BUZZ-Russian oil & gas: MS sees larger dividend payouts

** Morgan Stanley upgrades its 2019-2020 dividend forecasts for Russian oil & gas companies by 17-20%, following "surprisingly strong" dividend season this year

** Hikes price target for Lukoil to $96 from $93, for Tatneft to $77 from $73, for Gazprom to $7.2 from $4.8, and for Novatek to $176 from $156; cuts Rosneft PT to $6.1 from $6.6

** The brokerage estimates that Russian oil & gas players may pay on aggregate >70% more dividends from 2018 profits versus a year ago

** Yet MS keeps its "in-line" sector rating as dividend news appears priced in

** Lukoil is its most preferred name, offers "appealing mix of progressive dividend policy, solid dividend yield, a meaningful buyback", MS says