Before Wednesday’s opening bell, a number of big name dividend stocks were the subject of analyst moves. Below, we highlight the important analyst commentary for investors.
Jefferies Boosts PT on Intel
Jefferies has boosted its price target on Intel Corporation (INTC ) to $50, suggesting a 36% increase from the stock’s current price. According to analysts, the company’s near-term expectations are too low. INTC has a dividend yield of 2.47%
BofA/Merrill Lowers Estimates on IBM
Bank of America/Merrill Lynch has cut estimates on International Business Machines Corp. (IBM ) as the company is transitioning its business into higher growth areas. The firm has also lowered its price target on IBM to $160 (suggesting a 2% upside). IBM has a dividend yield of 2.81%.
BlackRock Upgraded at Goldman
Goldman Sachs has boosted its rating on BlackRock, Inc. (BLK ) to “Buy” as organic growth is accelerating. The firm has a $400 price target on BLK, suggesting a 14% upside. BLK has a dividend yield of 2.22%.
Franklin Resources Downgraded at Goldman
Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN ) has been cut to “Neutral” at Goldman Sachs as the company could be hurt by softer global bond performance. The firm has a $56 price target on BEN, suggesting a 7% increase. BEN has a dividend yield of 1.15%.
Whole Foods Market Downgraded at Argus
Argus has cut its rating on Whole Foods Market, Inc. (WFM) on a valuation call. The firm noted that the company lacks earnings upside potential. WFM has a dividend yield of 1.01%.
Foot Locker Cut to “Sell”
Foot Locker, Inc. (FL) has been cut to “Sell” at Goldman Sachs. The firm has given FL a $47 price target, suggesting a 14% decline. Goldman has also lowered estimates on FL as basketball margins appear to be at risk. FL has a dividend yield of 1.58%.
Two Firms Downgrade KB Home
Following its earnings release on Tuesday, two firms have downgraded KB Home (KBH ).
JP Morgan has lowered its rating on KBH from “Overweight” to “Neutral” as the company is seeing lower margins. The firm has a $15 price target on KBH.
Credit Suisse has downgraded KBH from “Outperform” to “Neutral” and has given the company a $16 price target. The firm also lowered estimates on the company due to its new margins guidance.
Credit Suisse Raises Estimates on CF Industries
Credit Suisse has boosted estimates on CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF ) through 2015 as pricing is expected to rebound. The firm has an “Outperform” rating and $330 price target on CF, suggesting a 10% upside. CF has a dividend yield of 2.01%.
JP Morgan Raises Estimates on Genuine Parts Company
JP Morgan has raised its estimates on Genuine Parts Company (GPC ) as the company should benefit from lower gas prices. The firm has a $105 price target on GPC, suggesting an 8% increase from the stock’s current price. GPC has a dividend yield of 2.37%.
