BEST OF THE BROKERS
G4S
Exane BNP Paribas downgraded G4S from “outperform” to “neutral” after the security group posted a drop in annual profits.
Exane said the results, which included a £50m cost from last year’s failed merger with Danish catering firm ISS, were “uninspiring”. It held the target price at 305p but highlighted a “loss of management credibility” after the ISS deal.
MONEYSUPERMARKET.COM
N+1 Brewin upgraded the price comparison website from “buy” to “add” after it posted a doubling in full-year profits as more people used its online services. The broker liked the firm’s “save over £1,000 on your household bills” marketing campaign which it said would increase awareness and use of Moneysupermarket services. It held the 12-month target price at 140p.
MARSTON’S
Peel Hunt switched from “hold’ to “buy” after the brewer and pubs group said profits would meet expectations. The broker raised the target price from 100p to 114p and said the firm’s focus on on value and service would help it to increase market share in value food. It added: “The shares have been on the sidelines for too long and the time is right for a fresh look.”