BEST OF THE BROKERS
AEROPORTS DE PARIS
Nomura rates the French airport authority as a “buy” with a target price of €68 ahead of its results, due out today. From January to June, total passenger volumes grew by more than six per cent, double the firm’s 3.2 per cent annual guidance and leaving potential for outperformance for the full year. The broker forecasts earnings before tax and deductions of €462m, up almost seven per cent year on year.
BERENDSEN
Citigroup rates the textile maintenance group as “sell/medium risk” with a target price of 400p, and updates its estimates after the company’s first half results beat expectations. Four per cent growth in earnings was driven by two per cent organic growth, and a strong performance in the Textile Nordic division. The broker says that although Berendsen is a best-in-class operator, its markets are well outsorced, and the stock is now trading at a premium.
GAS NATURAL
Goldman Sachs maintains its “neutral” rating on the Spanish energy company, and has a target price of €17.20 for the stock. The broker has updated its estimates for the first half results, reducing the impact of the Sonatrach gas pricing arbitration on earnings from gas supply, and to reflect recent asset disposals. Its estimates for 2012-15 therefore increase by two per cent to six per cent, and its target price raises by three per cent.