Before Thursday’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.
Mizuho Downgrades Apple
Apple Inc. (AAPL ) was downgraded to “Neutral” from “Buy” at Mizuho, based on a valuation call and Apple’s $115 price target. The price target suggests a 5% upside to AAPL’s current price. AAPL has a dividend yield of 1.71%.
Goldman Sachs Downgrades Archer-Daniels Midland
Archer-Daniels Midland (ADM ) was downgraded to “Neutral” at Goldman Sachs, as ADM is leveraged to weaker domestic ethanol fundamentals. ADM has a yield of 2.02%.
Goldman Upgrades CF Industries
CF Industries (CF ) was upgraded to “Buy” at Goldman Sachs, as the analyst firm believes that CF’s cash flow visibility is improving for the near future. CF has a yield of 2.07%.
Goldman Upgrades Clorox
Clorox Co. (CLX ) was upgraded to “Neutral” from “Sell” at Goldman Sachs, due to CLX’s relatively low currency exposure and falling oil prices. CLX has a yield of 2.77%.
Goldman Upgrades Dr. Pepper Snapple
Dr. Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) was upgraded to “Neutral” from “Sell” at Goldman Sachs, due to DPS’s earnings momentum. Goldman has a price target of $75 on DPS, suggesting the stock will stay flat at its current price. DPS has a yield of 2.19%.
JP Morgan Upgrades Corning
Corning (GLW ) was upgraded to “Overweight” from “Neutral” at JP Morgan, as there is rising glass demand from smartphones and televisions. JPM has a $26 price target on GLW, suggesting a 12% upside from the stock’s current price. GLW has a yield of 2.06%.
Goldman Downgrades Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ ) was downgraded to “Sell” from “Neutral” at Goldman Sachs, as JNJ is lacking in near-term catalysts. GS has a PT of $97 on JNJ, suggesting a 7% decrease from its current stock price. JNJ has a yield of 2.69%.
Goldman Upgrades Eli Lilly
Eli Lilly (LLY ) was upgraded to “Neutral” at Goldman Sachs. The analyst firm believes LLY is improving its margins and can deliver double-digit annual earnings. LLY has a 2.87%.
Goldman Downgrades Philip Morris
Philip Morris International (PM ) was downgraded to “Sell” from “Neutral” at Goldman Sachs, due to PM’s international market exposure. GS has a price target of $80 on PM, suggesting a 4% downside from the stock’s current price. PM has a yield of 4.8%.
Jefferies Lowers Estimates for Chevron
Chevron (CVX ) had its price target and estimates lowered at Jefferies, due to lower oil prices. Jefferies now has a $125 price target on CVX, suggesting a 20% upside to the stock’s current price. CVX has a yield of 4.12%.
Jefferies Cuts Numbers on JP Morgan
JP Morgan Chase (JPM ) had its price target and estimates lowered at Jefferies, due to JPM’s lower fee income. Jefferies now has a price target of $65 on JPM, suggesting a 14% upside to the stock’s current price. JPM has a yield of 2.82%.
