Sterling Capital Management LLC significantly increased its holdings in Verizon Communications Inc. by 191.5% in the first quarter, now owning over 235,000 shares worth $11.8 million. Other institutional investors also adjusted their positions, with several analysts maintaining "Buy" or "Hold" ratings and a consensus price target of $50.59 for Verizon stock. The company recently reported Q1 earnings that beat analyst estimates and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.7075 per share.

Sterling Capital Management LLC reduced its stake in Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) by 42.3% in Q1, now holding 23,984 shares valued at $10.37 million. Despite Intuit reporting better-than-expected earnings and raising guidance, the stock faces mixed sentiment due to analyst price target trims, legal scrutiny, and concerns about growth and pricing. However, increasing AI investment plans and dip-buying are offering some support.

Sterling Capital Management LLC significantly increased its stake in Lockheed Martin Corporation by 364.7% in the first quarter, holding over 13,500 shares valued at $8.2 million. This comes after Lockheed Martin secured a substantial $35 billion government contract to boost THAAD interceptor production, though the company recently missed quarterly earnings and revenue estimates. Analysts largely maintain a "Hold" rating on LMT with a consensus price target of around $619.63.

Sterling Capital Management LLC decreased its stake in Cummins Inc. by 15.4% during the first quarter, now holding 17,844 shares valued at $9.60 million. Despite this reduction, analyst sentiment remains positive with a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating and an average price target of $731.86. Cummins recently exceeded quarterly earnings expectations, reporting EPS of $6.15 against estimates of $5.63, and also distributed an $8.00 annualized dividend.

Sterling Capital Management LLC increased its stake in CVS Health Corporation by 34.8% in the first quarter, bringing its total holdings to 116,860 shares valued at approximately $8.39 million. Other institutional investors like Vanguard Group, Capital World Investors, and State Street Corp also boosted their positions, with hedge funds and institutions now owning over 80% of CVS stock. Despite recent insider selling, CVS reported stronger-than-expected quarterly results and has an average "Moderate Buy" rating from analysts with a target price of $101.28.

Sterling Capital Management LLC reduced its stake in PepsiCo by 2.7% in the first quarter, selling 8,406 shares, though PepsiCo still represents 0.9% of its portfolio. This reduction comes as PepsiCo reported stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings and increased its quarterly dividend. The company also received several "Buy" ratings from Wall Street analysts, despite some price target adjustments.

Sterling Capital Management LLC has reduced its stake in Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) by 24.5% during the first quarter, now holding 99,869 shares valued at $35.84 million. Other institutional investors, like GHP Investment Advisors Inc. and OLD National Bancorp IN, increased their positions. Analysts have set varying price targets, with the consensus being a "Hold" rating and an average price target of $457.50.

Sterling Capital Management LLC reduced its holdings in Raymond James Financial by 11.9% in Q1 2026, selling 31,552 shares and retaining 234,365 shares valued at $33.9 million. Raymond James Financial reported Q1 earnings of $2.83 per share, exceeding estimates, with revenue up 13.4% year-over-year to $3.86 billion. The company has a consensus "Hold" rating from analysts with an average price target of $172.92 and announced a quarterly dividend of $0.54 per share.

WEC Energy Group, a regulated utility, is attracting investor interest due to its predictable cash flows and consistent dividend increases. Analysts have a "Hold to Buy" rating on the stock, comparing it to other large US power and gas providers in the S&P 500 utilities sector, reflecting its steady but low-growth profile. The company primarily generates revenue from regulated electric and natural gas distribution and invests in renewable energy infrastructure.

Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA significantly increased its stake in Targa Resources, acquiring 33,496 additional shares to bring its total to 60,022 shares valued at $15.0 million. This comes despite Targa Resources reporting weaker-than-expected first-quarter results, though the company did raise its quarterly dividend to $1.25. Analysts largely maintain a "Buy" rating on the stock with a consensus price target of $272.73.