Analysts Upgrade, Downgrade, and Retain ratings on DTV

Monday, May 20, 2014, after the announcement of the $49 billion acquisition of DIRECTV DTV by AT&T T analysts from Nomura, Pivotal and the Buckingham Research Group have all had different views and ratings on DTV. With the acquisition still needing to receive approval from US and foreign regulators, here is a look at what these analysts are thinking about DTV. Nomura analyst Adam Ilokwitz Upgraded DIRECTV to Neutral from Reduce and Increased the Target Price to $95 from $50. Ilokwitz believes the acquisition deal will be approved by US and foreign regulators, Ilokwitz supports this by viewing the deal will have a lack of competitive concerns. Pivtoal analyst Jeffery Wlodarczak came out saying that after a decade of a Buy rating on DTV, Wlodarczak downgraded DTV to a Hold rating. Citing a disappointment in the price and structure of the acquisition deal DTV accepted, Wlodarczak also voiced concerns due to no break up fee if the deal is not approved regulators. Buckingham Research Group analyst James Ratcliffe Retained a Neutral rating on DTV, but did Increase the Target Price to $95 from $93 in reaction to DTV agreeing to be acquired by ATT&T for $95/share. Seeing no additional bids for DTV in the future and a long-term negative deal for DTV competitors due to AT&T's broadband buildout, Ratcliffe is going to assign a Neutral rating for DTV. DTV stocks were down 0.89 percent to 83.9 from the previous close of 84.65 at 10:23AM EDT.