Best of the Brokers for 18 February 2015
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CENTRICA
Whitman Howard reiterated its “buy” rating for the utilities firm, ahead of its full-year results. The broker said the falling oil price will impact forward profitability but added that while a dividend cut has been mooted in the market, such a move is unnecessary “given Centrica’s underlying strong finances”.
EASYJET
Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated the “buy” rating on the budget airline, and stated that while trading is “robust”, the stock has fallen from recent highs due to profit taking. However, the outlook for the company shows that year-on-year loss should be reduced in the first half of 2015.
WOOD GROUP
Numis reiterated its “hold” rating for the oil and gas services firm, following its 2014 results. The broker noted that the group is taking action to help customers in a lower price environment through cost cuts, but also said the results showed “no surprises in the numbers” and little in terms of guidance for 2015.