BEST OF THE BROKERS
RECKITT BENCKISER
Credit Suisse rates the consumer goods group “outperform” but has cut its target price from £40 to £38. The broker thinks Reckitt’s business model is still healthy, and that concerns over the sustainability of its margins have been overdone. The firm is suffering somewhat in Europe due to expanding rivals, though Credit Suisse notes that the latest data shows Reckitt gaining market share in some products.
EASYJET
Goldman Sachs rates the budget airline “neutral” and has a target price of 450p. Goldman has raised its earnings estimates for the next year by 8.5 per cent on the back of stronger ancillary revenue growth. However, the broker thinks the European short haul sector is still too weak to support substantial yield growth, and in any case other transport firms such as Moller Maersk are a more attractive play.
SABMILLER
Nomura rates the brewer “buy” with a price target of £25. The broker expects strong growth in Africa and Latin America, offset by weak sales in the US and Europe, following a lunch with management. Nomura forecasts organic revenue growth of six per cent when the firm gives third quarter figures on Thursday 19 January, with flat full-year margins and in-line profits.