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.
Two Firms Downgrade Microsoft
JP Morgan has lowered its rating on Microsoft Corporation (MSFT ) from “Overweight” to “Neutral” as the company is not cutting costs as quickly as expected and it is exposed to the stronger dollar. The firm has a $47 price target on MSFT.
MKM Partners downgraded MSFT to “Neutral” and has given the company a $48 price target. According to the firm, MSFT is facing continued growth headwinds.
Check out MSFT’s Q2 earnings here. MSFT has a dividend yield of 2.64%.
Jefferies Boosts Estimates on Texas Instruments
Jefferies has boosted its price target on Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN ) to $64, suggesting a 16% upside. The firm has also raised estimates on TXN as the company is gaining market share. TXN has a dividend yield of 2.48%.
Mixed Views on Norfolk Southern"
Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC ) has been upgraded from “Hold” to “Buy” at Argus as the company is expected to benefit from improving economic conditions. The firm has a $135 price target on NSC, suggesting a 28% upside.
Credit Suisse has lowered its price target on NSC to $107. The firm has also lowered estimates on the company due to weak coal demand. NSC has a dividend yield of 2.22%.
D.R. Horton Downgraded at Citi
D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI ) has been downgraded from “Buy” to “Neutral” at Citigroup on a valuation call. The firm has a $26 price target on DHI, suggesting a 6% increase. DHI has a dividend yield of 1.03%.
Sterne Agee Raises Estimates on Sherwin-Williams
Sterne Agee has boosted estimates on Sherwin-Williams Co (SHW ) through 2016. According to the firm, the company should benefit from lower energy prices. SHW has a dividend yield of 0.80%.
Hershey Downgraded to "Sector Perform
Hershey Co (HSY ) has been downgraded from “Outperform” to “Sector Perform” at RBC Capital on a valuation call. HSY has a dividend yield of 1.96%.
Fluor Cut to “Hold”
Fluor Corporation (FLR) has been cut from “Buy” to “Hold” at Deutsche Bank as its project pipeline has weakened. FLR has a dividend yield of 1.52%.
Ross Stores Downgraded at Piper
Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST ) has been cut from “Overweight” to “Neutral” at Piper Jaffray as the company has high exposure to Texas – which is expected to lose a lot of energy related jobs. ROST has a dividend yield of 0.84%.
MKM Lowers PT on Mattel
MKM Partners has lowered its price target on Mattel, Inc. (MAT) to $25. The firm has also lowered estimates on the company due to its new guidance. MAT has a dividend yield of 5.74%.
