BEST OF THE BROKERS
CARLSBERG
Evolution Securities yesterday said it did not anticipate any significant change in its numbers after Carlsberg upped its guidance for 2009 earnings from “at least DKK9bn” to “at least DKK9.3bn”. It said the brewer’s increase in beer shipments for the fourth quarter were effectively being borrowed from the first quarter of 2010.
MCBRIDE
Numis yesterday said a management reshuffle at McBride would weigh on its share price, but that operationally the group continues to deliver ahead of expectations. It said it remained positive on the group, as it continued its cycle of earnings upgrades with a strong first half performance.
CENTRICA
S&P Equity Research yesterday maintained its Strong Buy recommendation on Centrica, saying gas production at Morecambe had been curtailed in response to low gas prices, leaving 2009 output down by over 25 per cent, but management expects oil production to rise 35 per cent, including Venture Production.