Before Monday’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.
Brean Capital Initiates Coverage on Apple
Brean Capital has started coverage on Apple (AAPL ) with a “Buy” rating and a $160 price target as analysts expect the iPhone will continue to help the company’s earnings. AAPL has a dividend yield of 1.44%.
American Express Downgraded to “Neutral”
American Express Company (AXP ) has been downgraded to “Neutral” from “Buy” at Nomura. AXP has a dividend yield of 1.33%.
Jefferies Raises Price Target on Halliburton
Jefferies has raised its price target on Halliburton Company (HAL ) to $60. The firm has also raised EPS estimates on the company as analysts see early signs of a market share increase in the U.S. HAL has a dividend yield of 1.50%.
Credit Suisse Cuts Estimates on CME Group
Credit Suisse has lowered its estimates on CME Group Inc (CME ) through 2017 as volumes have declined. CME has a dividend yield of 2.22%.
Sterne Agee Lowers Estimates on Ross Stores
Sterne Agee has cut estimates on Ross Stores (ROST ) due to higher labor costs. The firm has also lowered its price target on ROST to $108. ROST has a dividend yield of 0.90%.
SeaWorld Entertainment Upgraded to “Buy”
SeaWorld Entertainment (SEAS ) has been upgraded from “Neutral” to “Buy” at Goldman Sachs as analysts expect park attendance to improve. SEAS has a dividend yield of 3.91%.
Six Flags Entertainment Downgraded at Goldman
Six Flags Entertainment (SIX ) has been downgraded from “Buy” to “Neutral” at Goldman Sachs on a valuation call. SIX has a dividend yield of 4.07%.
BMO Capital Boosts Estimates on A. O. Smith
BMO Capital has raised estimates on A. O. Smith (AOS ) through 2016 as analyst expect the company to continue to deliver strong growth. AOS has a dividend yield of 1.14%.
