BEST OF THE BROKERS
PADDY POWER
Investec said that there has undoubtedly been an improvement in trading at Paddy Power compared to the first two months of the year. The analysts retain their underlying estimates, but upgrade 2010 full year earnings per share estimates around six per cent citings its “sensible strategic acquisition” and rates the stock “buy”.
THOMAS COOK
Analysts at KBC Peel Hunt were reassured by Thomas Cook management’s confident tone at its interim management statement and, stripping out the short-term impact from Mexico and the swine-flu, said that bookings are treading towards capacity. The broker says “buy” the stock, saying the firm is on target to meet expectations.
SOCO INTERNATIONAL
Collins Stewart cut its recommendation on SOCO to “sell” from “hold”, to reflect a 21 per cent rise in the firm’s share price since the broker launched coverage. It said that the shares have now reached levels where they look expensive, and have a target price of 1,275p. The analysts see few near-term catalysts for the stock.
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