BEST OF THE BROKERS
CARNIVAL
Shore Capital rates the cruise operator a “sell” with a target price of 2,724p. The broker argues that the firm’s share price corresponds to consumer confidence, which continues to soften in the long-term. Profit at the company is also linked to oil prices, with every $10-per-barrel rise knocking 25 cents from earnings per share, the broker believes.
SHANKS
Liberum Capital has initiated coverage of the waste company with a “buy” recommendation and a target price of 160p. The broker sees good growth opportunities in the UK and Canada. However, the group’s main assets are in the Benelux region, and the broker argues that an improvement in the bloc’s property market is needed before the company recovers profitability.
FIRST QUANTUM
Numis rates the mining group a “buy” but has reduced its target price to £70 from £71 following a visit to the company’s nickel projects in Australia. However, the broker believes the firm has priced the production value of some projects cautiously, and that the company stands a good chance of beating estimates once the mines move into full production in the next couple of years.