Broker tips: Shire, Tate & Lyle, Aquarius Platinum, Acal

7th Feb 2014 12:22

Jefferies has kept its 'buy' rating for pharmaceuticals group Shire saying that it still sees 'attractive growth', but was disappointed by the outcome of clinical trials for the company's major depressive disorder (MDD) treatment, Vyvanse."We were more optimistic for expanded use of Vyvanse in major depressive disorder than binge eating disorder, so the setback comes as a negative surprise," said Jefferies analysts Peter Welford and Chris Cooper.JPMorgan Cazenove has lifted its rating for Tate & Lyle from 'underweight' to 'overweight', showing optimism about volume and earnings growth at the sugar and sweeteners firm.The bank said its new target price of 900p, which was raised from 735p previously, implies 19% upside from current levels. "New technologies such as natural sweeteners provide further upside to current growth forecasts and suggest a bull case price target of 1,580p," it said.Investec concedes miner Aquarius Platinum's first-half numbers on Friday "undoubtedly" represent operational improvement; but with the group up against several heavy headwinds, not least a challenging platinum pricing environment, the broker continues to recommend selling the stock.Singer initiated coverage on specialist electronics supplier Acal with a 'buy' rating and a price target of 380p. Analyst Andy Brown said his positive stance on Acal revolved around its transition from a general electronics firm to a specialised niche industrial distributor and solutions provider.BC