Before Monday’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.
JP Morgan Downgrades Alcoa
Alcoa (AA ) was downgraded to “Neutral” from “Overweight” at JP Morgan, as the analyst firm believes that aluminum fundamentals are deteriorating. JPM has a price target of $20 on AA, suggesting the stock will rise by 20%.
Citigroup Rates AbbVie as “Sell”
AbbVie (ABBV ) was rated a new “Sell” at Citigroup, as Citi believes that Humira biosimilars will create tough competition. Citi has a price target of $48 on ABBV, suggesting the stock will fall by 16%.
BofA/Merrill Lynch Downgrades Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) was downgraded to “Underperform” at BofA/Merrill Lynch, due to currency exposure risk. BofA/Merrill Lynch has a price target of $20 on ANF, suggesting the stock will fall by 22%.
Morgan Stanley Upgrades Mosaic
Mosaic Co. (MOS ) was upgraded to “Overweight” from “Equal-weight” at Morgan Stanley, based on a valuation call and Mosaic’s $56 price target. The price target suggests a 13% upside to Mosaic’s current price. MOS has a yield of 2.01%.
BMO Capital Upgrades Pfizer
Pfizer (PFE ) was upgraded to “Outperform” from “Market Perform” at BMO Capital, due to the company’s Hospira acquisition. BMO has a price target of $35 on PFE, suggesting a 6% upside to the stock’s current price. PFE has a yield of 3.38%.
Deutsche Bank Downgrades Prudential Financial
Prudential Financial (PRU ) was downgraded to “Hold” from “Buy” Deutsche Bank, as DB believes PRU will be hurt by lower interest rates. Deutsche Bank has a price target of $90 on Prudential, suggesting a 16% upside to the stock’s current price. PRU has a yield of 2.98%.
Argus Downgrades Exxon Mobil
Exxon Mobil (XOM ) was downgraded to “Hold” from “Buy” at Argus, as the analyst firm believes that XOM is leveraged to lower liquid prices. XOM has a yield of 3.02%.
Canaccord raises PT on Apple
Apple, Inc. (AAPL ) had its price target raised to $145 at Canaccord Genuity, as the analyst firm believes that Apple continues to dominate the smartphone market. The new price target suggests a 22% upside to the stock’s current price. AAPL has a yield of 1.58%.
BMO Boosts Numbers on Estee Lauder
Estee Lauder (EL ) had its estimates and price target raised at BMO Capital, as the analyst firm believes that new products are driving growth for the company. BMO now has a price target of $80 on EL, suggesting its stock price will stay flat. EL has a yield of 1.21%.
