March 7, 2022

This paid piece is sponsored by MarketBeat.

Sioux Falls-based MarketBeat is a one-stop resource that brings together fundamental and technical analysis so investors have a single resource to get timely information on news that affects the stocks in their portfolio or watchlist. MarketBeat is partnering with SiouxFalls.Business to provide a monthly overview of stocks of local interest. Here’s a recap of what has been moving these stocks in the past 30 days.

Meta Financial Group (NASDAQ:CASH) – The South Dakota-based financial holding company announced that it will pay a cash dividend of 5 cents a share for its fiscal second quarter. The dividend will be payable April 1 to shareholders of record as of March 10.

SAB Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ:SABS) – The stock price dropped sharply last week on news that the National Institutes of Health is closing enrollment in its clinical trial related to therapeutics for COVID-19, which had included evaluating SAB-185. The low omicron-related deaths and hospitalizations made the current study design statistically unworkable. SAB noted it is evaluating future clinical plans for SAB-185, including targeted applications such as prophylaxis — giving it preventatively — and treatment in high-risk patient groups.

First Interstate BancSystem (NASDAQ:FIBK) – On Feb. 21, shareholders of FIBK stock received a dividend payment of 41 cents per share. Analysts are encouraged by the consistency of the company’s dividend, which it has increased in each of the past 11 years. With a dividend yield over 4 percent, the bank currently offers a dividend that is greater than the overall sector.

Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) – According to senior banking analyst Mike Mayo, U.S. banks may experience ripple effects from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The bank also has targeted mid-March for bringing workers back to the office.

NorthWestern Energy (NASDAQ:NWE) – The electric and natural gas utility provider reported earnings in February. Despite a slight miss on the bottom line, the company still delivered earnings per share within its guidance. In addition, the company increased its dividend by 1.6 percent to 63 cents a share. This marked the 17th consecutive year of dividend increases.

CNH Industrial (NYSE:CNHI) – CNH Industrial, the owner of Sioux Falls-based Raven Industries, recently presented its vision for the future, with a focus on its agriculture and construction businesses. The company also said investors should expect over 150 connectivity/automation-enabled launches through 2024.

Citigroup (NYSE:C) – Citigroup announced that its total exposure to Russia is nearly $10 billion. That was higher than the bank had previously communicated. The bank further disclosed that Russia ranked 21 out of 25 countries in which the company has exposure. The $5.4 billion of loans represents 0.3 percent of the bank’s exposure in 2021, according to a regulatory filing.

McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) – Activist investor Carl Icahn launched a proxy fight by nominating two board members. Icahn is pushing the fast-food chain to require suppliers to change their treatment of pigs. McDonald’s has confirmed the nominations and said the board would evaluate the nominees.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT) – As the nation continues to define a new post-pandemic normal, Walmart is focusing on new ways for consumers to take advantage of home delivery. The company is investing in automated fulfillment centers that are attached to existing stores. Walmart also plans to use its own workers to make deliveries. The company plans to experiment with autonomous trucks.

Target (NYSE:TGT) – In a move to position itself “as a wage leader in every market where it operates,” Target announced that it is increasing its starting hourly wage to a range from $15 to $24 per hour. The retailer also is expanding health benefits for employees and families.

Macy’s (NYSE:M) – Macy’s posted a double beat when it reported earnings Feb. 21. The stock is getting a mixed review from analysts. However, it received a key upgrade from Citigroup on Feb. 24 as it raised the retailer from sell to neutral. In addition, the company raised its dividend from 15 cents per share to almost 16 cents.

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) – Amazon reported earnings in early February, and AMZN stock is showing signs of breaking out of its yearlong doldrums. The company has enjoyed a slew of price target upgrades since the earnings report and, according to MarketBeat, has a consensus price target of $4,218.86, which represents a 37 percent increase from the stock’s current level.

Costco (NASDAQ:COST) – Costco stock is charging higher since hitting a January low. Many analysts expect the stock to turn positive for the year after it reports earnings in early March. A fresh rally could see Costco stock surpass the all-time high it achieved in December 2021.

Ford Motor (NYSE:F) – Ford has announced plans to separate its electric vehicle unit from its legacy business. This is part of a broad reorganization effort that is attempting to position Ford for the EV age and also to reposition the company in the eyes of investors.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) – On Feb. 28, General Motors announced it is suspending business in Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The company has only a small presence in Russia, but the move is being heralded as a show of disapproval of the country’s invasion.

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