Before Thursday’s opening bell, a number of big name dividend stocks were the subject of analyst moves. Below, we highlight the most important analyst commentary for investors.
BMO Capital Lifts Estimates on Pfizer
BMO Capital has boosted its price target on Pfizer (PFE ) to $38. The firm has also raised estimates on PFE through 2016 as the brance launch should be better than expected. PFE has a dividend yield of 3.21%.
Barclays Lowers Estimates on McDonald’s
Barclays has cut estimates on McDonald’s (MCD ) due to the company’s disappointing global fundamental performance. MCD has a dividend yield of 3.48%.
BMO Capital Cuts Estimates on QUALCOMM
BMO Capital has lowered its price target on QUALCOMM (QCOM ) to $78. The firm has also cut estimates on QCOM due to its slower chip business. QCOM has a dividend yield of 2.84%.
Time Warner Cable Upgraded at Jefferies
Time Warner Cable (TWC) has been boosted from “Hold” to “Buy” at Jefferies on a valuation call. Analysts expect the Comcast deal to close. TWC has a dividend yield of 2.00%.
Texas Instruments Downgraded at BofA/Merrill
Texas Instruments (TXN ) has been cut to “Hold” at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch. The firm has also lowered estimates on TXN due to its new guidance. TXN has a dividend yield of 2.32%.
Jefferies Raises Estimates on Yum! Brands
Jefferies has boosted estimates on Yum! Brands (YUM ) through 2016. The firm has also raised estimates on YUM as the China rebound is expected to boost earnings. YUM has a dividend yield of 1.95%.
St. Jude Medical Upgraded to “Outperform”
St. Jude Medical (STJ) has been upgraded from “Neutral” to “Outperform” at Credit Suisse as analysts view the company as attractively valued. STJ has a dividend yield of 1.58%.
