Stock News: Analyst Moves for October 16 - OMC, BX, DGX & 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. Omnicom Group Upgraded by Pivotal Research

Pivotal Research upgraded Omnicom Group (OMC ) from Sell to Hold, with a price target of $69 (from $57). Shares of Omnicom Group closed at $71.71 yesterday. The company pays an annual dividend of $2 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 2.79%.

2. The Blackstone Group Upgraded by Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer upgraded The Blackstone Group (BX ) from Perform to Outperform, with a price target of $38. Shares of The Blackstone Group closed at $34.05 yesterday. The company pays an annual dividend of $2.96 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 8.69%.

3. Quest Diagnostics Upgraded by Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo upgraded Quest Diagnostics (DGX ) from Underperform to Market Perform. Shares of Quest Diagnostics closed at $64.07 yesterday. The company pays an annual dividend of $1.52 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 2.37%.

4. Xcel Energy Downgraded by Jefferies

Jefferies downgraded Xcel Energy (XEL ) from Buy to Hold, with a price target of $37 (from $38). Shares of Xcel Energy closed at $36.35 yesterday. The company pays an annual dividend of $1.28 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 3.52%.

5. Seagate Technology Downgraded by Pacific Crest

Pacific Crest downgraded Seagate Technology (STX ) from Overweight to Sector Weight. Shares of Seagate Technology closed at $41.44 yesterday. The company pays an annual dividend of $2.16 (paid quarterly) and has a yield of 5.21%.