuho raised their price target on Walgreens Boots Alliance from $51.00 to $56.00 in a research note on Monday, January 10th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded Walgreens Boots Alliance from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $56.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 4th. Finally, TheStreet upgraded Walgreens Boots Alliance from a “c+” rating to a “b-” rating in a research note on Monday, January 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $52.33. Read more …

 

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of May 24, 2021

 

Upgrades:

 

Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI) (TSE:CNR) was upgraded by investment analysts at CIBC from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

A number of other brokerages have also weighed in on CNI. Vertical Research upgraded Canadian National Railway from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Canadian National Railway from $113.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 27th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on Canadian National Railway from $152.00 to $150.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 22nd. Desjardins decreased their price target on shares of Canadian National Railway from $150.00 to $146.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 28th. Finally, National Bank Financial reiterated a “sector perform” rating on shares of Canadian National Railway in a research note on Wednesday, April 21st. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. Canadian National Railway has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $128.94. Read more …

 

ONEOK (NYSE:OKE) was upgraded by stock analysts at Morgan Stanley from an "underweight" rating to an "equal weight" rating in a report issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The brokerage currently has a $55.00 price objective on the utilities provider's stock. Morgan Stanley's target price indicates a potential upside of 4.44% from the company's current price.

Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of ONEOK from $49.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a "sector perform" rating in a report on Tuesday, May 4th. TheStreet raised ONEOK from a "c+" rating to a "b-" rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 28th. Credit Suisse Group lifted their target price on shares of ONEOK from $49.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research note on Monday, May 17th. Mizuho increased their price target on shares of ONEOK from $44.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 7th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Finally, Raymond James lifted their price objective on shares of ONEOK from $47.00 to $54.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. The company presently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $42.76. Read more …

 

Johnson Controls International (NYSE:JCI) was upgraded by analysts at Barclays from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research note issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The brokerage currently has a $75.00 price target on the stock, up from their prior price target of $67.00. Barclays‘s target price would indicate a potential upside of 15.49% from the stock’s current price.

A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on JCI. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Johnson Controls International from $73.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Monday, May 10th. UBS Group raised shares of Johnson Controls International to a “buy” rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $57.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 22nd. Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on shares of Johnson Controls International from $56.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on shares of Johnson Controls International from $62.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, May 3rd. Finally, Credit Suisse Group lifted their price target on shares of Johnson Controls International from $64.00 to $66.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Monday, May 10th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. Johnson Controls International presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $55.78. 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 …

 

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of October 26, 2020

 

Upgrades:

 

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) was upgraded by research analysts at Raymond James from a “market perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research report issued on Monday, Briefing.com reports. The brokerage presently has a $255.00 price objective on the medical research company’s stock. Raymond James’ price target indicates a potential upside of 12.26% from the company’s previous close.

AMGN has been the subject of several other reports. SunTrust Banks upped their target price on Amgen from $254.00 to $268.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, July 30th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on Amgen from $285.00 to $300.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 29th. Oppenheimer reduced their target price on Amgen from $280.00 to $275.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a report on Thursday. Cantor Fitzgerald upped their target price on Amgen from $263.00 to $279.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 29th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a “hold” rating on shares of Amgen in a report on Tuesday, September 22nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $254.88. Read more …

 

Atlantic Securities assumed coverage on shares of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) in a report issued on Monday, The Fly reports. The firm set an “overweight” rating on the iPhone maker’s stock.

Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Apple from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 14th. ValuEngine downgraded Apple from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 1st. Wolfe Research began coverage on Apple in a report on Friday, July 24th. They issued an “underperform” rating and a $78.75 price target on the stock. BNP Paribas raised Apple from an “underperform” rating to an “outperform” rating and raised their price target for the company from $77.00 to $140.00 in a report on Friday, September 25th. Finally, Macquarie reaffirmed a “hold” rating and issued a $66.60 price target on shares of Apple in a report on Tuesday, September 8th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seventeen have issued a hold rating, twenty-eight have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Apple currently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $108.73. Read more …

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM) was upgraded by investment analysts at Monness Crespi & Hardt from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note issued on Monday, Anlyst Ratings reports. The firm presently has a $60.00 price objective on the stock. Monness Crespi & Hardt’s target price points to a potential upside of 15.67% from the company’s previous close.

A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on the company. Stephens assumed coverage on Archer-Daniels-Midland in a report on Thursday, July 9th. They set a “buy” rating and a $52.00 target price for the company. Seaport Global Securities initiated coverage on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research report on Tuesday, July 28th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $51.00 target price for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating and set a $60.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 19th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $48.00 to $47.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, June 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $40.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Monday, August 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. Archer-Daniels-Midland has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $48.40. Read more …

 

 

 

American Express (NYSE:AXP) was upgraded by research analysts at DZ Bank from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report issued on Tuesday, Briefing.com reports. The firm currently has a $118.00 price target on the payment services company’s stock. DZ Bank’s price target would suggest a potential upside of 21.80% from the company’s current price.

A number of other analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Oppenheimer reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of American Express in a research note on Sunday. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of American Express from $114.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Monday, October 5th. Bank of America lowered shares of American Express from a “neutral” rating to an “underperform” rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $106.00 to $95.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 23rd. Compass Point increased their price objective on shares of American Express from $78.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Thursday, July 2nd. Finally, Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of American Express in a research report on Friday, July 31st. They set an “outperform” rating on the stock. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $105.04. Read more …

Week's Most Significant Insider Trades: Week of May 4, 2020

Disposals:

eBay Inc (NASDAQ:EBAY) SVP Wendy Elizabeth Jones sold 62,719 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $38.48, for a total value of $2,413,427.12. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 68,909 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,651,618.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

NASDAQ:EBAY opened at $40.32 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.87. The business’s 50-day simple moving average is $33.91 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $35.41. The stock has a market cap of $27.51 billion, a PE ratio of 6.69, a P/E/G ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.36. eBay Inc. has a 52 week low of $26.02 and a 52 week high of $42.00. Read more …

American Electric Power Company Inc (NYSE:AEP) CEO Nicholas K. Akins sold 16,519 shares of American Electric Power stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.90, for a total transaction of $1,352,906.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 134,743 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $11,035,451.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link.

Shares of American Electric Power stock opened at $78.82 on Thursday. American Electric Power Company Inc has a 1 year low of $65.14 and a 1 year high of $104.97. The firm has a market cap of $41.10 billion, a PE ratio of 20.26, a PEG ratio of 3.35 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 0.40 and a quick ratio of 0.28. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $81.37 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $91.75. Read more …

Microsoft Co. (NASDAQ:MSFT) EVP Margaret L. Johnson sold 35,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Friday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $176.08, for a total transaction of $6,162,800.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 50,023 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $8,808,049.84. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

MSFT opened at $183.60 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 2.90 and a quick ratio of 2.88. The company’s 50-day moving average is $162.59 and its 200 day moving average is $159.85. Microsoft Co. has a fifty-two week low of $119.01 and a fifty-two week high of $190.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $1,392.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.60, a PEG ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 0.95. Read more …

Starbucks Co. (NASDAQ:SBUX) Director Myron E. Ullman III sold 4,252 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, April 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.99, for a total value of $267,833.48. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 22,728 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,431,636.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link.

Shares of NASDAQ SBUX opened at $63.05 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $76.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.60, a PEG ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.72. Starbucks Co. has a 1 year low of $50.02 and a 1 year high of $99.72. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $74.31 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $83.83. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of March 30, 2020

Upgrades:

Nike (NYSE:NKE) was upgraded by Wells Fargo & Co from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a report released on Monday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The brokerage presently has a $99.00 price target on the footwear maker’s stock, up from their previous price target of $87.00. Wells Fargo & Co‘s price target points to a potential upside of 23.70% from the stock’s current price.

Several other analysts have also issued reports on NKE. Piper Jaffray Companies reiterated an “overweight” rating and issued a $110.00 target price (up previously from $101.00) on shares of Nike in a research report on Friday, December 20th. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of Nike from $119.00 to $88.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, March 24th. Guggenheim restated a “buy” rating and set a $110.00 price target on shares of Nike in a research report on Friday, December 13th. Deutsche Bank boosted their price target on shares of Nike from $80.00 to $84.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 25th. Finally, Raymond James lowered their price target on shares of Nike from $110.00 to $100.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 25th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and twenty-seven have given a buy rating to the company. The company presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $98.13. Read more …

Shares of Nucor Co. (NYSE:NUE) have been assigned an average rating of “Hold” from the fourteen analysts that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have assigned a hold recommendation and seven have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $51.50.

Several analysts recently weighed in on NUE shares. Zacks Investment Research raised shares of Nucor from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $41.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 31st. Deutsche Bank upgraded shares of Nucor from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating and dropped their target price for the company from $45.00 to $37.00 in a report on Monday, March 30th. Longbow Research upgraded shares of Nucor from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $65.00 target price on the stock in a report on Monday, December 9th. Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Nucor from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and dropped their target price for the company from $55.00 to $41.00 in a report on Monday, March 30th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group dropped their target price on shares of Nucor from $57.00 to $54.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, March 20th. Read more …

Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW) was upgraded by stock analysts at Goldman Sachs Group from a “neutral” rating to a “conviction-buy” rating in a research note issued on Monday, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage presently has a $590.00 price objective on the specialty chemicals company’s stock. Goldman Sachs Group’s target price would indicate a potential upside of 36.27% from the company’s previous close.

Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Northcoast Research upgraded Sherwin-Williams from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $620.00 target price for the company in a research report on Monday, March 2nd. Susquehanna Bancshares lowered shares of Sherwin-Williams from a “positive” rating to a “neutral” rating and set a $620.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Tuesday, February 4th. Credit Suisse Group reduced their target price on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $620.00 to $615.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 31st. Zacks Investment Research downgraded shares of Sherwin-Williams from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating and set a $583.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Friday, March 6th. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $580.00 to $566.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, March 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The stock has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $584.75. Read more …

Wedbush upgraded shares of Wendys (NASDAQ:WEN) from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning, BenzingaRatingsTable reports. They currently have $21.00 price target on the restaurant operator’s stock, down from their previous price target of $22.00. Wedbush also issued estimates for Wendys’ Q4 2020 earnings at $0.09 EPS, Q1 2021 earnings at $0.10 EPS, Q4 2021 earnings at $0.13 EPS, Q1 2022 earnings at $0.17 EPS and FY2022 earnings at $0.79 EPS.

Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Oppenheimer lowered their price objective on shares of Wendys from $26.00 to $22.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday. MKM Partners upped their target price on shares of Wendys from to in a research note on Thursday, February 27th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $22.00 target price on shares of Wendys in a research note on Thursday, January 23rd. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on shares of Wendys from to in a research note on Monday. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Wendys from $22.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, December 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $21.48. Read more …