Broker Recommendations
Schroders cannot rely on tailwinds any longer, warns Berenberg
Analysts at Berenberg believe Schroders is set for a period of lower assets under management, faster margin declines and a greater reliance on cost discipline to achieve profit targets, leading the broker to change its stance on the investment manager.
Vertu seen as more favourable prospect by Canaccord, who hikes target
The UK's fifth largest motor retailer Vertu Motors was seen as a more favourable prospect by Canaccord Genuity after the AIM-quoted firm posted a rise in pre-tax profits in its most recent trading year, despite seeing a slight decrease in revenues.
Sainsbury's-Asda synergies could be £1.5bn, Berenberg says
Synergies from Sainsbury’s agreed purchase of Asda from Walmart could be as high as £1. 5bn, Berenberg analysts said as they raised their price target for the FTSE 100 grocer.
Credit Suisse ups target price on 'confident' Pearson
With Pearson's management showing signs of increasing confidence as the first quarter drew to a close, analysts at Credit Suisse saw reason to believe that the FTSE 100 educational publisher can deliver stronger earnings this year than first envisaged.
Imperial Brands shares 'too cheap' for RBC Capital
First-half results from tobacco giant Imperial Brands impressed RBC Capital Markets, which saw management "doing the right thing" and the shares "too cheap".
Jefferies ups target price on Indivior ahead of Sublocade launch
Encouraged by Indivior's update on the launch of its Sublocade monthly opioid addiction treatment, Jefferies showed its confidence in the drug maker with an improved target price and a reiterated 'buy' rating.
Analysts see positives as Shire agrees to Takeda's takeover
Analysts saw the positives as Shire agreed to be taken over by Takeda Pharmaceutical, as the Japanese company's statement "alleviated some concerns" about the deal.
Capital Economics expects higher metals output and Fed hiking to weigh on silver
Given that most silver is a by-product of mining for copper, gold, zinc and lead, analysts at Capital Economics believe that higher prices for industrial metals will see silver output bounce back by 3% in 2018 after a fall of 4% in 2017.
IAG rises above revenue doubts, Credit Suisse says
International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) is rising above revenue doubts and is set for a strong summer, Credit Suisse said as it reiterated its ‘outperform’ rating on British Airways’ parent.
Tuesday broker round-up
Just Group: Deutsche Bank initiates at hold with a target price of 170p.
Berenberg reiterates 'buy' on StanChart as bank's strategy gains momentum
With Standard Chartered's strategy gaining momentum, analysts at Berenberg saw fit to reiterate their stance on the firm on Friday, highlighting top-line growth above the lender's medium-term guidance and its "largely-unique global network" as evidence of the bank's ability to turn a solid performance "where it matters".
Barclays recommends BHP Billiton over Rio Tinto
Barclays analysts upgraded BHP Billiton’s rating to 'overweight' on Friday and reduced that of Rio Tinto to 'equal weight', citing an expectation that BHP will close ground on Rio Tinto following five years of underperformance.
Merrill sees 'attractive entry point' for UK blue chip stocks
UK stocks are looking attractive amid renewed sterling weakness and potential turning tide after years of being under-held by fund managers, said BoA Merrill Lynch on Friday, highlighting particular value in Ashtead, GVC Holdings, National Grid, Standard Chartered and RSA Insurance.
Citi downgrades Oil&Gas to 'neutral' after "sharp" rally
The 10% jump in UK equities over the past few weeks has reduced the 'value' opportunity on offer, strategists at Citi said, as they downgraded their stance on the Oil&Gas space to 'neutral'.
Friday broker round-up
Just Eat: RBC Capital Markets upgrades to outperform with a target price of 950p.
Dixons Carphone rallies as RBC ups price target on expectations of strong Q4
Dixons Carphone rallied on Friday as RBC Capital Markets reiterated its ‘outperform’ rating on the stock and bumped up the price target and estimates on expectations of a strong fourth quarter and good momentum into the new financial year.
AO World downgraded by Peel Hunt after hitting 'fair' target price
Peel Hunt stripped shares of Bolton-based AO World of their 'buy' rating on Thursday, noting that although the group had seen continued success with its customer-focused strategy, based on where the stock was at present the time had come to downgrade to 'hold'.
Thursday broker round-up
Go-ahead: Deutsche Bank downgrades to hold with a target price of 1,840p.