Dow Earns an Upgrade at JPMorgan

Dow (NYSE:DOW) was upgraded by JP Morgan analysts, who raised the rating on the industrial conglomerate from Neutral to Overweight and maintained a $55 price target. The upgrade was based on Dow's attractive dividend, with the stock offering a 5.6% dividend yield and a reasonable valuation.

The analysts noted that recent declines in equity values have created an opportunity for investors to buy Dow shares at a favorable valuation. They highlighted Dow's strong balance sheet, a low earnings profile in the current cycle, and the potential for positive responses to higher oil prices.

The analysts also pointed out that Dow's stock price had not followed the upward trend in oil prices, remaining lower than at the end of June. This divergence from oil price movements is significant because rising oil prices typically benefit high-cost producers and North American companies that use natural gas liquids as feedstock, leading to increased profitability.