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 August 30, 2021

 

Upgrades:

 

Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) was upgraded by research analysts at COKER & PALMER from a "sector perform" rating to a "sector outperform" rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday, Zacks.com reports.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on HAL. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Halliburton from an "underperform" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $23.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 21st. HSBC upgraded shares of Halliburton from a "reduce" rating to a "hold" rating and upped their target price for the stock from $15.80 to $18.20 in a research note on Thursday, August 5th. Exane BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Halliburton from an "underperform" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $23.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 21st. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Halliburton from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 21st. Finally, Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Halliburton from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research note on Friday, June 25th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Halliburton currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $23.51. Read more …

 

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) was upgraded by research analysts at Wolfe Research from an “underperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a research note issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

AAPL has been the subject of several other research reports. Zacks Investment Research lowered shares of Apple from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $171.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Monday, July 26th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a “hold” rating and set a $140.00 price target on shares of Apple in a research report on Tuesday, August 10th. Canaccord Genuity upped their price target on shares of Apple from $175.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 28th. Needham & Company LLC started coverage on shares of Apple in a research report on Wednesday, July 28th. They set a “buy” rating and a $170.00 price target for the company. Finally, Loop Capital upped their price target on shares of Apple from $150.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and twenty-six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $156.74. Read more …

 

Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI) (TSE:CNR) was upgraded by analysts at Citigroup from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

Several other brokerages also recently commented on CNI. Stifel Nicolaus started coverage on shares of Canadian National Railway in a research note on Monday, June 21st. They issued a “hold” rating on the stock. CIBC reduced their target price on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$146.00 to C$145.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 14th. Vertical Research upgraded shares of Canadian National Railway from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 18th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of Canadian National Railway from $120.00 to $119.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 9th. Finally, Scotiabank upgraded shares of Canadian National Railway from a “sector perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, May 27th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Canadian National Railway currently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $133.87. Read more …

 

 

PPL (NYSE:PPL) was upgraded by equities researchers at Wells Fargo & Company from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research note issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The firm currently has a $34.00 target price on the utilities provider’s stock, up from their previous target price of $22.00. Wells Fargo & Company‘s price target would indicate a potential upside of 15.84% from the company’s current price.

Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Zacks Investment Research upgraded PPL from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $30.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 7th. Credit Suisse Group downgraded PPL to a “neutral” rating and increased their target price for the stock from $42.00 to $46.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 18th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on PPL from $32.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Thursday, August 19th. TheStreet downgraded PPL from a “b” rating to a “c+” rating in a research report on Thursday, May 6th. Finally, Tudor Pickering restated a “buy” rating on shares of PPL in a report on Wednesday, May 5th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $35.91. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of August 16, 2021

 

Upgrades:

 

Compass Minerals International (NYSE:CMP) was upgraded by investment analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an "underweight" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research note issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

Several other research firms have also recently issued reports on CMP. CL King raised Compass Minerals International from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating and set a $75.00 target price for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 14th. Zacks Investment Research cut Compass Minerals International from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 13th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Compass Minerals International has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $62.60.

CMP stock opened at $67.71 on Tuesday. The stock's fifty day simple moving average is $64.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.60, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a current ratio of 2.06. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.30 billion, a PE ratio of -16.51 and a beta of 1.63. Compass Minerals International has a 52-week low of $54.24 and a 52-week high of $72.00. Read more …

 

ViacomCBS (NASDAQ:VIAC) was upgraded by stock analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The firm presently has a $50.00 price target on the stock, up from their prior price target of $45.00. Wells Fargo & Company‘s price target would indicate a potential upside of 28.11% from the company’s current price.

Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the company. decreased their target price on ViacomCBS from $56.00 to $54.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, May 21st. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded ViacomCBS from a “sector perform” rating to an “outperform” rating and increased their price objective for the company from $26.00 to $52.00 in a report on Friday, May 7th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on ViacomCBS from $55.00 to $48.00 and set a “market perform” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, May 10th. Moffett Nathanson upgraded ViacomCBS from a “sell” rating to a “neutral” rating in a report on Monday, April 26th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised ViacomCBS from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating and upped their target price for the company from $32.00 to $45.00 in a research report on Friday, August 6th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $49.96. Read more …

 

The Wendy’s (NASDAQ:WEN) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Oppenheimer from a “market perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research report issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on WEN. TheStreet upgraded The Wendy’s from a “c+” rating to a “b” rating in a report on Friday, May 7th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on The Wendy’s from $24.00 to $26.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a report on Thursday, August 12th. Wedbush boosted their price objective on The Wendy’s from $27.00 to $28.50 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Wednesday, May 12th. MKM Partners boosted their price objective on The Wendy’s from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, August 12th. Finally, Zacks Investment Research downgraded The Wendy’s from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $30.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, June 9th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $26.73. Read more …

 

 

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) was upgraded by equities researchers at JPMorgan Chase & Co. to an “overweight” rating in a research note issued on Thursday, The Fly reports. The brokerage currently has a $180.00 target price on the iPhone maker’s stock, up from their previous target price of $175.00. JPMorgan Chase & Co.‘s price objective suggests a potential upside of 23.86% from the company’s previous close.

AAPL has been the subject of several other research reports. UBS Group raised their price target on Apple from $166.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 28th. Wedbush raised their price target on Apple from $175.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, April 29th. Raymond James raised their price target on Apple from $160.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, April 29th. Oppenheimer raised their price target on Apple from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 28th. Finally, Fundamental Research raised their price target on Apple from $144.27 to $163.99 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, August 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and twenty-six have assigned a buy rating to the company. The company presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $156.74. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of March 8, 2021

 

Upgrades:

 

Bank of Montreal (BMO.TO) (TSE:BMO) (NYSE:BMO) was upgraded by equities researchers at National Bank Financial from a "sector perform" rating to an "outperform" rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a C$121.00 price objective on the bank's stock, up from their prior price objective of C$113.00. National Bank Financial's target price points to a potential upside of 11.18% from the company's current price.

A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on BMO. CSFB increased their price objective on Bank of Montreal (BMO.TO) from C$108.00 to C$113.00 in a report on Wednesday, March 3rd. CIBC upped their target price on Bank of Montreal (BMO.TO) from C$120.00 to C$122.00 in a research note on Tuesday, March 2nd. Scotiabank upped their target price on Bank of Montreal (BMO.TO) from C$111.00 to C$126.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 24th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on Bank of Montreal (BMO.TO) from C$110.00 to C$125.00 and gave the stock a "sector perform" rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 24th. Finally, Cormark upped their target price on Bank of Montreal (BMO.TO) from C$104.00 to C$110.00 and gave the stock a "na" rating in a research note on Thursday, February 25th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Bank of Montreal (BMO.TO) currently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of C$110.51. Read more …

 

V.F. (NYSE:VFC) was upgraded by investment analysts at Pivotal Research from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday, Briefing.com reports. The firm currently has a $94.00 price objective on the textile maker’s stock, up from their prior price objective of $86.00. Pivotal Research’s price target indicates a potential upside of 19.33% from the company’s previous close.

VFC has been the subject of a number of other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on V.F. from $88.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, January 7th. Piper Sandler upgraded V.F. from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $73.00 to $106.00 in a report on Monday, January 4th. Cowen boosted their price target on V.F. from $91.00 to $99.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Monday, January 25th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on V.F. from $85.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 10th. Finally, OTR Global upgraded V.F. to a “positive” rating in a report on Monday, January 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. The company has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $88.65. Read more …

 

The Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from a "sector perform" rating to an "outperform" rating in a research note issued on Monday, Briefing.com reports. The firm currently has a $60.00 price objective on the stock, up from their prior price objective of $55.00. Royal Bank of Canada's price target points to a potential upside of 18.13% from the stock's previous close.

A number of other brokerages also recently commented on KO. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of The Coca-Cola from $59.00 to $55.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 14th. Sanford C. Bernstein started coverage on shares of The Coca-Cola in a research report on Tuesday, January 19th. They issued an "outperform" rating and a $58.00 price objective on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of The Coca-Cola in a research report on Monday, December 7th. They issued an "overweight" rating and a $62.00 price objective on the stock. Guggenheim downgraded shares of The Coca-Cola from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of The Coca-Cola from an "overweight" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $55.00 target price for the company. in a report on Thursday, January 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The stock currently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus target price of $54.06. Read more …

 

 

Eaton (NYSE:ETN) was upgraded by stock analysts at Morgan Stanley from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a report issued on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a $155.00 target price on the industrial products company’s stock, up from their prior target price of $130.00. Morgan Stanley’s target price indicates a potential upside of 11.16% from the company’s current price.

A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on ETN. HSBC upgraded shares of Eaton from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and raised their price objective for the company from $103.00 to $140.00 in a report on Tuesday, February 16th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Eaton from $130.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, January 15th. Berenberg Bank upgraded shares of Eaton from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $110.00 to $160.00 in a research note on Monday. Oppenheimer lifted their price target on shares of Eaton from $133.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Tuesday, March 2nd. Finally, Bank of America upgraded shares of Eaton from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $135.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 11th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $125.17. Read more …

PPL Stock Has Paid Quarterly Dividends for 300 Consecutive Quarters

 

PPL Stock Has Paid Quarterly Dividends for 300 Consecutive Quarters

 

The Great Recession and the coronavirus pandemic are two recent events that allowed the Federal Reserve and other central banks around the world to step in and unleash unprecedented fiscal and monetary policies.

 

Artificially lowering interest rates to essentially zero makes it cheap to borrow money and juice the economy—or at least that’s the premise. Helping fuel the economy comes at a cost though: low interest rates have decimated retirement portfolios.

 

The fact is, interest rates have been kept artificially low since 2008, which means the Fed has effectively removed the “income” from fixed-income assets like Treasuries, bonds, and certificates of deposit (CDs). That’s terrible news for anyone who was looking for their fixed-income investments to help see them through retirement.

 

In December 2020, the Fed maintained its target for the federal funds rate at a range of zero percent to 0.25%. Right now, the 10-year Treasury rate is just 1.15%. So if you have $1.0 million in your retirement savings account, you’ll earn a princely $15,000 annually. The average bank savings rate is even lower, at 0.9%.

 

With today’s rock-bottom interest rates pummeling portfolios, where are investors to turn? One of the best places for income-starved investors to look is utility stocks. That includes companies that provide electricity, natural gas, and water to residential, industrial, commercial, and government customers.

 

Money might be tight in an economic downturn, but people still need to heat their homes and keep their lights on. And with the pandemic, self-quarantined Americans are basking in the glow of their TVs and computer screens. And there’s no fear that the government will cut its spending on utilities.

 

 

Utility stocks might be boring, but because the rates the companies charge are either regulated or contractually guaranteed, they bring in steady revenue. Thanks to this reliable, low-risk income stream, utility stocks are able to pay out high dividends.

 

To investors, one of the best utility companies out there is PPL Corp (NYSE:PPL). Continue reading …

 

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of November 30, 2020 (Part 1)

 

Upgrades:

 

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) was upgraded by equities researchers at Morgan Stanley from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research note issued on Monday, The Fly reports.

A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $35.00 to $31.00 and set a “market perform” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 16th. DA Davidson raised Wells Fargo & Company from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $27.00 to $31.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 19th. ValuEngine raised Wells Fargo & Company from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 25th. Odeon Capital Group upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, September 2nd. Finally, UBS Group upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a “sell” rating to a “neutral” rating and upped their price target for the company from $21.00 to $24.00 in a report on Friday, September 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. The stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $31.30. Read more …

 

AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) was upgraded by equities researchers at UBS Group from a "sell" rating to a "neutral" rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, The Fly reports.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. HSBC raised AstraZeneca from a "reduce" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 11th. Berenberg Bank initiated coverage on AstraZeneca in a research report on Tuesday, September 29th. They set a "buy" rating on the stock. Oddo Bhf raised AstraZeneca from a "reduce" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 23rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an "equal weight" rating on shares of AstraZeneca in a research report on Monday, November 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company's stock. The company currently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $61.00.

AZN opened at $52.61 on Monday. AstraZeneca has a 12-month low of $36.15 and a 12-month high of $64.94. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14. The business's fifty day simple moving average is $53.81 and its 200-day simple moving average is $54.53. The company has a market capitalization of $138.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 63.39, a PEG ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 0.50. Read more …

 

The Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK) was upgraded by investment analysts at Morgan Stanley from an "underweight" rating to an "equal weight" rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, The Fly reports.

Several other equities analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Citigroup Inc. 3% Minimum Coupon Principal Protected Based Upon Russell cut shares of The Bank of New York Mellon from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a report on Tuesday, November 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of The Bank of New York Mellon from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and boosted their price target for the company from $39.00 to $46.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 11th. Smith Barney Citigroup cut shares of The Bank of New York Mellon from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a report on Tuesday, November 10th. Bank of America cut shares of The Bank of New York Mellon from a "neutral" rating to an "underperform" rating and lowered their price target for the company from $42.00 to $39.00 in a report on Friday, November 20th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut shares of The Bank of New York Mellon from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating and lowered their price target for the company from $47.00 to $43.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 18th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company's stock. The Bank of New York Mellon has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $44.56. Read more …

 

 

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB) was upgraded by investment analysts at Morgan Stanley from an “underweight” rating to an “equal weight” rating in a research note issued on Monday, The Fly reports.

USB has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Bank of America raised shares of U.S. Bancorp from an “underperform” rating to a “neutral” rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $39.00 to $41.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $37.50 to $43.50 and gave the stock an “underweight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 6th. ValuEngine raised shares of U.S. Bancorp from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, November 2nd. Finally, TheStreet raised shares of U.S. Bancorp from a “c” rating to a “b-” rating in a report on Thursday, October 15th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. U.S. Bancorp presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $44.58. Read more …

 

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of January 14, 2019

Upgrades:

Citigroup upgraded shares of Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR) from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research report released on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports. Citigroup currently has $66.00 price target on the industrial products company’s stock. Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Emerson Electric from $85.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, September 24th. Cowen restated a buy rating and set a $81.00 target price on shares of Emerson Electric in a report on Wednesday, September 19th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of Emerson Electric from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 8th. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Emerson Electric from $82.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 4th. Finally, Berenberg Bank set a $67.00 target price on shares of Emerson Electric and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 19th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. The stock has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $74.86. Read more …

Wells Fargo & Co upgraded shares of Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW) from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note released on Monday morning, MarketBeat reports. The firm currently has $475.00 target price on the specialty chemicals company’s stock. Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on SHW. Gabelli assumed coverage on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a research report on Friday, September 21st. They issued a buy rating and a $553.00 price objective on the stock. Seaport Global Securities cut shares of Sherwin-Williams from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 17th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. ValuEngine cut shares of Sherwin-Williams from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 3rd. Citigroup cut shares of Sherwin-Williams from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $492.00 to $435.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 10th. Finally, Longbow Research assumed coverage on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a research report on Friday, November 30th. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $459.85. Read more …

Credit Suisse Group upgraded shares of Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI) (TSE:CNR) from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report report published on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Credit Suisse Group currently has $95.00 target price on the transportation company’s stock, up from their previous target price of $90.00. Several other research analysts have also recently issued reports on CNI. Zacks Investment Research cut shares of Canadian National Railway from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 26th. Raymond James restated a buy rating on shares of Canadian National Railway in a report on Tuesday, December 11th. Barclays restated a hold rating and issued a $88.00 target price on shares of Canadian National Railway in a report on Wednesday, September 26th. BMO Capital Markets restated a hold rating on shares of Canadian National Railway in a report on Sunday, December 16th. Finally, Deutsche Bank raised their target price on shares of Canadian National Railway from $96.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 3rd. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $92.35. Read more …

W W Grainger (NYSE:GWW) was upgraded by research analysts at Macquarie from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has a $281.21 price target on the industrial products company’s stock. Macquarie’s price target indicates a potential downside of 2.63% from the stock’s current price. A number of other research analysts have also commented on GWW. Oppenheimer upped their target price on W W Grainger from $400.00 to $410.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday, September 21st. Gordon Haskett started coverage on W W Grainger in a research note on Friday, October 12th. They issued a “hold” rating for the company. ValuEngine lowered W W Grainger from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 17th. BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on W W Grainger from $332.00 to $330.00 and set a “market perform” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 17th. Finally, Longbow Research restated a “hold” rating on shares of W W Grainger in a research note on Wednesday, October 17th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. The stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $301.37. Read more …

PPL Corp: Rock-Solid Utility Set to Grow Its 6.3% Dividend Yield

Overlooked Utility Stock Offers a Big Payout

In today’s market, the biggest challenge for conservative income investors is finding high-yield stocks with safe payouts. If you go with the most established blue-chip companies, chances are that the yield won’t be enough to meet your income requirements.

As a matter of fact, the average S&P 500 company pays just 1.8% at the moment. In other words, if you invest $100,000 in an S&P 500 portfolio, you would be collecting just $1,800 in dividends a year.

And that, my dear reader, is why I want to talk to you about PPL Corp (NYSE:PPL) stock.

Unless you are a direct customer of PPL Corp, this is probably the first time you’ve heard its name. Indeed, as a utility company, PPL Corp’s “boring” business never really makes headlines in the financial media.

Continue reading …

In case you interested of stock analysis of other bloggers, click on link below:

Analysis Collection

Week's Most Significant Insider Trades: Jan 29 - Feb 2, 2018

Disposals:

Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE:PG) insider Deborah P. Majoras sold 4,591 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.48, for a total transaction of $401,620.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Read more …

Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE:PG) insider Kathleen B. Fish sold 10,192 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.97, for a total transaction of $886,398.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 

Procter & Gamble Co (PG) opened at $85.52 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $217,663.39 and a PE ratio of 22.95. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. Procter & Gamble Co has a fifty-two week low of $85.42 and a fifty-two week high of $94.67. Read more …

American Airlines Group Inc (NASDAQ:AAL) VP Derek J. Kerr sold 39,662 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.77, for a total transaction of $2,092,963.74. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 429,046 shares in the company, valued at $22,640,757.42. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. American Airlines Group Inc (AAL) opened at $53.88 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $25,780.00, a PE ratio of 13.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a quick ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.73. American Airlines Group Inc has a 1-year low of $39.21 and a 1-year high of $59.08. Read more …

Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) VP Frank R. Jimenez sold 3,405 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $210.93, for a total value of $718,216.65. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 25,342 shares in the company, valued at $5,345,388.06. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Read more …

Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) VP Michael J. Wood sold 1,974 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $208.07, for a total transaction of $410,730.18. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 17,467 shares in the company, valued at $3,634,358.69. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 

Shares of Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) opened at $208.94 on Thursday. Raytheon has a 52-week low of $143.23 and a 52-week high of $212.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a current ratio of 1.54. The company has a market cap of $60,400.00, a P/E ratio of 30.11, a P/E/G ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 0.58. Read more …

PPL Corp (NYSE:PPL) insider Vincent Sorgi sold 10,274 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.54, for a total value of $324,041.96. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 3,406 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $107,425.24. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. PPL Corp (PPL) traded up $0.45 on Wednesday, hitting $31.87. The stock had a trading volume of 6,988,243 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,220,000. PPL Corp has a 1 year low of $30.44 and a 1 year high of $40.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.79, a current ratio of 0.56 and a quick ratio of 0.48. The stock has a market cap of $21,940.00, a PE ratio of 14.42, a P/E/G ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 0.48. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of December 18, 2017

Upgrades:

Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of General Mills (NYSE:GIS) from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note released on Monday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Wells Fargo & Company currently has $63.00 price target on the stock. A number of other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Zacks Investment Research cut General Mills from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Jefferies Group started coverage on General Mills in a report on Friday, October 20th. They issued a hold rating and a $56.00 target price on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada set a $58.00 target price on General Mills and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Societe Generale upgraded General Mills from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, Consumer Edge upgraded General Mills from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report on Friday, September 8th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have given a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $57.38.  Read more …

Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) was upgraded by investment analysts at Goldman Sachs Group to a “buy” rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday. A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on PSX. US Capital Advisors lowered shares of Phillips 66 from an “overweight” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Jefferies Group lowered shares of Phillips 66 from a “hold” rating to an “underperform” rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $95.00 to $75.14 in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Zacks Investment Research downgraded shares of Phillips 66 from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Argus reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $108.00 price target (up previously from $96.00) on shares of Phillips 66 in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, Piper Jaffray Companies set a $93.00 price target on shares of Phillips 66 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, November 13th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. The stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $93.25. Read more …

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM) (TSE:CM) was upgraded by research analysts at Barclays from an “underweight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, Marketbeat reports. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on CM. Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Canaccord Genuity restated a “buy” rating and issued a $121.00 price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Macquarie began coverage on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. They issued an “underperform” rating and a $89.00 price objective on the stock. Credit Suisse Group upgraded shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a “neutral” rating to an “outperform” rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $116.00 to $125.00 in a report on Friday, December 1st. Read more …

General Motors (NYSE:GM) (TSE:GMM.U) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from a “sector perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research note issued on Tuesday, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage presently has a $52.00 target price on the auto manufacturer’s stock, up from their previous target price of $51.00. Royal Bank of Canada’s price objective would suggest a potential upside of 22.38% from the company’s current price. Other research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Jefferies Group boosted their price target on shares of General Motors from $36.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, October 30th. Standpoint Research cut shares of General Motors from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Thursday, September 14th. Citigroup restated a “buy” rating and set a $53.00 price target on shares of General Motors in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Goldman Sachs Group cut shares of General Motors from a “neutral” rating to a “sell” rating and cut their price target for the stock from $43.16 to $32.00 in a report on Monday, October 30th. Read more …

Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE:WMT) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Citigroup from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday. The firm currently has a $117.00 price objective on the retailer’s stock. Citigroup’s price target suggests a potential upside of 19.51% from the company’s previous close. Several other analysts have also issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley reiterated an “equal weight” rating and set a $100.00 price objective (up from $92.00) on shares of Wal-Mart Stores in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. Moffett Nathanson began coverage on shares of Wal-Mart Stores in a research report on Monday, December 4th. They set a “neutral” rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada raised shares of Wal-Mart Stores from an “underperform” rating to a “sector perform” rating and set a $96.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Vetr raised shares of Wal-Mart Stores from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $96.71 target price on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 27th. Read more …

Realty Income (NYSE:O) was upgraded by stock analysts at Citigroup to a “market perform” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The analysts noted that the move was a valuation call. A number of other brokerages have also weighed in on O. UBS upgraded Realty Income from a “sell” rating to a “neutral” rating and raised their target price for the company from $52.00 to $57.00 in a research note on Friday, September 8th. Vetr upgraded Realty Income from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $58.60 target price for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. B. Riley restated a “neutral” rating on shares of Realty Income in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. Zacks Investment Research lowered Realty Income from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services restated a “hold” rating on shares of Realty Income in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $64.09. Read more …

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR) was upgraded by investment analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from a “market perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, The Fly reports. Several other analysts have also issued reports on the stock. ValuEngine raised shares of Digital Realty Trust from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, September 1st. Stifel Nicolaus reaffirmed a “hold” rating and set a $117.00 price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. SunTrust Banks reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a $140.00 price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Zacks Investment Research raised shares of Digital Realty Trust from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $130.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Finally, Deutsche Bank upped their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $111.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Digital Realty Trust currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $125.07. Read more …

Downgrades:

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) was downgraded by investment analysts at Citigroup to a “neutral” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, The Fly reports. Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a “market perform” rating and set a $198.00 target price on shares of Amgen in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Cann reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of Amgen in a report on Monday, August 28th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a $203.00 target price on shares of Amgen in a report on Thursday, September 7th. Mizuho reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a $198.00 target price (up previously from $183.00) on shares of Amgen in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Finally, Zacks Investment Research lowered shares of Amgen from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. The company presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $190.22. Read more …

American States Water (NYSE:AWR) was downgraded by investment analysts at Wells Fargo & Company to an “underperform” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday. Separately, Zacks Investment Research raised shares of American States Water from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating and set a $64.00 target price for the company in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. The company has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $51.00. Shares of American States Water (NYSE:AWR) opened at $56.68 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $2,078.60, a PE ratio of 30.97, a PEG ratio of 8.24 and a beta of 0.48. American States Water has a 1 year low of $41.14 and a 1 year high of $58.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 0.97 and a quick ratio of 0.93. Read more …

Macquarie lowered shares of PPL (NYSE:PPL) from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday. The firm currently has $30.00 target price on the utilities provider’s stock. A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on PPL. Zacks Investment Research downgraded PPL from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, September 11th. ValuEngine upgraded PPL from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 1st. KeyCorp reiterated a hold rating on shares of PPL in a research report on Friday, October 20th. SunTrust Banks started coverage on PPL in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. They set a buy rating and a $43.00 price objective for the company. Read more …

Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) was downgraded by stock analysts at Credit Suisse Group from an “outperform” rating to a “neutral” rating in a report released on Wednesday. They presently have a $80.00 target price on the biopharmaceutical company’s stock, up from their prior target price of $74.35. Credit Suisse Group’s price objective would indicate a potential upside of 7.60% from the company’s previous close. Several other brokerages have also recently issued reports on GILD. ValuEngine raised shares of Gilead Sciences from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. TheStreet raised shares of Gilead Sciences from a “c+” rating to a “b-” rating in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. Zacks Investment Research cut shares of Gilead Sciences from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, September 11th. Vetr cut shares of Gilead Sciences from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $86.44 price objective for the company. in a research note on Monday, September 4th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an “equal weight” rating and set a $83.00 price objective (up from $77.00) on shares of Gilead Sciences in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Read more …

In case you interested of stock analysis of other bloggers, click on link below:

Analysis Collection