BEST OF THE BROKERS
EXPERIAN
Goldman Sachs gave Experian “credit where credit is due” and upgraded the stock to “buy” with a target price of 670p, implying a 19 per cent upside potential. The broker believes the firm has seen the worst of the economic crisis, and expects organic growth to trough at one per cent in the first half of 2010.
SMITHS GROUP
UBS increased its price target for Smiths Group to 1,150p as a result of adjusting its pension deficit estimate for the firm. The broker believes the group’s restructuring programme will significantly increase the profitability of the Smiths divisions. It expects cost savings and stronger volumes to drive solid double-digit earnings growth.
HOME RETAIL GROUP
Despite Home Retail Group management’s apparent caution for the second half, Pali International thinks there is plenty of profit upgrade potential, given the strong first-half market share performance and Home Retail Group’s position at the heart of the non-food sales recovery. The broker upgraded the stock to “buy”.