Broker tips: UK banks, Morrisons, Admiral
11th Sep 2014 11:55
Investec has recommended investors to "overweight banks" exposed to Scotland given its prediction of the 'no' campaign coming out on top in the Scottish referendum. "We reaffirm our call for those with a short-term (eight-day) investment horizon to overweight banks with actual or perceived exposure
Read moreNumis says Admiral sell-off overdone, upgrades to 'buy'
11th Sep 2014 10:08
The recent share-price weakness at Admiral has overlooked the positives at the insurance firm, according to Numis Securities which has upgraded its rating on the stock from 'add' to 'buy'. The broker said that the market has become "overwhelmingly bearish" on Admiral over the last two months, with t
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Kingfisher leads risers after seeing improved demand for DIY products
10th Sep 2014 15:18
B&Q and Brico Depot owner Kingfisher saw shares jump after replacing its chief executive as it reported flat profits due to currency volatility, although it said the buoyant UK housing market had lifted demand for DIY products. Housebuilder Barratt Developments was higher after it pledged to return
Read moreLondon midday: FTSE erases losses as Kingfisher and Barratt gain
10th Sep 2014 11:50
London's FTSE 100 had erased earlier losses and was trading in positive territory by Wednesday lunchtime, helped by decent gains from Kingfisher, Barratt Developments and precious metal stocks. However, upside was being limited by falls from Sports Direct and a host of blue chips that went ex-divide
Read moreLondon open: Ex-div stocks, Sports Direct lead UK markets lower
10th Sep 2014 08:34
UK equity markets declined on Wednesday morning with ex-dividend stocks providing a drag, along with poorly-received trading updates from the likes of Sports Direct and London Stock Exchange (LSE). The FTSE 100 was trading down 0.4% at 6,803 within the opening hour. London stocks were also tracking
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Ashtead leads after raising full-year estimates
3rd Sep 2014 15:59
Equipment rental group Ashtead Group was a top riser after saying it expects to beat full-year estimates after profits jumped by a third to a record high in its first quarter. Results were supported by strong revenue growth and improving margins. Barclays gained after selling its Spanish operations
Read moreMonday broker round-up UPDATE
18th Aug 2014 09:54
Admiral Group: Credit Suisse reduces target price from 1425p to 1350p and stays with its neutral rating. Ophir Energy: RBC Capital reduces target price from 400p to 240p, while its neutral rating remains unchanged. Petra Diamonds: Westhouse Securities ups target price from 200p to 230p upgrading f
Read moreBroker tips: Smith & Nephew, Centamin, Balfour Beatty, UK motor insurers
15th Aug 2014 12:14
Shares in Smith & Nephew were under pressure on Friday after analysts at Morgan Stanley downgraded the medical devices maker from 'overweight' to 'equal weight' following a recent strong run in the stock. The bank said that even if US peer Stryker returns with a bid in November, the deal "remains
Read moreBerenberg upgrades Esure but expects "challenging period" for UK motor insurers
15th Aug 2014 10:52
Berenberg has lifted its target prices for Admiral, Direct Line and Esure but reckons that the UK motor insurance market is "about to enter a very challenging period". "We expect recent declines in pricing to squeeze underwriting margins as claims costs continue to grow, while regulatory change pre
Read moreFriday broker round-up UPDATE
15th Aug 2014 09:47
Admiral Group: Berenberg raises target price from 1090p to 1168p, but still recommends selling. Canaccord Genuity reduces target price from 1400p to 1220p keeping a sell recommendation. Centamin: Numis downgrades from buy to hold with a target price of 70p. Direct Line Group: Berenberg shifts targ
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: TUI Travels gains on merger reports
14th Aug 2014 15:43
TUI Travel advanced following reports its majority owner TUI AG is pressing ahead with plans to merge the two companies. Germany-based TUI AG, which owns 55% of TUI Travel, said there was "no plan B" in the event of a failure of the proposed merger with the listed UK business. TUI AG also reporte
Read moreThursday broker round-up UPDATE
14th Aug 2014 09:39
Admiral Group: Deutsche Bank reduces target price from 1330p to 1260p and maintains a hold recommendation. Balfour Beatty: Deutsche Bank lowers target price from 250p to 245p keeping its hold recommendation. Betfair: Jefferies raises target price from 1175p to 1230p maintaining a buy recommendatio
Read moreShore Capital says sell Admiral after H1 premiums dip
13th Aug 2014 17:14
Broker Shore Capital has repeated its advice to investors to sell shares in Admiral after the car and home insurer revealed premiums fell again in the first half. Admiral's average UK car insurance premium fell 11% to £495, although customer numbers rose more than 4%, fuelling a 1% increase in grou
Read moreSector movers: Admiral drags non-life insurers lower on subdued premiums
13th Aug 2014 15:31
Poorly-received first-half numbers from Admiral were dragging the non-line insurance sector lower on Wednesday, while life insurers were given a boost by Prudential. Admiral's shares were down 6% at 1,365p in afternoon trade after the car insurance group said that turnover in the first half was dow
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Admiral and Glencore shares fall after H1 results
13th Aug 2014 14:49
Car insurance group Admiral was a heavy faller on Wednesday after the group said turnover in the first half was down 5% at £1.04bn as a 9% rise in customers was outweighed by a fall in premiums over last year. The company said that while UK premiums are no longer falling a return to growth remains e
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