Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of March 21 2022

 

Upgrades:

 

Air Products and Chemicals (NYSE:APD) was upgraded by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a "neutral" rating to an "overweight" rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, The Fly reports. The firm presently has a $275.00 price target on the basic materials company's stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s target price suggests a potential upside of 18.70% from the company's previous close.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently commented on APD. Wolfe Research downgraded shares of Air Products and Chemicals from an "outperform" rating to a "peer perform" rating and cut their target price for the stock from $332.00 to $331.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 9th. Vertical Research upgraded shares of Air Products and Chemicals from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and set a $335.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 4th. Mizuho dropped their price target on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $313.00 to $312.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, February 7th. BMO Capital Markets cut shares of Air Products and Chemicals from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $383.00 to $280.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 8th. Finally, Cowen dropped their price target on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $365.00 to $345.00 in a research note on Monday, February 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Air Products and Chemicals currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $313.82. Read more …

 

Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) was upgraded by research analysts at Bank of America from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Briefing.com reports. The brokerage currently has a $196.00 price objective on the basic materials company’s stock, down from their prior price objective of $210.00. Bank of America‘s price target points to a potential upside of 14.81% from the stock’s previous close.

ECL has been the subject of several other research reports. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Ecolab from $220.00 to $205.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 16th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on shares of Ecolab from $230.00 to $210.00 in a report on Thursday, February 17th. Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of Ecolab in a report on Thursday, December 2nd. They issued a $235.00 price target for the company. Royal Bank of Canada lowered shares of Ecolab from an “outperform” rating to a “sector perform” rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $245.00 to $225.00 in a research note on Friday, January 21st. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Ecolab from $240.00 to $200.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 17th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $210.14. Read more …

 

Altria Group (NYSE:MO) was upgraded by equities researchers at The Goldman Sachs Group from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

MO has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Bank of America cut Altria Group from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $56.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 5th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Altria Group from $47.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 26th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $53.14.

MO stock opened at $52.25 on Tuesday. Altria Group has a 1 year low of $42.53 and a 1 year high of $53.83. The stock's fifty day moving average is $50.94 and its two-hundred day moving average is $48.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.67, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.71. The stock has a market capitalization of $94.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.29, a PEG ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 0.59. Read more …

 

 

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) was upgraded by investment analysts at Truist Financial from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports. The brokerage presently has a $175.00 price objective on the stock, up from their previous price objective of $165.00. Truist Financial’s price target would indicate a potential upside of 16.11% from the stock’s previous close.

A number of other research analysts have also issued reports on PG. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $179.00 to $173.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, March 16th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $161.00 to $177.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday, January 20th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a “sector perform” rating in a report on Thursday, January 20th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Procter & Gamble from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, February 15th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $156.33. Read more …

 

Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW) was upgraded by Bank of America from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on SHW. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $320.00 to $275.00 and set a "hold" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $350.00 to $330.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 28th. TheStreet downgraded shares of Sherwin-Williams from a "b" rating to a "c+" rating in a report on Monday, February 28th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $355.00 to $345.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 18th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $345.00 to $375.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a report on Tuesday, January 11th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $330.85. Read more …

 

ABB (NYSE:ABB) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Oddo Bhf from an "underperform" rating to a "neutral" rating in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded ABB from a "sector perform" rating to an "outperform" rating in a report on Wednesday, January 19th. HSBC cut ABB from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Tuesday, March 1st. StockNews.com upgraded ABB from a "buy" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Monday, February 28th. Kepler Capital Markets reiterated a "buy" rating on shares of ABB in a report on Tuesday, December 21st. Finally, Zacks Investment Research upgraded ABB from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating and set a $37.00 target price on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $36.12.

Shares of NYSE:ABB opened at $35.31 on Wednesday. The business's fifty day moving average price is $34.56 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $35.16. The stock has a market cap of $72.50 billion, a PE ratio of 15.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.80 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 1.20. ABB has a one year low of $30.07 and a one year high of $39.11. Read more …

 

 

 

Downgrades:

 

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ:KDP) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Truist Financial from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports. They currently have a $40.00 price objective on the stock. Truist Financial’s price target indicates a potential upside of 5.88% from the company’s current price.

Shares of NASDAQ:KDP opened at $37.78 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $53.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.19, a PEG ratio of 3.47 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.47 and a quick ratio of 0.33. Keurig Dr Pepper has a 1 year low of $32.44 and a 1 year high of $39.35. The stock’s fifty day moving average price is $38.08 and its 200-day moving average price is $36.28.

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ:KDP) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 24th. The company reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.45. The company had revenue of $3.39 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $3.30 billion. Keurig Dr Pepper had a return on equity of 9.35% and a net margin of 16.92%. Keurig Dr Pepper’s revenue for the quarter was up 8.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.39 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Keurig Dr Pepper will post 1.69 earnings per share for the current year. Read more …

 

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM) was downgraded by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $125.00 to $120.00 in a research report on Friday, February 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of Philip Morris International from an "overweight" rating to a "neutral" rating and dropped their price target for the company from $130.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Monday, March 7th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a report on Wednesday, January 26th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $95.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a report on Thursday, February 17th. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of Philip Morris International from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Tuesday, March 15th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $112.57. Read more …

 

Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE:BEP) (TSE:BEP) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Industrial Alliance Securities from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday, The Fly reports.

A number of other analysts also recently weighed in on the company. Zacks Investment Research downgraded Brookfield Renewable Partners from a "hold" rating to a "strong sell" rating in a report on Wednesday, February 9th. TD Securities upgraded Brookfield Renewable Partners from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $44.00 to $41.00 in a report on Thursday, December 16th. Raymond James reiterated an "outperform" rating and set a $42.00 price target on shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners in a report on Monday, February 7th. National Bankshares upgraded Brookfield Renewable Partners from a "sector perform" rating to an "outperform" rating and set a $38.00 price target for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 19th. Finally, Scotiabank upgraded Brookfield Renewable Partners from a "sector perform" rating to a "sector outperform" rating in a report on Friday, January 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average price target of $41.88. Read more …

 

 

Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU) was downgraded by Credit Suisse Group from an "outperform" rating to a "neutral" rating in a report issued on Friday, Briefing.com reports. They presently have a $121.00 price objective on the financial services provider's stock, down from their prior price objective of $131.00. Credit Suisse Group's price target would indicate a potential upside of 1.54% from the company's previous close.

A number of other research analysts have also recently commented on the company. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on Prudential Financial in a research note on Tuesday, January 25th. They set an "underperform" rating and a $93.00 target price on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Prudential Financial from $112.00 to $114.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Prudential Financial in a research note on Thursday, December 2nd. They set a "neutral" rating and a $115.00 target price on the stock. Wolfe Research began coverage on Prudential Financial in a research note on Friday, January 21st. They issued a "market perform" rating and a $131.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Barclays increased their price objective on Prudential Financial from $114.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 11th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $110.71. Read more …

 

Dividend Increases Week 7 (Part 1)

 

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

 

Recently, 39 companies announced dividend increases and one decrease. This is the first 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (JKHY)

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. provides technology solutions and payment processing services primarily for financial services organizations in the United States. It operates through four segments: Core, Payments, Complementary, and Corporate and Other. Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Monett, Missouri.

On February 14, JKHY declared a quarterly dividend of $0.49 per share.

This is a 6.5% increase from prior dividend of $0.46. 

Payable March 25 for shareholders of record March 8, ex-div March 7.

 

FirstService Corporation (FSV)

FirstService Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides residential property management and other essential property services to residential and commercial customers in the United States and Canada. The company operates in two segments, FirstService Residential and FirstService Brands. FirstService Corporation was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

On February 14, FSV declared a quarterly dividend of $0.2025 per share.

This is an 11.0% increase from prior dividend of $0.1825. 

Payable April 7 for shareholders of record March 31, ex-div march 30.

 

Genuine Parts Company (GPC)

Genuine Parts Company distributes automotive replacement parts, and industrial parts and materials. The company distributes automotive replacement parts for imported vehicles, hybrid and electric vehicles, trucks, SUVs, buses, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, farm vehicles, small engines, farm equipment, marine equipment, and heavy duty equipment; and accessory and supply items used by various automotive aftermarket customers, such as repair shops, service stations, fleet operators, automobile and truck dealers, leasing companies, bus and truck lines, mass merchandisers, farms, industrial concerns, and individuals. The company was incorporated in 1928 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

On February 14, GPC declared a quarterly dividend of $0.895 per share.

This is a 9.8% increase from prior dividend of $0.815. 

Payable April 1 for shareholders of record March 4, ex-div March 3.

 

Whirlpool Corporation (WHR)

Whirlpool Corporation manufactures and markets home appliances and related products. It operates through four segments: North America; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Latin America; and Asia. Whirlpool Corporation was founded in 1911 and is headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

On February 14, WHR declared a quarterly dividend of $1.75 per share.

This is a 25.0% increase from prior dividend of $1.40. 

Payable March 15 for shareholders of record February 25, ex-div February 24.

 

Restaurant Brands International Inc. (QSR)

Restaurant Brands International Inc. owns, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants under the Tim Hortons (TH), Burger King (BK), and Popeyes (PLK) brands. The company operates through three segments: TH, BK, and PLK. Restaurant Brands International Inc. was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

On February 15, QSR declared a quarterly dividend of $0.54 per share.

This is a 1.9% increase from prior dividend of $0.53. 

Payable April 6 for shareholders of record March 23, ex-div March 22.

 

 

TC Energy Corporation (TRP)

TC Energy Corporation operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. It operates through five segments: Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines; U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines; Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines; Liquids Pipelines; and Power and Storage. The company builds and operates 93,300 km network of natural gas pipelines, which transports natural gas from supply basins to local distribution companies, power generation plants, industrial facilities, interconnecting pipelines, LNG export terminals, and other businesses. TC Energy Corporation was incorporated in 1951 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

On February 15, TRP declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.90 per share.

This is a 3.4% increase from prior dividend of C$0.87. 

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

 

Magna International Inc. (MGA)

Magna International Inc. designs, engineers, and manufactures components, assemblies, systems, subsystems, and modules for original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and light trucks worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Body Exteriors & Structures, Power & Vision, Seating Systems, and Complete Vehicles. Magna International Inc. was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Aurora, Canada.

On February 15, MGA declared a quarterly dividend of $0.45 per share.

This is a 4.7% increase from prior dividend of $0.43. 

Payable March 11 for shareholders of record February 25, ex-div February 24.

 

Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PEG)

Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company primarily in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. It operates through two segments, PSE&G and PSEG Power. Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated was incorporated in 1985 and is based in Newark, New Jersey.

On February 15, PEG declared a quarterly dividend of $0.54 per share.

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

Payable March 31 for shareholders of record March 10, ex-div March 9.

 

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (KNSL)

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc., a specialty insurance company, provides property and casualty insurance products in the United States. Its commercial lines offerings include construction, small business, excess and general casualty, commercial property, allied health, life sciences, energy, environmental, health care, inland marine, public entity, and commercial insurance, as well as product, professional, and management liability insurance. The company markets and sells its insurance products in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands primarily through a network of independent insurance brokers. Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

On February 15, KNSL declared a quarterly dividend of $0.13 per share.

This is an 18.2% increase from prior dividend of $0.11. 

Payable March 14 for shareholders of record March 2, ex-div March 1.

 

Global Industrial Company (GIC)

Global Industrial Company, through its subsidiaries, operates as a direct marketer of brand name and private label industrial and business equipment and supplies in North America. It sells a range of maintenance, repair, and operation products, including storage and shelving, material handling, janitorial and maintenance products, furniture and office products, workbenches and shop desks, HVAC/R and fans, safety and security products, outdoor and grounds maintenance products, tools and instruments, and office and school supplies. The company was formerly known as Systemax Inc. Global Industrial Company was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Port Washington, New York.

On February 15, GIC declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share.

This is a 12.5% increase from prior dividend of $0.16. 

Payable April 15 for shareholders of record March 31, ex-div March 30.

 

 

First Financial Northwest, Inc. (FFNW)

First Financial Northwest, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for First Financial Northwest Bank that provides commercial banking services in Washington. The company offers a range of deposit products, including noninterest bearing accounts, interest-bearing demand accounts, money market deposit accounts, statement savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. First Financial Northwest, Inc. was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Renton, Washington.

On February 15, FFNW declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share.

This is a 9.1% increase from prior dividend of $0.11. 

Payable March 25 for shareholders of record March 11, ex-div March 10.

 

Sonic Automotive, Inc. (SAH)

Sonic Automotive, Inc. operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. It operates in two segments, Franchised Dealerships and EchoPark. The Franchised Dealerships segment is involved in the sale of new and used cars and light trucks, and replacement parts; provision of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repair, and paint and collision repair services; and arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance, and other aftermarket products. Sonic Automotive, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

On February 16, SAH declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share.

This is a 108.3% increase from prior dividend of $0.12. 

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

 

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NUS)

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. develops and distributes beauty and wellness products worldwide. It provides skin care systems, including ageLOC Spa systems, ageLOC Transformation anti-aging skin care systems, and ageLOC LumiSpa skin treatment and cleansing devices; and ageLOC Boost, as well as a range of other cosmetic and personal care products. Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Provo, Utah.

On February 16, NUS declared a quarterly dividend of $0.385 per share.

This is a 1.3% increase from prior dividend of $0.38. 

Payable March 9 for shareholders of record February 28, ex-div February 25.

 

Extra Space Storage Inc. (EXR)

Extra Space Storage Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of September 30, 2020, the Company owned and/or operated 1,906 self-storage stores in 40 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. The Company is the second largest owner and/or operator of self-storage stores in the United States and is the largest self-storage management company in the United States.

On February 16, EXR declared a quarterly dividend of $1.50 per share.

This is a 20.0% increase from prior dividend of $1.25. 

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

 

Evans Bancorp, Inc. (EVBN)

Evans Bancorp, Inc. primarily operates as the financial holding company for Evans Bank, N.A. that provides a range of banking products and services to consumer and commercial customers in Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. It operates in two segments, Banking Activities and Insurance Agency Activities. Evans Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1920 and is headquartered in Williamsville, New York.

On February 16, EVBN declared a semi-annual dividend of $0.62 per share.

This is a 3.3% increase from prior dividend of $0.60. 

Payable April 5 for shareholders of record March 11, ex-div March 10.

 

 

The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW)

The Sherwin-Williams Company develops, manufactures, distributes, and sells paints, coatings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates in three segments: The Americas Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group. The Sherwin-Williams Company was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

On February 16, SHW declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share.

This is a 9.1% increase from prior dividend of $0.55. 

Payable March 11 for shareholders of record February 28, ex-div February 25.

 

Perrigo Company plc (PRGO)

Perrigo Company plc provides over-the-counter (OTC) health and wellness solutions that enhance individual well-being by empowering consumers to prevent or treat conditions that can be self-managed. The company operates through Consumer Self-Care Americas, Consumer Self-Care International, and Prescription Pharmaceuticals segments. Perrigo Company plc was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

On February 16, PRGO declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share.

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

Payable March 17 for shareholders of record February 28, ex-div February 25.

 

CSX Corporation (CSX)

CSX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides rail-based freight transportation services. The company offers rail services; and transportation of intermodal containers and trailers, as well as other transportation services, such as rail-to-truck transfers and bulk commodity operations. It transports chemicals, agricultural and food products, automotive, minerals, forest products, fertilizers, and metals and equipment; and coal, coke, and iron ore to electricity-generating power plants, steel manufacturers, and industrial plants, as well as exports coal to deep-water port facilities. CSX Corporation was incorporated in 1978 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.

On February 16, CSX declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share.

This is a 7.5% increase from prior dividend of $0.093. 

Payable March 15 for shareholders of record February 28, ex-div February 25.

 

Equinix, Inc. (EQIX)

Equinix (Nasdaq: EQIX) is the world's digital infrastructure company, enabling digital leaders to harness a trusted platform to bring together and interconnect the foundational infrastructure that powers their success. Equinix enables today's businesses to access all the right places, partners and possibilities they need to accelerate advantage. With Equinix, they can scale with agility, speed the launch of digital services, deliver world-class experiences and multiply their value.

On February 16, EQIX declared a quarterly dividend of $3.10 per share.

This is an 8.0% increase from prior dividend of $2.87. 

Payable March 23 for shareholders of record March 7, ex-div March 4.

 

EnPro Industries, Inc. (NPO)

EnPro Industries, Inc. engages in the design, development, manufacture, marketing, and service of engineered industrial products worldwide. It operates through three segments: Sealing Technologies, Advanced Surface Technologies, and Engineered Materials. The company was incorporated in 2002 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

On February 16, NPO declared a quarterly dividend of $0.28 per share.

This is a 3.7% increase from prior dividend of $0.27. 

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

 

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of January 17 2022

 

Upgrades:

 

Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSE:BEP.UN) (NYSE:BEP) was upgraded by investment analysts at National Bankshares to a "buy" rating in a report issued on Tuesday, TipRanks reports. The firm currently has a C$38.00 price target on the stock. National Bankshares' target price indicates a potential downside of 8.21% from the company's previous close.

BEP.UN has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Tudor Pickering & Holt set a C$44.00 price objective on shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research report on Monday, November 8th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a "sector perform" rating and set a C$45.00 price objective on shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners in a research report on Monday, September 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners to a "buy" rating and set a C$46.00 price target for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 9th. Scotiabank raised shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners to a "buy" rating in a research report on Friday, January 7th. Finally, Tudor Pickering reissued a "buy" rating and issued a C$44.00 price target on shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners in a research report on Wednesday, September 22nd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Brookfield Renewable Partners presently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus target price of C$44.38. Read more …

 

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) was upgraded by equities researchers at The Goldman Sachs Group to a "buy" rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Stock Target Advisor reports. The brokerage presently has a $101.00 target price on the energy producer's stock. The Goldman Sachs Group's price objective suggests a potential upside of 16.44% from the stock's current price.

A number of other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Truist raised their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $100.00 to $111.00 in a report on Friday. KeyCorp raised their target price on ConocoPhillips from $81.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research note on Thursday, January 13th. Societe Generale lowered ConocoPhillips from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating and set a $77.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, November 10th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research report on Friday, November 19th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their target price on ConocoPhillips from $90.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a "strong-buy" rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 26th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $84.35. Read more …

 

ABB (NYSE:ABB) was upgraded by Royal Bank of Canada from a "sector perform" rating to an "outperform" rating in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on shares of ABB from CHF 31 to CHF 32 in a research note on Thursday, January 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a "neutral" rating on shares of ABB in a research note on Friday, October 1st. Zacks Investment Research downgraded shares of ABB from a "hold" rating to a "strong sell" rating and set a $33.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, January 4th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an "underweight" rating on shares of ABB in a research note on Friday, October 22nd. Finally, Exane BNP Paribas raised shares of ABB to a "neutral" rating and set a CHF 37 price objective on the stock in a report on Tuesday, September 21st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $35.55. Read more …

 

 

Bank of Montreal (NYSE:BMO) (TSE:BMO) was upgraded by Barclays to an "overweight" rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, Stock Target Advisor reports. The brokerage presently has a $165.00 price objective on the bank's stock, up from their prior price objective of $140.00. Barclays's target price points to a potential upside of 39.19% from the stock's previous close.

Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Desjardins increased their target price on Bank of Montreal from C$146.00 to C$150.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a report on Tuesday, December 7th. TD Securities increased their target price on Bank of Montreal from $150.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a report on Monday, December 6th. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded Bank of Montreal from a "sector perform" rating to an "outperform" rating and increased their target price for the stock from $154.00 to $160.00 in a report on Tuesday, December 21st. Scotiabank cut Bank of Montreal from a "sector outperform" rating to a "sector perform" rating in a report on Tuesday, December 21st. Finally, Zacks Investment Research cut Bank of Montreal from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Tuesday, December 7th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of Montreal currently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $151.67. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of December 13 2021

 

Upgrades:

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of October 25 2021

 

Upgrades:

 

Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) was upgraded by equities researchers at Piper Sandler to a "buy" rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

Several other research analysts have also issued reports on the company. Telsey Advisory Group increased their price target on Best Buy from $140.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a report on Wednesday, August 25th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Best Buy from $136.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a report on Wednesday, August 25th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Best Buy to a "buy" rating in a report on Wednesday, August 25th. DA Davidson upgraded Best Buy to a "buy" rating in a report on Wednesday, August 25th. Finally, Bank of America upgraded Best Buy to a "buy" rating and raised their target price for the company from $145.00 to $157.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and an average price target of $127.53. Read more …

 

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) was upgraded by stock analysts at Atlantic Securities from a "neutral" rating to an "overweight" rating in a research report issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The firm presently has a $144.00 target price on the healthcare product maker's stock. Atlantic Securities' price target points to a potential upside of 12.39% from the company's current price.

Several other analysts have also commented on ABT. Redburn Partners initiated coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a report on Thursday, October 14th. They issued a "neutral" rating and a $132.28 price objective for the company. Cowen reaffirmed a "buy" rating and issued a $140.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Friday, October 8th. Zacks Investment Research raised Abbott Laboratories from a "strong sell" rating to a "hold" rating and set a $127.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, August 3rd. Raymond James lifted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $128.00 to $134.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a report on Thursday, October 21st. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a report on Friday, October 1st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus target price of $134.94. Read more …

 

General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) was upgraded by research analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, PriceTargets.com reports. The brokerage presently has a $230.00 price target on the aerospace company’s stock, up from their prior price target of $220.00. Wells Fargo & Company‘s price target points to a potential upside of 12.82% from the company’s current price.

GD has been the subject of a number of other reports. Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of General Dynamics from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $208.00 price target for the company in a report on Thursday, August 5th. Credit Suisse Group boosted their target price on shares of General Dynamics from $182.00 to $198.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Thursday, July 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of General Dynamics from a “sell” rating to a “neutral” rating and set a $176.00 target price for the company in a report on Thursday, September 23rd. Finally, Cowen restated a “buy” rating on shares of General Dynamics in a report on Monday, August 9th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, General Dynamics has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $213.91. Read more …

 

 

Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) was upgraded by research analysts at Bank of America from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a report issued on Thursday, Analyst Price Targets reports. The brokerage presently has a $325.00 price objective on the railroad operator’s stock, up from their previous price objective of $263.00. Bank of America‘s price objective would suggest a potential upside of 11.45% from the stock’s current price.

A number of other brokerages also recently commented on NSC. Citigroup lowered their price objective on Norfolk Southern from $325.00 to $310.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 6th. Evercore ISI raised Norfolk Southern from an “in-line” rating to an “outperform” rating and increased their price target for the stock from $301.00 to $303.00 in a research note on Friday, July 9th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Norfolk Southern from $318.00 to $312.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 7th. Finally, Atlantic Securities began coverage on Norfolk Southern in a research note on Monday, July 12th. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $276.00 price target for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $287.57. Read more …

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of September 6, 2021

 

Upgrades:

 

Bank of Montreal (NYSE:BMO) (TSE:BMO) was upgraded by analysts at Barclays from an "underweight" rating to an "equal weight" rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Briefing.com reports.

Other analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Credit Suisse Group raised their price objective on shares of Bank of Montreal from $138.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a report on Wednesday, August 25th. CIBC raised their price objective on shares of Bank of Montreal from $139.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock an "outperformer" rating in a report on Wednesday, August 25th. Canaccord Genuity raised their price objective on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$143.00 to C$149.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a report on Wednesday, August 25th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$150.00 to C$152.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a report on Wednesday, August 25th. Finally, Desjardins raised their price objective on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$133.00 to C$138.00 and gave the stock a "hold" rating in a report on Thursday, August 26th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus target price of $142.27. Read more …

 

The Southern (NYSE:SO) was upgraded by analysts at Guggenheim from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed a "buy" rating on shares of The Southern in a report on Monday, August 2nd. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on The Southern from $60.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an "underweight" rating in a report on Thursday, August 19th. Barclays boosted their target price on The Southern from $70.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a report on Tuesday, May 25th. Credit Suisse Group reissued a "buy" rating on shares of The Southern in a report on Wednesday, May 19th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their target price on The Southern from $57.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an "underperform" rating in a report on Monday, August 30th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $68.42. Read more …

 

The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD) (TSE:TD) was upgraded by stock analysts at Barclays from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

TD has been the topic of several other reports. Zacks Investment Research cut The Toronto-Dominion Bank from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Tuesday. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on The Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$96.00 to C$94.00 and set a “market perform” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 27th. Finally, Scotiabank reduced their price objective on The Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$95.00 to C$94.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $80.60. Read more …

 

 

Ventas (NYSE:VTR) was upgraded by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

Several other equities analysts also recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on shares of Ventas from $62.00 to $65.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a report on Wednesday, June 30th. Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of Ventas in a research note on Monday, June 14th. They issued an "outperform" rating and a $71.00 target price on the stock. BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of Ventas from an "underperform" rating to a "market perform" rating and set a $60.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 26th. Robert W. Baird upgraded shares of Ventas from a "neutral" rating to an "outperform" rating and set a $58.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Thursday, May 13th. Finally, Scotiabank upped their target price on shares of Ventas from $61.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a "sector perform" rating in a research note on Thursday, July 1st. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $58.41. Read more …