BEST OF THE BROKERS
EASYJET
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has given easyJet a “buy” recommendation ahead of the airline’s first quarter reports. Its bullishness, comes despite easyJet’s guidance that its profit before tax (PBT) will be at the top end of its £80m-£95m range. RBS expects a smaller PBT loss of £79m, sharply down year-on-year noting trading is strong.
ALSTOM
JPMorgan maintains a “neutral” stance on Alstom but has lowered its target price to €50. The energy giant has been one of JPMorgan’s least preferred stocks recently but it says the fundamental valuation has improved after the weak performance. JPMorgan says concerns are still valid and reflected in its share price.
SODEXO
Sodexo’s stock remains a “sell” for Standard & Poor’s Equity Research (S&P) after it says the group’s half-year results overall were a mixed bag. On the back of the results, S&P raises its operating profit forecast marginally which is subdued, however, by the negative currency impact from the depreciation of the Venezuelan Bolivar.