Broker Recommendations
RBC Capital reiterates 'top pick' rating on Melrose
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets stood by their 'top pick' rating on London-based turnaround specialist Melrose Industries on Friday, stating that "self-help" was set to remain the key driver of the group's value enhancement.
Berenberg lowers target price on John Wood Group despite 'sound' progress
Analysts at Berenberg lowered their target price on shares of energy services company John Wood Group from 590p to 540p on Friday, but said the company's underlying progress over the first half of 2019 was "sound".
Berenberg lowers price target on Direct Line
Analysts at Berenberg slightly lowered their target price on insurance firm Direct Line from 344p to 331p on Thursday, noting the group's transformation efforts were not without risk yet needed, in the medium-term, to offset the multiple headwinds that were looming ever closer on the horizon.
Goldman upgrades Smiths Group, cites defensive profile and improving FCF
Medical devices and security scanner maker Smiths Group got a boost on Thursday as Goldman Sachs upped its stance on the shares to 'buy' from 'neutral', highlighting a defensive profile and improving free cash flow.
Shore Capital won't stop believing in Hostelworld's journey
Analysts at Shore Capital Markets noted that despite many verticals of online booking platform Hostelworld's turnaround strategy being "on track", improvements in booking volume were still behind expectations, leading to the company's lowered full-year guidance, but stayed at a 'buy' on its shares.
Investec upgrades Morrisons to 'buy', says supermarket weakness unwarranted
Investec upgraded its rating on Morrisons shares to 'buy' from 'hold' on Wednesday as it took a look at the UK supermarket sector, arguing that current weakness is unwarranted.
UBS upgrades Greggs to 'buy', sees 'significant' growth opportunity
UBS upped its rating on shares of bakery chain Greggs to 'buy' from 'neutral' on Wednesday, lifting the price target to 2,300p from 1,880p as it pointed to "significant" growth opportunity.
RBC raises target price on Polymetal despite 'small miss' in H1
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets upped their price target on FTSE 250-listed precious metals mining firm Polymetal on Tuesday, emphasising that a strong second half appeared to lay on the horizon.
Berenberg keeps On the Beach at 'buy', slashes target price
Analysts at Berenberg reiterated their 'buy' rating on shares of package holiday group On the Beach on Tuesday but slashed their target price following the firm's recent profit warning.
Merrill Lynch says Ferguson short-term trading to remain slow, valuation unattractive
Bank of America Merrill Lynch downgraded its stance on shares of plumbing products supplier Ferguson to 'neutral' from 'underperform' on Tuesday, arguing that there is limited upside from recent activist involvement and that short-term trading is likely to remain slow at best.
Canaccord Genuity reiterates 'hold' rating on Greggs following interims
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity reiterated their 'hold' rating on British bakery chain Greggs on Friday following the group's recent interim report.
Berenberg raises target price on Plus500 following 'a half of two quarters'
Analysts at Berenberg raised their target price on shares of financial services firm Plus500 from 770. 0p to 800. 0p on Friday following what it called "a half of two quarters".
Friday broker round-up
Entertainment One: RBC Capital Markets downgrades to sector perform with a target price of 560p.
Berenberg raises target price on Persimmon as group works on 'image problem'
Analysts at Berenberg raised their price target on British housebuilder Persimmon slightly, from 2,470p to 2,490p, on Wednesday, crediting the group for continuing to work hard to improve its "image problem".
RBC raises price target on Diploma
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets hiked their target price on technical products and services supplier Diploma on Thursday, citing its strong positions in niche markets, its continued high returns and its ability to augment underlying growth with bolt-on/in-fill deals.
Thursday broker round-up
Tritax Big Box Reit: Barclays downgrades to underweight with a target price of 130p.