Before Wednesday’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.
BMO Capital Starts Coverage on Schlumberger
BMO Capital has initiated coverage on Schlumberger (SLB ) with an “Outperform” rating and a $105 price target. According to the firm, SLB should continue to gain market share over time. SLB has a dividend yield of 2.25%.
Jefferies Boosts Estimates on Medtronic
Jefferies has raised its price target on Medtronic (MDT ) to $89, suggesting a 14% upside. The firm has also boosted estimates on MDT as the company is seeing higher sales and realizing synergies from the Covidien acquisition. MDT has a dividend yield of 1.56%.
Valero Energy Upgraded to “Outperform”
Valero Energy (VLO ) has been upgraded from “Neutral” to “Outperform” at Credit Suisse as industry costs are low. The firm has a $70 price target on VLO, suggesting a 19% upside. VLO has a dividend yield of 2.72%.
Northrop Grumman Downgraded at Bernstein
Bernstein has cut its rating on Northrop Grumman (NOC) from “Outperform” to “Market Perform” on a valuation call. NOC has a dividend yield of 1.67%.
Legg Mason Boosted to “Buy”
Legg Mason (LM ) has been upgraded from “Hold” to “Buy” at Jefferies as the company is still attracting assets and is expected to deliver growth. The firm has a $67 price target on LM, suggesting a 15% upside.
Analog Devices Upgraded at Pacific Crest
Pacific Crest has boosted its price target on Analog Devices (ADI ) to $66, suggesting a 12% upside. The firm has also raised estimates on ADI due to continued growth in its auto and communications business. ADI has a dividend yield of 2.52%.
Centurylink Downgraded at Goldman
Centurylink (CTL ) has been cut to “Sell” at Goldman Sachs as margins and free cash flow are expected to decline in the coming quarters. The firm has a $33 price target on CTL, suggesting a 15% drop. CTL has a dividend yield of 5.51%.
Williams-Sonoma Downgraded to “Neutral”
Williams-Sonoma (WSM ) has been cut to “Neutral” at Piper Jaffray as more promotional activity is expected in the industry. The firm has an $84 price target on WSM, suggesting a 2% upside. WSM has a dividend yield of 1.62%.
Wolverine World Wide Upgraded at Sterne Agee
Wolverine World Wide (WWW ) has been upgraded from “Underperform” to “Neutral” at Sterne Agee as its new guidance is reasonable. WWW has a dividend yield of 0.85%.
