An aggressive increase in energy windfall taxes could cause a too-rapid decline in UK gas production and could threaten up to 100,000 jobs, Stifel analysts have warned.
The investment bank was analysing the potential impact of Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves increasing the rate of windfall taxes in the upcoming October Budget.
Whether the sharp subsidence in Vistry Group PLC (LSE:VTY) shares today is sustained depends on whether its warnings about cost overruns are due to wider problems with the housebuilder's business model or are just an isolated incident.
The FTSE 100 group saw its shares plunge by a third this morning after it issued a major profit warning, detailing how the "total full-life cost projections" to build nine housing developments in its South division had been "understated", which is expected to reduce profit before tax by £80 million this year and £30 million in 2025.
UBS has issued a comprehensive report outlining the key questions facing European private equity in what the bank is calling a “potentially critical juncture” for the sector.
According to the bank’s latest analysis, the recovery of deal volumes, the clearing of unsold assets and the sustainability of returns are key factors that will shape the future of private equity across the region.
BAE Systems PLC (LSE:BA.) and Babcock International PLC (LSE:BAB) are expected to benefit from a sharp rise in UK defence spending, according to Panmure Liberum.
The broker highlighted increased investments in the UK's nuclear deterrent, which is based on submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
ESG advocates close your ears, but Imperial Brands PLC (LSE:IMB) has proven once again that Big Tobacco stocks are among the best income generators on the market.
Not only does the owner of Golden Virginia and Davidoff have an estimated 7% dividend yield, but it is also on track to repurchase another 7% of its outstanding shares through newly announced buybacks.
Aviva has had forecasts for this year trimmed by specialist financial broker KBW ahead of its third quarter update on 14 November.
Due to higher-than-expected weather losses in Canada and lower yields, KBW has cut its 2024 operating profits target by 8% to £1.6 billion and its solvency ratio by four percentage points.
Ithaca Energy PLC (LSE:ITH) is a top dividend stock and worthy of a ‘Buy’ rating following its recent cash-boosting acquisition of ENI’s UK assets, that’s the view of stockbroker Peel Hunt.
The deal created a substantial production company yielding over 100,000 barrels of oil per day and capable of self-funding all future work programmes, Peel Hunt analyst Werner Riding said.
JPMorgan has identified Prada as one of the few luxury stocks with significant upside potential heading into the third-quarter earnings season.
The bank expects muted trends in the luxury sector, with third-quarter growth likely in line with the second.
Sentiment is becoming more bullish on copper with equities outpacing the copper price, similar to earlier this year, say analysts at RBC.
Speculative long copper positioning is also ramping up in line with the rebound in sentiment, added the Canadian bank.
Barclays PLC (LSE:BARC) has increased its share price target for JD Wetherspoon PLC (LSE:JDW) to 900p from 875p, citing several factors that are driving the company’s improved performance.
Key factors include the wallet-friendly pub chain’s increasing market share, gradual expansion of its estate and lower interest costs.
The outlook is positive for S&U PLC (LSE:SUS) after its six-month results, which revealed the impact of regulatory scrutiny of the car finance industry and hit its Advantage Finance operation, according to broker Peel Hunt.
With the stock trading at around seven times its expected earnings for 2026 and offering a 6.9% dividend for 2025, it presents good long-term value for investors, Peel Hunt noted.
discoverIE Group PLC (LSE:DSCV) is set to benefit from advances in technology, including the rise of generative AI, as automation in industrial manufacturing becomes increasingly essential, according to a note from Deutsche Bank.
Analysts believe that companies like discoverIE, which specialises in bespoke electronics for industrial markets, could see increased demand as automation processes expand and efficiency becomes a priority across the business services sector.
Galliford Try Holdings PLC's (LSE:GFRD) recent prelims have strengthened its momentum, with analysts from Panmure-Liberum highlighting the company’s progress towards its ambitious targets for 2030.
The construction group’s disciplined approach and robust balance sheet are seen as key factors in achieving these long-term goals, with estimates suggesting earnings per share (EPS) could triple by 2030, reaching between 50p and 65p, compared to current levels.