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.
Microsoft Upgraded at Wells Fargo
Microsoft (MSFT ) has been boosted to “Outperform” at Wells Fargo on a valuation call. According to analysts, MSFT is likely facing XP and currency risks. MSFT has a dividend yield of 3.08%.
Qualcomm Downgraded at FBR Capital Markets
Qualcomm (QCOM ) has been cut to “Market Perform” at FBR Capital Markets. The firm has also removed QCOM from its Top Picks List as the company facing increased competition. QCOM has a dividend yield of 2.47%.
RBC Capital Lowers Estimates on McDonald’s
RBC Capital has lowered its estimates on McDonald’s (MCD ) through 2016 as the company is seeing lower U.S. sales, higher labor costs and currency pressures. MCD has a dividend yield of 3.55%.
FBR Capital Markets Downgrades Gannett
Gannett (GCI) has been cut from “Outperform” to “Market Perform” at FBR Capital Markets on a valuation call. GCI has a dividend yield of 2.14%.
CONSOL Energy Cut to “Hold”
CONSOL Energy Inc. (CNX) has been downgraded from “Buy” to “Hold” at Deutsche Bank as the company is leveraged to lower natural gas and coal prices. CNX has a dividend yield of 0.86%.
