Before Friday’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.
Exxon Mobil Lowered to “Underperform”
Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM ) has been downgraded to “Underperform” at Credit Suisse on a valuation call. According to the firm, XOM’s share price is not yet factoring in lower oil prices. The firm has an $82 price target on XOM, suggesting a 12% decline. XOM has a dividend yield of 2.97%.
Chevron Cut to “Neutral”
Chevron Corporation (CVX ) has been downgraded at Credit Suisse to “Neutral” as the the Australian LNG deal is already priced into its share price. The firm has a $115 price target on CVX, suggesting a 5% increase. CVX has a dividend yield of 3.93%.
Goldman Lowers Estimates on Verizon
Goldman Sachs has lowered its estimates on Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ ) due to the increased competition in the wireless industry. The firm has also cut its price target on VZ to $47. VZ has a dividend yield of 4.60%.
Credit Suisse Raises Estimates on Union Pacific
Credit Suisse has raised its price target on Union Pacific Corporation (UNP ) to $136, suggesting a 13% upside. The firm has also lifted estimates on UNP as the company has strong pricing power. UNP has a dividend yield of 1.67%.
Nomura Boosts Estimates on Travelers Companies Inc
Nomura has raised its estimates on Travelers Companies Inc (TRV ) as the company is buying back more stock. The firm has also raised its price target on TRV to $106. TRV has a dividend yield of 2.03%.
Jefferies Lowers Estimates on Capital One
Jefferies has lowered its price target on Capital One Financial Corp. (COF ) to $84. This new price target suggests a 10% upside from the stock’s current price. The firm has also cut its estimates on COF as the company is seeing higher expenses. COF has a dividend yield of 1.57%.
Discover Added to FBR’s Top Picks List
FBR Capital Markets has added Discover Financial Services (DFS ) to its Top Picks list. According to analysts, the stock’s recent pullback has created an attractive entry point. DFS has a dividend yield of 1.67%
Goldman Downgrades U.S. Steel
Goldman Sachs has lowered its rating on United States Steel Corporation (X ) from “Buy” to “Neutral” and has given the company a $23 price target. X has a dividend yield of 0.88%.
Jefferies Raises Estimates on FactSet
Jefferies has boosted its price target on FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS ) to $164, suggesting a 15% upside from the stock’s current price. The firm has also raised estimates on FDS as the company is gaining market share. FDS has a dividend yield of 1.09%.
Avon Products Downgraded at Wells
Avon Products, Inc. (AVP ) has been cut to “Market Perform” at Wells Fargo on a valuation call. AVP has a dividend yield of 2.77%.
