BEST OF THE BROKERS
BURBERRY GROUP
Evolution Securities said that Burberry’s first-half trading update beat expectations once again, supporting the broker’s view that the brand is likely to continue to outperform in the currently environment. Evo upgraded its full year earnings per share forecast by almost four per cent, and upgraded the shares to “buy”.
CONNAUGHT
Noble said that, behind the comfort of high earnings visibility and sustained growth for years to come, Connaught is a business undergoing material operational changes. The growing prevalence of integrated contracts could drive lower cash conversion and require material IT investments, it said, switching its stance to “neutral”.
PEARSON
Execution Research upped its target price for Pearson to 870p, from 750p, and kept its “buy” recommendation. The broker believes that state budget deficits in the US will drive education online, with major cost savings being achieved in K-12 and College by replacing books with e-readers, growing market share for Pearson.