Stock News: Analyst Moves for October 5 - DFS, NUE, DPS & More

Prior to the opening bell today, a few big-name dividend stocks were subject to analyst moves. The most important shifts of the day are highlighted below.

1. Discover Financial Upgraded by Bernstein

Bernstein upgraded Discover Financial (DFS ) from Market Perform to Outperform, with a price target of $69. Shares of Discover Financial closed at $52.17 on Friday. The company pays an annual dividend of $1.12 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 2.15%.

2. Nucor Corporation Upgraded by Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank upgraded Nucor (NUE ) from Hold to Buy, with a price target of $52. Shares of Nucor closed at $38 on Friday. The company pays an annual dividend of $1.49 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 3.92%.

3. Dr Pepper Snapple Upgraded by Evercore ISI

Evercore ISI upgraded Dr Pepper Snapple (DPS ) from Hold to Buy, with a price target of $92. Shares of Dr Pepper Snapple closed at $79.57 on Friday. The company pays an annual dividend of $1.92 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 2.41%.

4. Lam Research Downgraded by RBC Capital

RBC Capital downgraded Lam Research (LRCX ) from Sector Perform to Underperform, with a price target of $52 (from $76). Shares of Lam Research closed at $65.68 on Friday. The company pays an annual dividend of $1.20 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 1.83%.

5. Applied Materials Downgraded by RBC Capital

RBC Capital downgraded Applied Materials (AMAT ) from Sector Perform to Underperform, with a price target of $12 (from $16). Shares of Applied Materials closed at $14.94 on Friday. The company pays an annual dividend of 40 cents (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 2.68%.