BEST OF THE BROKERS
AUTONOMY
Analysts at UBS said that they felt Autonomy’s recent underperformance has been undeserved. The broker sees likely earnings upside and thinks that the bar has been set low enough for Interwoven for guidance to be lifted at some point. It upgraded the stock to “buy: with a target price of 1,475p.
SEGRO
Evolution Securities said that Segro’s acquisition of Brixton Estates seems strategically sound and should be earnings accretive. The broker said that Segro has been sure-footed as a real estate investment trust and initiates its coverage with a “buy” recommendation and a target price of 30p.
ARRIVA
Arriva’s CrossCountry rail franchise slowed further in the second quarter and Royal Bank of Scotland has adjusted its forecasts accordingly. The broker reduced its full-year 2009 group earnings per share forecast to 46.1p, from 49.6p, and pre-tax profit to £125.2m, from £134m, with a “buy” rating on the stock.