Arexvy, GSK PLC (LSE:GSK, NYSE:GSK)’s recently launched respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, has made a strong start but management remained cautious given the recent launch and broker Berenberg says this is understandable.
Berenberg has several questions on Arexvy and shingles vaccine Shingrix but, even so, says GSK is on a compelling valuation currently compared to its pharma peers.
Asset managers Hargreaves Lansdown PLC (LSE:HL.) and AJ Bell PLC (LSE:AJB) were slammed with 'sell' ratings this week, as UBS analysts reiterated that consumer duty headwinds are impacting British firms' margins.
Under new fair-value assessment rules announced in May, the likes of Hargreaves and AJ Bell face fee cuts associated with higher consumer duty and clearer standards of consumer protection.
Seeing Machines Ltd (AIM:SEE, OTC:SEEMF)’s 16th new contract in the automotive sector has reassured Stifel analysts of the AI-based monitoring technology group’s investment thesis.
Stifel noted that the initial US$15 million contract “was one of the few awards we have seen in the industry in recent months”, adding that it comes from an existing tier-one customer for an existing OEM in Europe.
Unilever PLC (LSE:ULVR) rose 1.4%, supported by positive comments from Barclays, which has high hopes for new chief executive Hein Schumacher.
The broker has upgraded the Marmite owner to 'overweight' from 'neutral' and raised its price target to 4,600p.
WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) shares rose 3% after it unveiled a final dividend that was stronger than expected as it hailed strong cash generation for the past year and said it is confident about "multiple growth opportunities" in the near future.
The retailer, which specialises in airports, railway stations and high streets, reported revenue up 28% to £1.8 billion and headline profit before tax (PBT) up 96% to £143 million for the year to 31 August 2023, in line with a pre-close update in September.