Stock News: Analyst Moves for October 8 - YUM, MDT, APD & More

A number of big-name dividend stocks were subject to analyst moves before today’s opening bell. We highlight the most important changes along with analyst commentary below.

Credit Suisse upgraded Yum! Brands (YUM ) from Underperform to Neutral, with a price target of $75 (from $86). Shares of Yum! Brands closed at $67.71 yesterday. The company pays an annual dividend of $1.64 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 2.42%.

Evercore ISI upgraded Medtronic, Inc. (MDT ) from Hold to Buy and raised its price target to $80. Shares of Medtronic, Inc. closed at $70.94 yesterday. The company pays an annual dividend of $1.52 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 2.14%.

Goldman Sachs upgraded Air Products & Chemicals Inc. (APD ) from Neutral to Buy, with a price target of $154 (from $150). Shares of Air Products & Chemicals Inc. closed at $134.17 yesterday. The company pays an annual dividend of $3.24 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 2.41%.

Longbow Research downgraded Lincoln Electric (LECO ) from Buy to Neutral. Shares of Lincoln Electric closed at $57.58 yesterday. The company pays an annual dividend of $1.16 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 2.01%.

BofA/Merrill Lynch downgraded Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN ) from Neutral to Underperform, with a price target of $78. Shares of Mead Johnson Nutrition closed at $72.35 yesterday. The company pays an annual dividend of $1.65 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 2.28%.