Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of April 25 2022

 

Upgrades:

 

Cowen upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report sent to investors on Monday, The Fly reports.

Several other equities analysts also recently commented on the company. Danske upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 16th. Barclays increased their target price on Novo Nordisk A/S from 750.00 to 850.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 14th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a sell rating to a hold rating and set a $104.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Friday, February 25th. Finally, Liberum Capital downgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 25th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $491.20. Read more …

 

J.B. Hunt Transport Services (NASDAQ:JBHT) was upgraded by analysts at Susquehanna Bancshares from a "neutral" rating to a "positive" rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, Stock Target Advisor reports. The brokerage currently has a $217.00 price target on the transportation company's stock. Susquehanna Bancshares' price target would indicate a potential upside of 24.68% from the company's current price.

Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. KeyCorp dropped their target price on shares of J.B. Hunt Transport Services from $230.00 to $220.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 11th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on shares of J.B. Hunt Transport Services from $210.00 to $190.00 and set a "market perform" rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 19th. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of J.B. Hunt Transport Services from $205.00 to $230.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 12th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of J.B. Hunt Transport Services from $165.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a report on Tuesday, April 19th. Finally, Wolfe Research dropped their price objective on shares of J.B. Hunt Transport Services from $242.00 to $220.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 5th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $212.56. Read more …

 

Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM) (TSE:BAM.A) was upgraded by analysts at Credit Suisse Group from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, Briefing.com reports. The firm currently has a $71.50 price objective on the financial services provider’s stock, up from their prior price objective of $68.00. Credit Suisse Group’s target price suggests a potential upside of 43.75% from the stock’s current price.

A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Brookfield Asset Management from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 19th. TD Securities upped their target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $75.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock an “action list buy” rating in a research report on Monday, February 7th. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $61.00 to $65.50 in a research report on Friday, February 11th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of Brookfield Asset Management from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, April 21st. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $64.00 to $62.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 7th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $66.50. Read more …

 

 

Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) was upgraded by stock analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research report issued on Wednesday, Briefing.com reports. The brokerage presently has a $190.00 price objective on the basic materials company’s stock, down from their prior price objective of $191.00. JPMorgan Chase & Co.‘s price objective would suggest a potential upside of 12.78% from the stock’s previous close.

Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their target price on Ecolab from $230.00 to $210.00 in a research report on Thursday, February 17th. Robert W. Baird dropped their target price on Ecolab from $225.00 to $198.00 in a research report on Friday, January 21st. Credit Suisse Group dropped their target price on Ecolab from $255.00 to $215.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, February 16th. Mizuho dropped their target price on Ecolab from $216.00 to $210.00 in a research report on Friday, January 21st. Finally, Edward Jones raised shares of Ecolab from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, March 17th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $206.20. Read more …

 

 

Downgrades:

 

Bank of America cut shares of Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning, Marketbeat reports. They currently have $450.00 target price on the industrial products company’s stock, down from their prior target price of $475.00.

Several other brokerages have also commented on DE. Zacks Investment Research lowered shares of Deere & Company from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $412.00 price target for the company. in a report on Monday, February 14th. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on shares of Deere & Company from $425.00 to $475.00 in a report on Friday, January 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on shares of Deere & Company from $400.00 to $417.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, February 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Deere & Company from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their target price for the stock from $355.00 to $440.00 in a report on Monday, March 28th. Finally, DA Davidson upped their target price on shares of Deere & Company from $455.00 to $480.00 in a report on Friday, April 1st. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $440.53. Read more …

 

Wells Fargo & Company lowered shares of Danaher (NYSE:DHR) from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note released on Monday, Marketbeat reports. They currently have $265.00 price target on the conglomerate’s stock, down from their prior price target of $330.00.

Several other analysts also recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com downgraded Danaher from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday. Zacks Investment Research cut Danaher from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $295.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Monday, January 31st. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on Danaher from $311.00 to $299.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Sanford C. Bernstein began coverage on Danaher in a research report on Monday, January 10th. They issued an outperform rating and a $365.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Barclays dropped their price target on Danaher from $355.00 to $325.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 27th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $331.14. Read more …

 

 

Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut shares of Kellogg (NYSE:K) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report report published on Monday, MarketBeat reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has $73.00 price target on the stock, down from their previous price target of $74.00.

A number of other research firms have also weighed in on K. Bank of America lowered Kellogg from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $76.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 5th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Kellogg in a research note on Thursday, March 31st. They set a hold rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets lowered Kellogg from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $75.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Monday, January 31st. UBS Group started coverage on Kellogg in a research note on Wednesday, March 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $73.00 price target for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price target on Kellogg from $67.00 to $65.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $67.33. Read more …

 

The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report issued on Monday morning, Marketbeat reports. The Goldman Sachs Group currently has $55.00 target price on the cell phone carrier’s stock, down from their prior target price of $61.00.

VZ has been the subject of several other reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on shares of Verizon Communications from $56.00 to $57.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of Verizon Communications from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $62.00 to $56.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 26th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Verizon Communications in a research note on Thursday, March 31st. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Tigress Financial increased their price target on shares of Verizon Communications from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $58.80. Read more …

 

BCE (TSE:BCE) (NYSE:BCE) was downgraded by stock analysts at Canaccord Genuity Group to a "hold" rating in a research report issued on Tuesday, TipRanks reports. They currently have a C$71.00 price objective on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group's price target would indicate a potential downside of 0.28% from the company's current price.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Cormark raised their target price on BCE from C$67.00 to C$72.00 and gave the company a "sector perform" rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 20th. National Bankshares upped their target price on shares of BCE from C$70.00 to C$71.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research report on Friday, February 4th. CIBC raised their price objective on BCE from C$65.00 to C$67.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research report on Friday, February 4th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on BCE from C$69.00 to C$70.00 in a research note on Friday, February 4th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of BCE from C$66.00 to C$68.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a report on Monday, February 7th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of C$68.54. Read more …

 

 

TC Energy (TSE:TRP) (NYSE:TRP) was downgraded by equities researchers at Morgan Stanley to a “sell” rating in a report released on Tuesday, TipRanks reports. They presently have a C$78.00 price objective on the stock. Morgan Stanley’s target price would indicate a potential upside of 10.01% from the stock’s previous close.

A number of other analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Tudor Pickering & Holt lifted their price objective on TC Energy from C$63.00 to C$65.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 16th. National Bankshares raised their price target on shares of TC Energy from C$65.00 to C$66.00 and gave the company a “sector perform” rating in a report on Thursday, February 17th. Royal Bank of Canada set a C$72.00 target price on shares of TC Energy and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 16th. Scotiabank boosted their price target on TC Energy from C$72.00 to C$78.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 13th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group raised their price objective on TC Energy from C$74.00 to C$80.00 in a research note on Monday, April 11th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of C$70.50. Read more …

 

Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK) was downgraded by research analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an “overweight” rating to a “neutral” rating in a report released on Wednesday, Briefing.com reports. They presently have a $51.50 price target on the bank’s stock, down from their prior price target of $59.00. JPMorgan Chase & Co.‘s target price would suggest a potential upside of 19.05% from the company’s previous close.

Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Wolfe Research lowered Bank of New York Mellon from an “outperform” rating to a “peer perform” rating and set a $55.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Thursday, March 31st. Citigroup lowered Bank of New York Mellon from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $70.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Monday, April 11th. Zacks Investment Research raised Bank of New York Mellon from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $66.00 price target for the company in a research note on Monday, January 10th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered Bank of New York Mellon from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating and increased their price target for the company from $66.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 11th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group dropped their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $66.00 to $63.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, March 21st. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $57.86. Read more …

 

Diageo (NYSE:DEO) was downgraded by investment analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report released on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

Other research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Credit Suisse Group raised their price target on shares of Diageo from GBX 4,500 ($57.35) to GBX 4,700 ($59.90) in a research report on Wednesday, April 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Diageo from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, March 17th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Diageo from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, April 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of Diageo from GBX 3,100 ($39.51) to GBX 3,200 ($40.79) in a research report on Friday, January 28th. Finally, Societe Generale lifted their price objective on shares of Diageo from GBX 4,250 ($54.17) to GBX 4,500 ($57.35) in a research report on Tuesday, April 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, Diageo currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $2,921.17. Read more …

 

 

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) was downgraded by investment analysts at DZ Bank from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note issued on Thursday, Briefing.com reports. They currently have a $69.00 target price on the stock. DZ Bank's price objective points to a potential upside of 5.25% from the stock's current price.

KO has been the topic of several other reports. Cowen raised their target price on Coca-Cola from $65.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a "market perform" rating in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays set a $74.00 target price on Coca-Cola in a research report on Wednesday. HSBC raised their target price on Coca-Cola from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research report on Tuesday. Truist Financial increased their price target on Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price target on Coca-Cola from $63.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 15th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $67.29. Read more …

 

3M (NYSE:MMM) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Argus from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, The Fly reports.

Several other research analysts have also recently commented on MMM. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on 3M from $150.00 to $145.00 and set an “underweight” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, April 7th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on 3M from $184.00 to $173.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, February 15th. Citigroup decreased their price target on 3M from $157.00 to $151.00 in a report on Wednesday. UBS Group decreased their price target on 3M from $168.00 to $118.00 and set a “sell” rating for the company in a report on Friday, March 11th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price target on 3M from $167.00 to $164.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Six analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $164.73. Read more …

 

Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) was downgraded by equities researchers at Bank of America from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating in a report released on Friday, The Fly reports. They presently have a $50.00 target price on the cable giant’s stock, down from their prior target price of $67.00. Bank of America‘s price objective indicates a potential upside of 19.90% from the company’s current price.

Several other analysts have also weighed in on CMCSA. Truist Financial lowered shares of Comcast from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and decreased their target price for the company from $70.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Tuesday, March 1st. Oppenheimer decreased their target price on shares of Comcast from $75.00 to $60.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 14th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Comcast from $65.00 to $60.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 28th. Cowen boosted their price target on shares of Comcast from $60.00 to $64.00 in a research report on Friday, January 28th. Finally, Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Comcast from $56.00 to $48.00 in a research report on Friday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $60.04. Read more …

 

 

Domino’s Pizza (NYSE:DPZ) was downgraded by analysts at BTIG Research from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating in a note issued to investors on Friday, The Fly reports.

Several other equities analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Guggenheim reduced their price objective on shares of Domino’s Pizza from $480.00 to $445.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, March 3rd. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on shares of Domino’s Pizza from $480.00 to $450.00 and set a “market perform” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, March 2nd. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price target on shares of Domino’s Pizza from $485.00 to $425.00 in a research note on Tuesday, March 1st. MKM Partners cut their price target on shares of Domino’s Pizza from $490.00 to $440.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 20th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price target on shares of Domino’s Pizza from $468.00 to $440.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, March 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twenty-one have assigned a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $454.85. Read more …

 

Mastercard (NYSE:MA) was downgraded by equities researchers at Piper Sandler from a “neutral” rating to an “underweight” rating in a report released on Friday, The Fly reports.

MA has been the subject of several other research reports. Raymond James reduced their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $453.00 to $447.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 28th. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $430.00 to $420.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 4th. Bank of America reduced their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $416.00 to $402.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 18th. Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $465.00 to $400.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 7th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Thursday, March 31st. They set a “hold” rating for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $426.94. Read more …

 

Old Republic International (NYSE:ORI) was downgraded by investment analysts at Raymond James from a “strong-buy” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, The Fly reports. They presently have a $28.00 price target on the insurance provider’s stock, down from their previous price target of $30.00. Raymond James’ target price indicates a potential upside of 21.37% from the stock’s current price.

Other research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Old Republic International in a report on Thursday, March 31st. They issued a “buy” rating for the company. Zacks Investment Research cut shares of Old Republic International from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, April 5th. Read more …

 

 

Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE:SWK) was downgraded by stock analysts at Mizuho from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research report issued on Friday, The Fly reports. They presently have a $145.00 target price on the industrial products company's stock, down from their prior target price of $222.00. Mizuho's price target suggests a potential upside of 14.06% from the stock's previous close.

A number of other research analysts have also recently commented on SWK. StockNews.com began coverage on Stanley Black & Decker in a report on Thursday, March 31st. They issued a "hold" rating on the stock. Citigroup cut Stanley Black & Decker from a "buy" rating to a "sell" rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $215.00 to $145.00 in a report on Monday, February 7th. Barclays cut their target price on Stanley Black & Decker from $220.00 to $180.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 4th. TheStreet downgraded Stanley Black & Decker from a "b-" rating to a "c+" rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 30th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their target price on Stanley Black & Decker from $223.00 to $183.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Stanley Black & Decker currently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $170.69. Read more …

 

Visa (NYSE:V) was downgraded by analysts at Piper Sandler from an “overweight” rating to a “neutral” rating in a report issued on Friday, The Fly reports.

Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of Visa from $285.00 to $265.00 in a research note on Monday. Raymond James increased their price target on shares of Visa from $265.00 to $281.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday, January 28th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Visa from $279.00 to $284.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Visa from $265.00 to $260.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 4th. Finally, Cowen decreased their price target on shares of Visa from $276.00 to $254.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-one have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $266.15. Read more …

 

Western Union (NYSE:WU) was downgraded by research analysts at Citigroup from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research note issued on Friday, MarketBeat.com reports. They presently have a $20.00 price objective on the credit services provider's stock. Citigroup's price objective would suggest a potential upside of 16.41% from the stock's current price.

WU has been the topic of a number of other research reports. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Western Union in a research note on Thursday, March 31st. They issued a "neutral" rating and a $19.00 price target on the stock. Wolfe Research reaffirmed a "hold" rating and set a $21.00 price target on shares of Western Union in a report on Friday, March 25th. Zacks Investment Research raised shares of Western Union from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating and set a $20.00 price target for the company in a report on Thursday, April 14th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Western Union in a report on Thursday, March 31st. They set a "hold" rating for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Western Union from $20.00 to $19.00 in a report on Friday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $20.12. Read more …

 

Dividend Increases Week 7 (Part 2)

 

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, 39 companies announced dividend increases and one decrease. This is the second part of the week’s 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)

Cisco Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells Internet Protocol based networking and other products related to the communications and information technology industry in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, Japan, and China. It provides infrastructure platforms, including networking technologies of switching, routing, wireless, and data center products that are designed to work together to deliver networking capabilities, and transport and/or store data. Cisco Systems, Inc. was incorporated in 1984 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.

On February 16, CSCO declared a quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share.

This is a 2.7% increase from prior dividend of $0.37. 

Payable April 27 for shareholders of record April 6, ex-div April 5.

 

MVB Financial Corp. (MVBF)

MVB Financial Corp., together with its subsidiaries, provides banking and mortgage products and services to individuals and corporate clients in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Commercial and Retail Banking; Mortgage Banking; and Financial Holding Company. MVB Financial Corp. was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Fairmont, West Virginia.

On February 16, MVBF declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share.

This is a 13.3% increase from prior dividend of $0.15. 

Payable March 15 for shareholders of record March 1, ex-div February 28.

 

goeasy Ltd. (TSE:GSY)

goeasy Ltd. provides non-prime leasing and lending services to consumers in Canada. The company operates through two segments, Easyfinancial and Easyhome. goeasy Ltd. was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada

On February 16, GSY declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.91 per share.

This is a 37.9% increase from prior dividend of C$0.66. 

Payable April 8 for shareholders of record March 25, ex-div March 24.

 

Humana Inc. (HUM)

Humana Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a health and well-being company in the United States. It operates through Retail, Group and Specialty, and Healthcare Services segments. The company offers medical and supplemental benefit plans to individuals. Humana Inc. was incorporated in 1964 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

On February 17, HUM declared a quarterly dividend of $0.7875 per share.

This is a 12.5% increase from prior dividend of $0.70. 

Payable April 29 for shareholders of record March 31, ex-div March 30.

 

Walmart Inc. (WMT)

Walmart Inc. engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications. Walmart Inc. was founded in 1945 and is based in Bentonville, Arkansas.

On February 17, WMT declared a quarterly dividend of $0.56 per share.

This is a 1.8% increase from prior dividend of $0.55. 

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

 

 

Brunswick Corporation (BC)

Brunswick Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets recreation products worldwide. It operates through Propulsion; Parts & Accessories; and Boat segments. Brunswick Corporation was founded in 1845 and is headquartered in Mettawa, Illinois.

On February 17, BC declared a quarterly dividend of $0.365 per share.

This is a 9.0% increase from prior dividend of $0.335. 

Payable March 15 for shareholders of record February 23, ex-div February 22.

 

Service Corporation International (SCI)

Service Corporation International provides deathcare products and services in the United States and Canada. The company operates through Funeral and Cemetery segments. The company was incorporated in 1962 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

On February 17, SCI declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share.

This is an 8.7% increase from prior dividend of $0.23. 

Payable March 31 for shareholders of record March 15, ex-div March 14.

 

United Bancorp, Inc. (UBCP)

United Bancorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Unified Bank that provides commercial and retail banking services in Ohio. It accepts demand, savings, and time deposits, as well as grants commercial, commercial and residential real estate, and consumer loans. United Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Martins Ferry, Ohio.

On February 17, UBCP declared a quarterly dividend of $0.1525 per share.

This is a 1.7% increase from prior dividend of $0.15. 

Payable March 18 for shareholders of record March 10 ex-div March 9.

 

The Coca-Cola Company (KO)

The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks; water, enhanced water, and sports drinks; juice, dairy, and plant–based beverages; tea and coffee; and energy drinks. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores. The company was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

On February 17, KO declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share.

This is a 4.8% increase from prior dividend of $0.42. 

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

 

Financial Institutions, Inc. (FISI)

Financial Institutions, Inc. operates as a holding company for the Five Star Bank that provides banking and financial services to individuals, municipalities, and businesses. The company offers checking and savings account programs, including money market accounts, certificates of deposit, sweep investments, and individual retirement and other qualified plan accounts. Financial Institutions, Inc. was founded in 1817 and is headquartered in Warsaw, New York.

On February 17, FISI declared a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share.

This is a 7.4% increase from prior dividend of $0.27. 

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

 

 

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS)

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a telecommunications company, provides communications services in the United States. It operates through three segments: UScellular, Wireline, and Cable. The company was incorporated in 1968 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

On February 17, TDS declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share.

This is a 2.9% increase from prior dividend of $0.175. 

Payable March 31 for shareholders of record March 15, ex-div March 14.

 

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (MPW)

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. is a self-advised real estate investment trust formed in 2003 to acquire and develop net-leased hospital facilities. From its inception in Birmingham, Alabama, the Company has grown to become one of the world’s largest owners of hospitals with 431 facilities and roughly 43,000 licensed beds in nine countries and across four continents on a pro forma basis. MPT’s financing model facilitates acquisitions and recapitalizations and allows operators of hospitals to unlock the value of their real estate assets to fund facility improvements, technology upgrades and other investments in operations.

On February 17, MPW declared a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share.

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

Payable April 14 for shareholders of record March 17, ex-div March 16.

 

United Community Banks, Inc. (UCBI)

United Community Banks, Inc. operates as the financial holding company for United Community Bank that provides banking services for individuals, small businesses, and companies. The company accepts various deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, and other deposit accounts. United Community Banks, Inc. was founded in 1950 and is based in Blairsville, Georgia.

On February 17, UCBI declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share.

This is a 5.0% increase from prior dividend of $0.20. 

Payable April 5 for shareholders of record March 15, ex-div March 14.

 

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE)

NextEra Energy, Inc., through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. The company generates electricity through wind, solar, nuclear, and fossil fuel, such as coal and natural gas facilities. NextEra Energy, Inc. was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida.

On February 18, NEE declared a quarterly dividend of $0.425 per share.

This is a 10.4% increase from prior dividend of $0.385. 

Payable March 15 for shareholders of record March 1, ex-div February 28.

 

PPL Corporation (PPL)

PPL Corporation, a utility holding company, delivers electricity and natural gas in the United States and the United Kingdom. The company operates through three segments: U.K. Regulated, Kentucky Regulated, and Pennsylvania Regulated. PPL Corporation was founded in 1920 and is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

On February 18, PPL declared a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share.

This is a 51.8% decrease from prior dividend of $0.415. 

Payable April 1 for shareholders of record March 10, ex-div March 9.

 

 

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (ABR)

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. invests in a diversified portfolio of structured finance assets in the multifamily, single-family rental, and commercial real estate markets in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Structured Business and Agency Business. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Uniondale, New York.

On February 18, ABR declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share.

This is a 2.8% increase from prior dividend of $0.36. 

Payable March 18 for shareholders of record March 4, ex-div March 3.

 

Avnet, Inc. (AVT)

Avnet, Inc., a technology solutions company, markets, sells, and distributes electronic components. The company operates through two segments, Electronic Components and Farnell. Avnet, Inc. was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

On February 18, AVT declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share.

This is an 8.3% increase from prior dividend of $0.24. 

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

 

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK)

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. operates as a bank holding company for Peoples Bank that provides various commercial and consumer banking products and services to individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. It offers checking, savings, money market, and time deposits; demand deposits; and certificates of deposit. Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Newton, North Carolina.

On February 18, PEBK declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share.

This is a 5.9% increase from prior dividend of $0.17. 

Payable March 15 for shareholders of record March 3, ex-div March 2.

 

The Allstate Corporation (ALL)

The Allstate Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides property and casualty, and other insurance products in the United States and Canada. The company operates through Allstate Protection, Protection Services, Allstate Life, and Allstate Benefits segments. The Allstate Corporation was founded in 1931 and is based in Northbrook, Illinois.

On February 18, ALL declared a quarterly dividend of $0.85 per share.

This is a 4.9% increase from prior dividend of $0.81. 

Payable April 1 for shareholders of record February 28, ex-div February 25.

 

Aon plc (AON)

Aon plc, a professional services firm, provides advice and solutions to clients focused on risk, retirement, and health worldwide. It offers commercial risk solutions, including retail brokerage, cyber, and global risk consulting solutions, as well as acts as a captive insurance solutions provider; and health solutions, such as health and benefits brokerages, and health care exchanges. Aon plc was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

On February 18, AON declared a quarterly dividend of $0.56 per share.

This is a 9.8% increase from prior dividend of $0.51. 

Payable May

 

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of January 3 2022 (Part 1)

 

Upgrades:

 

Canadian Pacific Railway (TSE:CP) (NYSE:CP) was upgraded by analysts at Susquehanna Bancshares to a "buy" rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Stock Target Advisor reports. The brokerage presently has a C$87.00 target price on the stock. Susquehanna Bancshares' price target suggests a potential downside of 7.36% from the company's current price.

CP has been the subject of several other research reports. Evercore reissued an "outperform" rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Railway in a research report on Tuesday, December 21st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of Canadian Pacific Railway to a "hold" rating and set a C$79.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Monday, November 29th. Scotiabank increased their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Railway from C$105.00 to C$106.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research note on Friday, December 3rd. UBS Group reiterated a "buy" rating and set a C$111.00 price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Railway in a research note on Wednesday, October 27th. Finally, Desjardins reduced their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Railway from C$104.00 to C$103.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 21st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of C$156.87. Read more …

 

McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) was upgraded by investment analysts at Piper Sandler from a "neutral" rating to an "overweight" rating in a research report issued on Monday, The Fly reports.

A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on MCD. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on McDonald's from $250.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research note on Thursday, October 28th. Truist Securities lifted their price objective on shares of McDonald's from $266.00 to $275.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 27th. Oppenheimer upped their price target on shares of McDonald's from $270.00 to $280.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research note on Thursday, October 28th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Argus upped their target price on McDonald's from $275.00 to $300.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on McDonald's from $245.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock a "hold" rating in a report on Thursday, October 28th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-six have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, McDonald's currently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $268.45. Read more …

 

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) was upgraded by Barclays from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating in a report released on Monday, The Fly reports.

WFC has been the topic of several other reports. Raymond James upped their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $55.00 to $58.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a report on Thursday, December 9th. UBS Group began coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Friday, December 10th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $65.00 price target on the stock. Evercore ISI reissued a "buy" rating and issued a $49.00 price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Friday, September 10th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Wells Fargo & Company from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating and set a $61.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 6th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $51.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research report on Monday, October 11th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company presently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and an average price target of $50.43. Read more …

 

 

Air Products and Chemicals (NYSE:APD) was upgraded by stock analysts at Vertical Research from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report released on Tuesday, FinViz reports. The firm currently has a $335.00 target price on the basic materials company's stock. Vertical Research's target price would indicate a potential upside of 13.25% from the company's previous close.

A number of other research analysts have also commented on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on Air Products and Chemicals from $315.00 to $340.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research note on Friday, November 5th. Mizuho assumed coverage on Air Products and Chemicals in a research note on Friday, November 5th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $312.00 target price for the company. Wolfe Research lowered Air Products and Chemicals from an "outperform" rating to a "peer perform" rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $332.00 to $331.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 9th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on Air Products and Chemicals from $312.00 to $338.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research note on Friday, October 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average price target of $321.06. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of December 13 2021

 

Upgrades:

 

Atmos Energy (NYSE:ATO) was upgraded by Bank of America from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The firm currently has a $107.00 target price on the utilities provider's stock, up from their prior target price of $100.00. Bank of America's price target would indicate a potential upside of 10.15% from the stock's previous close.

Several other research firms also recently commented on ATO. Zacks Investment Research raised shares of Atmos Energy from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and set a $102.00 target price on the stock in a report on Monday, September 6th. Argus cut shares of Atmos Energy from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Thursday, October 7th. Mizuho boosted their price target on shares of Atmos Energy from $109.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 17th. TheStreet cut shares of Atmos Energy from a "b" rating to a "c+" rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Atmos Energy from $123.00 to $119.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 19th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $108.83. Read more …

 

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) was upgraded by stock analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a "neutral" rating to an "overweight" rating in a research note issued on Monday, The Fly reports. The brokerage currently has a $63.00 price objective on the stock, up from their prior price objective of $59.00. JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s target price suggests a potential upside of 11.94% from the stock's current price. The analysts noted that the move was a valuation call.

KO has been the subject of a number of other reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $60.00 to $59.00 and set a "hold" rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 15th. Evercore ISI reaffirmed a "buy" rating on shares of Coca-Cola in a research report on Tuesday, November 9th. Credit Suisse Group set a $63.00 price objective on shares of Coca-Cola in a report on Thursday. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $62.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research note on Thursday, October 28th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group set a $55.00 price objective on shares of Coca-Cola in a research report on Thursday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $61.29. Read more …

 

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) was upgraded by UBS Group to a “buy” rating in a report released on Monday, Price Targets.com reports. The firm currently has a $60.00 price target on the biopharmaceutical company’s stock, up from their previous price target of $52.00. UBS Group’s target price indicates a potential upside of 13.68% from the company’s current price.

A number of other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. SVB Leerink cut their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $50.00 to $48.00 and set a “market perform” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 3rd. Erste Group raised shares of Pfizer from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday. Benchmark increased their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $29.00 to $45.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, November 5th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, December 8th. They issued an “overweight” rating and a $60.00 target price for the company. Finally, Truist Securities raised their target price on shares of Pfizer from $43.00 to $58.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, November 24th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $52.24. Read more …

 

 

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) was upgraded by stock analysts at Bank of America from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports. The brokerage currently has a $210.00 target price on the iPhone maker’s stock, up from their previous target price of $160.00. Bank of America‘s price target indicates a potential upside of 19.49% from the stock’s current price.

A number of other research analysts also recently commented on AAPL. Evercore ISI upgraded Apple to a “buy” rating and set a $180.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 10th. Fundamental Research boosted their target price on Apple from $163.99 to $164.79 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 23rd. KeyCorp began coverage on Apple in a research note on Monday, December 6th. They issued an “overweight” rating and a $191.00 target price on the stock. DA Davidson boosted their target price on Apple from $167.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 19th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group began coverage on Apple in a research note on Friday, October 29th. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $150.00 target price on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, twenty-three have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $170.24. Read more …