Dividend Aristocrats Outperform Market as Analysts Upgrade EQT and Others

Dividend aristocrats delivered an almost 8% gain in July, outpacing the Nasdaq’s 3.2% decline and the S&P 500’s modest dip. Wall Street analysts highlighted seven companies with strong upside potential, including Albemarle, which fell 12.9% in July but was seen as having a 63% upside, and Air Products and Chemicals, noted for its 2.5% dividend yield and earnings beat.

In parallel, European analysts raised several stock recommendations. Citigroup upgraded EQT to a buy with a target price of 385 kr, implying a 13.3% upside. DNB Carnegie lifted Asker Healthcare’s target to 105 kr, and multiple banks raised price targets for Asmodee, ranging from 186 kr to 195 kr, all maintaining buy ratings.