Before Tuesday’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.
Canaccord Genuity Lowers Estimates on Verizon
Canaccord Genuity has lowered its estimates on Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ ) through 2015. The firm has a $56 price target on VZ, suggesting a 17% upside. VZ has a dividend yield of 4.58%.
Intel Downgraded at JMP Securities
Intel Corporation (INTC ) has been cut from “Market Perform” to “Underperform” at JMP Securities. The firm has a $30 price target on INTC, suggesting a 17% decline from the stock’s current price. According to analysts, data center demand is slowing and the company is facing increased competition. INTC has a dividend yield of 2.47%.
Bank of America Added to Goldman’s Conviction Buy List
Goldman Sachs has added Bank of America Corp (BAC ) to its Conviction Buy list as the stock is reasonably valued. The firm has an $18 price target on BAC, suggesting a 17% upside from the stock’s current price. BAC has a dividend yield of 1.30%.
Altria Upgraded at Wells Fargo
Altria Group Inc (MO ) has been boosted to “Outperform” at Wells Fargo. The firm has also raised estimates on MO due to better tobacco fundamentals. MO has a dividend yield of 3.92%.
BMO Capital Raises Numbers on Target
BMO Capital has raised its price target on Target Corporation (TGT ) to $82. This price target suggests a 9% increase from the stock’s current price. The firm has also boosted estimates on the retailer due to its exit from Canada. TGT has a dividend yield of 2.78%.
Jefferies Lowers PT on Schlumberger Limited.
Jefferies has cut its price target on Schlumberger Limited. (SLB ) to $80, suggesting a 1% decline from the stock’s current price. The firm has also reduced estimates on the company due to its new guidance. SLB has a dividend yield of 2.46%.
Time Warner Cut to “Equal-Weight”
Time Warner Inc (TWX) has been cut to “Equal-Weight” at Morgan Stanley. The firm sees a downside in affiliate fee growth and TV advertising. TWX has a dividend yield of 1.53%.
Exelon Boosted to “Outperform”
Exelon Corporation (EXC ) has been upgraded from “Market Perform” to “Outperform” at Wells Fargo. Analysts expect regulations to improve the company’s nuclear fleet. EXC has a dividend yield of 3.32%.
Tiffany & Co. Upgraded at Wells Fargo
Tiffany & Co. (TIF ) has been boosted from “Market Perform” to “Outperform” at Wells Fargo. The stock has pulled back and the sales slowdown is expected to be temporary. TIF has a dividend yield of 1.72%.
Viacom Cut to “Underweight”
Viacom, Inc. (VIAB ) has been downgraded from “Equal-Weight” to “Underweight” at Morgan Stanley as analysts see a potential downside in affiliate fee growth. VIAB has a dividend yield of 1.94%.
Eaton Vance Upgraded at Citi
Eaton Vance Corp Liquid error: internal has been upgraded to “Neutral” at Citigroup. According to analysts, the stock is attractive following its recent pullback, EV has a dividend yield of 2.57%.
