UK MARKET TALK ROUNDUP: BROKERS COMMENTS

22nd Jul 2010 07:30

Broker comments in the UK today. Compiled by Dow Jones Newswires Markets Desk, [email protected] Contact us in London. +44-20-7842-9464 [email protected] 0630 GMT [Dow Jones] Kingfisher's (KGF.LN) 2Q pre-close trading statement is mixed, says an analyst. Says UK disappoints, with B&Q like-for-like total sales -4.3%. However, thinks France looks slightly better, with LFL sales +3.1%, supported by new products, updated stores and good weather. Notes the positive comments on gross margin, particularly in the UK, where gross margin percentage is up strongly compared to 1Q '10/'11 and compared to the full year before. Shares closed Wednesday at 223p. ([email protected]) 0626 GMT [Dow Jones] Kingfisher's (KGF.LN) second-quarter sales are a little shy of expectations, but the group has made progress on margins, UBS analysts say. Say the group's comments suggest it is planning for cautious market in the face of uncertain macroeconomic conditions. Say the share could go down in line with overall market sentiment. Shares closed Wednesday at 223p. ([email protected]) 0619 GMT [Dow Jones] Nomura upgrades Inchcape (INCH.LN) to neutral from reduce, and lifts its price target to 330p from 320p. Also lifts its FY pretax profit forecast by 7% ahead of 1H results on July 29. Says this is primarily driven by sales and margin improvements expected in Australia, Hong Kong and the UK, offsetting weakness in Singapore and Greece. Sees the potential reinstatement of the dividend as a positive for the stock and a sign of confidence for future cash generation. Shares closed at 310p. ([email protected]) Contact us in London. +44-20-7842-9288 [email protected] (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 22, 2010 02:30 ET (06:30 GMT)