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.

1. Yum! Brands Upgraded by Credit Suisse

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%.

2. Medtronic, Inc. Upgraded by Evercore ISI

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%.

3. Air Products & Chemicals Inc. Upgraded by Goldman Sachs

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%.

4. Lincoln Electric Downgraded by Longbow Research

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%.

5. Mead Johnson Nutrition Downgraded by BofA/Merrill Lynch

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%.