Week's Most Significant Insider Trades: Week of June 1, 2020

Disposals:

Medtronic PLC (NYSE:MDT) SVP Carol A. Surface sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, May 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $97.72, for a total value of $195,440.00. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link.

Shares of NYSE:MDT opened at $97.10 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $130.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.19, a PEG ratio of 3.58 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a current ratio of 2.13. Medtronic PLC has a one year low of $72.13 and a one year high of $122.15. The business’s 50-day simple moving average is $97.48 and its 200 day simple moving average is $105.15. Read more …

Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) EVP Andrew M. Watterson sold 8,275 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.85, for a total value of $263,558.75. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 52,911 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,685,215.35. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.

Shares of NYSE:LUV opened at $34.48 on Wednesday. Southwest Airlines Co has a 1 year low of $22.47 and a 1 year high of $58.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 0.64. The business’s 50-day moving average is $29.38 and its 200-day moving average is $45.34. The company has a market capitalization of $17.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.14 and a beta of 1.26. Read more …

Sherwin-Williams Co (NYSE:SHW) Director Susan J. Kropf sold 1,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $592.80, for a total value of $592,800.00. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link.

SHW stock traded down $2.95 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $594.16. 515,328 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 685,450. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $540.54 and a 200 day moving average price of $546.98. Sherwin-Williams Co has a 52 week low of $325.43 and a 52 week high of $603.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $54.22 billion, a PE ratio of 34.32, a P/E/G ratio of 3.41 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.94, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.57. Read more …

Xcel Energy Inc (NYSE:XEL) CEO Benjamin G. S. Fowke III sold 104,796 shares of Xcel Energy stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.84, for a total transaction of $6,899,768.64. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 461,531 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $30,387,201.04. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link.

NYSE:XEL opened at $65.03 on Friday. Xcel Energy Inc has a 52-week low of $46.58 and a 52-week high of $72.14. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $62.62 and a 200-day simple moving average of $63.62. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of May 25, 2020

Upgrades:

Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) was upgraded by equities researchers at SunTrust Banks from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report released on Tuesday, The Fly reports. The firm presently has a $73.00 price target on the biopharmaceutical company’s stock. SunTrust Banks’ target price suggests a potential downside of 0.46% from the stock’s current price.

 

A number of other equities analysts have also weighed in on GILD. Wells Fargo & Co restated a “hold” rating and issued a $84.00 target price on shares of Gilead Sciences in a research note on Friday, May 1st. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $89.00 price objective on shares of Gilead Sciences in a report on Monday, April 13th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Gilead Sciences from $75.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Friday, May 1st. Sanford C. Bernstein cut Gilead Sciences from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $78.00 to $70.00 in a report on Thursday, February 6th. Finally, BidaskClub cut Gilead Sciences from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a report on Wednesday, May 20th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have issued a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $78.26. Read more …

Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Bank of America from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The brokerage presently has a $250.00 price target on the industrial products company’s stock. Bank of America‘s target price suggests a potential upside of 23.65% from the stock’s previous close.

 

Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $162.00 to $177.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 29th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $175.00 to $215.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 29th. Rosenblatt Securities lowered shares of Rockwell Automation from a “neutral” rating to a “sell” rating and raised their price objective for the company from $155.00 to $173.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 29th. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $155.00 to $198.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 29th. Finally, G.Research downgraded shares of Rockwell Automation from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a report on Thursday, April 30th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. Rockwell Automation currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $188.83. Read more …

Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) was upgraded by analysts at UBS Group from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

 

Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Susquehanna Bancshares raised shares of Southwest Airlines from a “neutral” rating to a “positive” rating and set a $41.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 21st. Bank of America raised shares of Southwest Airlines from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $48.00 to $43.00 in a research report on Monday, March 23rd. Raymond James raised shares of Southwest Airlines from a “market perform” rating to a “strong-buy” rating and set a $50.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, March 23rd. Evercore ISI raised shares of Southwest Airlines from an “in-line” rating to an “outperform” rating and set a $55.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, March 2nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Southwest Airlines from an “underweight” rating to a “neutral” rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $49.00 to $36.00 in a research report on Monday, April 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Southwest Airlines presently has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $51.33. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of April 27, 2020

Upgrades:

Ross Stores (NASDAQ:ROST) was upgraded by stock analysts at DA Davidson from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note issued on Tuesday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has a $108.00 target price on the apparel retailer’s stock, up from their previous target price of $87.00. DA Davidson’s target price would suggest a potential upside of 16.71% from the company’s previous close.

Several other brokerages have also recently issued reports on ROST. Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed a “market perform” rating on shares of Ross Stores in a research note on Monday, March 2nd. Nomura Securities lowered their target price on shares of Ross Stores from $83.00 to $80.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, March 31st. Wells Fargo & Co raised shares of Ross Stores from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $100.00 to $110.00 in a research note on Monday, March 30th. Gordon Haskett initiated coverage on shares of Ross Stores in a research report on Wednesday, January 29th. They set an “accumulate” rating and a $132.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued a “buy” rating and set a $105.00 price target on shares of Ross Stores in a research report on Monday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. Ross Stores has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $113.83. Read more …

TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX) was upgraded by stock analysts at Atlantic Securities from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating in a report issued on Wednesday, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage currently has a $60.00 target price on the apparel and home fashions retailer’s stock. Atlantic Securities’ target price indicates a potential upside of 16.41% from the stock’s previous close.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Deutsche Bank boosted their price target on shares of TJX Companies from $66.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, February 24th. Citigroup cut their price target on shares of TJX Companies from $70.00 to $57.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, March 24th. Cfra raised shares of TJX Companies from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $66.00 to $76.00 in a research report on Wednesday, February 26th. Morgan Stanley cut shares of TJX Companies to a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, April 17th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of TJX Companies from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $60.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 17th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-two have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock currently has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $66.04. Read more …

Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED) was upgraded by equities researchers at Bank of America from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has a $91.00 target price on the utilities provider’s stock. Bank of America‘s price objective suggests a potential upside of 11.96% from the stock’s previous close.

Several other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Guggenheim cut shares of Consolidated Edison from a “neutral” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 7th. UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $96.00 to $88.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, March 16th. Mizuho cut shares of Consolidated Edison from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $98.00 to $91.00 in a research note on Monday, February 24th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $89.00 to $84.00 and set an “underweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 15th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Consolidated Edison from $89.00 to $78.50 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 2nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Consolidated Edison currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $85.83. Read more …

Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) was upgraded by stock analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

LUV has been the topic of a number of other reports. Susquehanna Bancshares upgraded Southwest Airlines from a “neutral” rating to a “positive” rating and set a $41.00 price target on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 21st. Evercore ISI upgraded Southwest Airlines from an “in-line” rating to an “outperform” rating and set a $55.00 price target on the stock in a report on Monday, March 2nd. Barclays reiterated a “hold” rating on shares of Southwest Airlines in a report on Tuesday, March 24th. Cowen lowered their target price on Southwest Airlines from $45.00 to $40.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 20th. Finally, Vertical Research lowered Southwest Airlines from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $58.00 target price on the stock. in a research note on Thursday, January 9th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $51.89. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of April 20, 2020

Upgrades:

Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) was upgraded by investment analysts at Bank of America from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report issued on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage currently has a $120.00 price target on the oil and gas company’s stock. Bank of America‘s price target would indicate a potential upside of 111.27% from the stock’s current price.

PSX has been the topic of several other research reports. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Phillips 66 from a “sector perform” rating to an “outperform” rating and set a $67.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Sunday, March 29th. Piper Sandler dropped their target price on shares of Phillips 66 from $139.00 to $120.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, February 28th. Barclays reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $94.00 target price on shares of Phillips 66 in a research note on Wednesday, April 8th. Raymond James dropped their target price on shares of Phillips 66 from $110.00 to $69.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, March 24th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Finally, Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Phillips 66 from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating and set a $68.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 16th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Phillips 66 presently has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $86.93. Read more …

Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report report published on Monday morning, BenzingaRatingsTable reports. They currently have $23.00 target price on the pipeline company’s stock, up from their previous target price of $19.00.

Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Wolfe Research raised shares of Williams Companies from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 2nd. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of Williams Companies from $25.00 to $14.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, March 16th. Barclays raised shares of Williams Companies from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $16.00 target price for the company in a research note on Tuesday, March 24th. Wells Fargo & Co reduced their target price on shares of Williams Companies from $20.00 to $19.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 14th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Williams Companies from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $25.00 to $21.00 in a research note on Thursday, March 12th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Williams Companies currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $24.80. Read more …

Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) was upgraded by research analysts at Susquehanna Bancshares from a “neutral” rating to a “positive” rating in a report issued on Tuesday, Briefing.com Automated Import reports. The brokerage currently has a $41.00 price objective on the airline’s stock. Susquehanna Bancshares’ price objective would indicate a potential upside of 32.00% from the company’s current price.

LUV has been the topic of a number of other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Southwest Airlines from an “underweight” rating to a “neutral” rating and decreased their price target for the company from $49.00 to $36.00 in a research note on Monday, April 6th. Cowen dropped their target price on Southwest Airlines from $45.00 to $40.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a report on Monday. Raymond James upgraded Southwest Airlines from a “market perform” rating to a “strong-buy” rating and set a $50.00 price target on the stock in a report on Monday, March 23rd. Zacks Investment Research lowered shares of Southwest Airlines from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating and set a $58.00 target price for the company. in a report on Friday, January 3rd. Finally, Bank of America raised Southwest Airlines from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and cut their price objective for the company from $48.00 to $43.00 in a research report on Monday, March 23rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. The stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $52.55. Read more …

Bank of America upgraded shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note released on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has $175.00 price target on the stock, up from their previous price target of $150.00.

Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $168.00 target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Friday, April 3rd. SVB Leerink decreased their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $172.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 8th. Argus reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $155.00 target price (down previously from $165.00) on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Friday, March 27th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $140.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, April 15th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group upped their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $155.00 to $161.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 15th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $162.36. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of April 6, 2020

Upgrades:

UBS Group upgraded shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:WBA) from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report published on Monday morning, BenzingaRatingsTable reports. UBS Group currently has $44.00 price target on the pharmacy operator’s stock, down from their prior price target of $49.00.

Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the company. SunTrust Banks cut their price target on Walgreens Boots Alliance from $58.00 to $42.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Friday. TheStreet cut Walgreens Boots Alliance from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 25th. BidaskClub lowered Walgreens Boots Alliance from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, March 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on Walgreens Boots Alliance from $62.00 to $56.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Co reissued a hold rating on shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance in a research note on Thursday, April 2nd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and fourteen have issued a hold rating to the stock. The stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $52.13. Read more …

JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research report sent to investors on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has $36.00 target price on the airline’s stock, down from their prior target price of $49.00.

Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Barclays restated a hold rating on shares of Southwest Airlines in a research report on Tuesday, March 24th. Zacks Investment Research lowered shares of Southwest Airlines from a hold rating to a sell rating and set a $58.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Friday, January 3rd. Raymond James upgraded shares of Southwest Airlines from a market perform rating to a strong-buy rating and set a $50.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Monday, March 23rd. TheStreet lowered shares of Southwest Airlines from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 3rd. Finally, UBS Group lowered shares of Southwest Airlines to a reduce rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 17th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Southwest Airlines currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $53.42. Read more …

Loop Capital upgraded shares of Lowe’s Companies (NYSE:LOW) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Tuesday morning, BenzingaRatingsTable reports. They currently have $105.00 price objective on the home improvement retailer’s stock, down from their prior price objective of $115.00.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and issued a $135.00 price target on shares of Lowe’s Companies in a research report on Wednesday, February 26th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on shares of Lowe’s Companies from $115.00 to $94.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 2nd. Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Lowe’s Companies in a report on Friday, February 21st. Wells Fargo & Co reduced their target price on shares of Lowe’s Companies from $140.00 to $90.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 23rd. Finally, TheStreet cut shares of Lowe’s Companies from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Wednesday, April 1st. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-four have given a buy rating to the stock. The company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $124.32. Read more …

Scotiabank upgraded shares of Omega Healthcare Investors (NYSE:OHI) from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research note published on Wednesday morning, Briefing.com Automated Import reports. The brokerage currently has $37.00 target price on the real estate investment trust’s stock.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Bank of America downgraded Omega Healthcare Investors from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, March 23rd. Wells Fargo & Co reduced their price objective on Omega Healthcare Investors from $43.00 to $28.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 26th. Raymond James raised Omega Healthcare Investors from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $30.00 price target for the company in a report on Wednesday, March 25th. Citigroup dropped their price objective on Omega Healthcare Investors from $44.00 to $25.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Mizuho started coverage on Omega Healthcare Investors in a research report on Thursday, December 19th. They set a buy rating and a $50.00 price target on the stock. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. The company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $37.94. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of February 18, 2019

Upgrades:

Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Citigroup from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a report released on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Several other equities analysts have also commented on FCX. Raymond James set a $16.00 price target on Freeport-McMoRan and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 24th. ValuEngine lowered Freeport-McMoRan from a “sell” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 24th. BMO Capital Markets set a $13.00 price target on Freeport-McMoRan and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 25th. B. Riley cut their target price on Freeport-McMoRan from $18.00 to $16.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 25th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lowered Freeport-McMoRan from a “sector perform” rating to an “underperform” rating and set a $12.20 target price on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, November 6th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. The stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $16.15. Read more …

Macquarie upgraded shares of PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report published on Tuesday, MarketBeat reports. The brokerage currently has $126.00 price target on the stock. PEP has been the subject of a number of other reports. BidaskClub raised shares of PepsiCo from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 26th. Zacks Investment Research reaffirmed a sell rating on shares of PepsiCo in a research note on Wednesday, November 14th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of PepsiCo to $119.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Finally, UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of PepsiCo in a research note on Thursday, December 13th. They set a neutral rating and a $123.00 price objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. The stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $119.83. Read more …

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) was upgraded by research analysts at Morgan Stanley from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research note issued on Friday, The Fly reports. The brokerage presently has a $64.00 price objective on the chip maker’s stock, up from their prior price objective of $55.00. Morgan Stanley’s target price indicates a potential upside of 21.77% from the stock’s previous close. Several other research analysts have also recently weighed in on INTC. BidaskClub cut shares of Intel from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Thursday, January 17th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a “neutral” rating and set a $55.00 price target on shares of Intel in a research note on Wednesday, January 23rd. Nomura reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $55.00 price target on shares of Intel in a research note on Wednesday, November 7th. Citigroup reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $54.00 price target (up previously from $50.00) on shares of Intel in a research note on Friday, January 11th. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a “sell” rating and set a $44.00 price target on shares of Intel in a research note on Tuesday, January 8th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating and nineteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. The company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $53.65. Read more …

Downgrades:

Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) was downgraded by investment analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from a “sector perform” rating to an “underperform” rating in a report released on Tuesday, Marketbeat reports. They currently have a $178.00 price target on the railroad operator’s stock, down from their prior price target of $180.00. Royal Bank of Canada’s price objective would suggest a potential downside of 2.13% from the stock’s previous close. A number of other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on NSC. ValuEngine upgraded shares of Norfolk Southern from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 12th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of Norfolk Southern from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $191.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 21st. Credit Suisse Group boosted their price objective on shares of Norfolk Southern from $181.00 to $195.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 12th. Loop Capital boosted their price objective on shares of Norfolk Southern to $210.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, February 11th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on shares of Norfolk Southern to $185.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 12th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $183.62. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of December 3, 2018

Upgrades:

Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) was upgraded by investment analysts at B. Riley from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm presently has a $300.00 price objective on the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock, up from their prior price objective of $250.00. B. Riley’s price target points to a potential upside of 29.29% from the stock’s previous close. Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Canaccord Genuity reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $335.00 price target (up previously from $300.00) on shares of Broadcom in a research report on Friday, September 7th. BidaskClub upgraded shares of Broadcom from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, September 21st. Barclays started coverage on shares of Broadcom in a research report on Tuesday, August 7th. They set an “overweight” rating and a $265.00 target price on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein set a $310.00 target price on shares of Broadcom and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, September 7th. Finally, Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of Broadcom from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $260.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 11th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirty-one have given a buy rating to the company. Broadcom currently has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $278.86. Read more …

Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) was upgraded by investment analysts at Bank of America from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage presently has a $163.00 target price on the industrial products company’s stock, up from their previous target price of $140.00. Bank of America’s price objective would suggest a potential upside of 26.04% from the company’s current price. CAT has been the topic of several other reports. Cleveland Research reaffirmed a “hold” rating on shares of Caterpillar in a research report on Friday, October 19th. Citigroup raised Caterpillar to an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, September 21st. Morgan Stanley set a $169.00 price target on Caterpillar and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 24th. Deutsche Bank set a $177.00 price target on Caterpillar and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 5th. Finally, ValuEngine downgraded Caterpillar from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 18th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating, seventeen have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. Caterpillar presently has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $158.90. Read more …

Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE:SWK) was upgraded by research analysts at Robert W. Baird from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research note issued on Monday, MarketBeat reports. The firm presently has a $154.00 price objective on the industrial products company’s stock. Robert W. Baird’s price target points to a potential upside of 21.88% from the stock’s previous close. Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Morgan Stanley started coverage on Stanley Black & Decker in a report on Monday, August 20th. They issued an “overweight” rating and a $164.00 target price on the stock. Gabelli upgraded Stanley Black & Decker from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $155.00 target price on the stock in a report on Monday, October 22nd. Macquarie reduced their target price on Stanley Black & Decker from $180.00 to $175.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 6th. Zacks Investment Research cut Stanley Black & Decker from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a report on Monday, October 15th. Finally, ValuEngine upgraded Stanley Black & Decker from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, November 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. The company presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $163.29. Read more …

JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of AT&T (NYSE:T) from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research note released on Monday morning, Marketbeat reports. The firm currently has $38.00 price target on the technology company’s stock. A number of other research analysts have also commented on the stock. ValuEngine raised shares of AT&T from a strong sell rating to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 12th. Zacks Investment Research lowered shares of AT&T from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 25th. Wells Fargo & Co lowered shares of AT&T from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $40.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, August 22nd. Bank of America set a $37.00 price objective on shares of AT&T and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 23rd. Finally, Argus reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $48.00 price objective on shares of AT&T in a research report on Friday, October 26th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. AT&T currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $36.42. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of October 29, 2018

Upgrades:

Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Ford Motor (NYSE:F) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Monday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They currently have $12.00 target price on the auto manufacturer’s stock, up from their prior target price of $9.00. Other research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Citigroup lowered their price target on Ford Motor from $10.50 to $9.90 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, September 10th. Guggenheim reissued a hold rating and issued a $11.50 price target on shares of Ford Motor in a report on Friday, July 27th. Buckingham Research decreased their price objective on Ford Motor from $11.00 to $10.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 26th. Nomura set a $9.00 price objective on Ford Motor and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 14th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $11.50 price objective on shares of Ford Motor in a report on Thursday, July 26th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. Ford Motor presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $11.58. Read more …

Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) from a buy rating to a conviction-buy rating in a research note released on Monday, The Fly reports. Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. KeyCorp cut their price target on shares of PPG Industries from $130.00 to $128.00 and set a $104.41 rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 23rd. Northcoast Research set a $114.00 target price on shares of PPG Industries and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 9th. Deutsche Bank dropped their target price on shares of PPG Industries from $124.00 to $116.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 9th. SunTrust Banks reiterated a hold rating and issued a $110.00 target price on shares of PPG Industries in a report on Friday, July 20th. Finally, ValuEngine upgraded shares of PPG Industries from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 19th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $117.56. Read more …

Bank of America upgraded shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Monday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Bank of America currently has $85.00 price objective on the energy producer’s stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently commented on COP. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips from $78.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 27th. Mizuho reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research note on Tuesday, July 24th. ValuEngine cut shares of ConocoPhillips from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 23rd. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips from $78.00 to $84.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 11th. Finally, Zacks Investment Research raised shares of ConocoPhillips from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $88.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 8th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. ConocoPhillips presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $75.53. Read more …

National-Oilwell Varco (NYSE:NOV) was upgraded by research analysts at Societe Generale from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday, The Fly reports. Several other research firms have also weighed in on NOV. Barclays lifted their price target on National-Oilwell Varco from $37.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, July 30th. Susquehanna Bancshares set a $45.00 price objective on National-Oilwell Varco and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, July 30th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a “hold” rating and set a $42.00 price objective on shares of National-Oilwell Varco in a research note on Monday, July 30th. Seaport Global Securities reiterated a “sell” rating and set a $37.00 price objective on shares of National-Oilwell Varco in a research note on Tuesday, July 31st. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price objective on National-Oilwell Varco from $45.00 to $49.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 31st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have assigned a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. The stock has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $42.86. Read more …

3 Attractive Dividend Stocks Whose Dividends Could Double

These solid companies have non-prohibitive valuations and could feasibly double their payouts within the next five years.

Any company that can double its dividend over a five-year stretch is delivering rapid payout growth. To reach that target, the company would need to raise its distribution at an average annual rate of roughly 15% over the stretch. Of course, doubling your dividend payout in every five-year period is a lofty target, and taking extra time to clear that bar shouldn't be taken as a negative, but investors seeking dividend growth can generally feel very satisfied if that standard is met.

To get an idea of stocks that stand a good chance of doubling their payouts over the next five years, it helps to look for companies that are paying out a relatively small portion of their earnings and free cash flow (FCF), have catalysts to improve cash flow going forward, and have a history of regular payout growth. Read on to see why Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV), and Hanesbrands (NYSE:HBI) are attractive stocks that could double their payouts in the not too distant future.

Continue reading …

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Analysis Collection

Week's Most Significant Insider Trades: February 12 - 16, 2018

Disposals:

C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc (NASDAQ:CHRW) CEO John Wiehoff sold 13,946 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.08, for a total transaction of $1,284,147.68. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc (NASDAQ CHRW) opened at $92.43 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $12,955.34, a PE ratio of 26.64, a PEG ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 0.46. C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc has a 1-year low of $63.41 and a 1-year high of $100.18. The company has a current ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. Read more …

Leggett & Platt, Inc. (NYSE:LEG) CFO Matthew C. Flanigan sold 10,061 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.78, for a total value of $460,592.58. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 102,615 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,697,714.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Shares of Leggett & Platt, Inc. (NYSE LEG) opened at $44.93 on Thursday. Leggett & Platt, Inc. has a 12 month low of $42.00 and a 12 month high of $54.97. The stock has a market capitalization of $5,855.04, a P/E ratio of 21.09, a PEG ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.84. Read more …

BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) Director Jeff A. Smith sold 2,500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $526.93, for a total value of $1,317,325.00. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link.

Jeff A. Smith also recently made the following trade(s):

On Wednesday, February 7th, Jeff A. Smith sold 1,250 shares of BlackRock stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $536.57, for a total value of $670,712.50.

On Tuesday, January 16th, Jeff A. Smith sold 425 shares of BlackRock stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $565.96, for a total value of $240,533.00.

Read more…

BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) insider Mark Mccombe sold 2,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $520.64, for a total transaction of $1,041,280.00. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE BLK) opened at $521.27 on Wednesday. BlackRock, Inc. has a 52-week low of $368.00 and a 52-week high of $594.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 2.89 and a quick ratio of 2.89. The stock has a market cap of $84,610.35, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.20, a P/E/G ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 1.76. Read more …