Markets are mixed before the opening bell on a busy Thursday that will bring the latest government report on retail sales, weekly applications for unemployment benefits, and a slew of corporate earnings reports.

I make note of the four stocks analysts most adore, and the four they most despise. In performance over the next year, there's little difference.

CVS Health is a beaten-down dividend stock with solid support from Wall Street. Devon Energy's share price and dividend could increase if oil and gas prices rise. How would you like to get paid to sit back and watch a stock you own take off?