Endeavour Mining PLC's (LSE:EDV, TSX:EDV, OTCQX:EDVMF) pre-feasibility study for Assafou has justified some of the ballyhoo surrounding the Ivory Coast gold project, according to Stifel.
Results from the PFS come less than three years following the project’s discovery in late 2021 and were broadly in line with expectations for a “larger Lafigué”, said the US broker.
Whitbread PLC (LSE:WTB) is facing a big hit from the changes to National Insurance and the minimum wage unveiled in the Budget, but Berenberg is still upbeat on the medium-term prospects for the Premium Inn owner.
Due to the impact of the UK budget on costs and to reflect the current trading environment implied by Travelodge’s third-quarter update, the broker has tweaked its price target to £39 from £40.
Deutsche Bank has raised its price target for Tate & Lyle PLC (LSE:TATE) from 850p to 950p, citing improved earnings quality and growth prospects following a key acquisition.
The speciality ingredients business recently completed its acquisition of CP Kelco, a leader in food and beverage texture solutions, enhancing its position in the growing "mouthfeel" market.
Citi analysts have offered a mixed forecast for UK banks in 2025, favouring HSBC Holdings PLC (LSE:HSBA) and NatWest Group PLC (LSE:NWG) while expressing caution over Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LSE:LLOY).
HSBC is a top pick, with anticipated strong 2025 guidance supported by its Asia-focused strategy, cost-cutting, and robust capital returns.
HSBC has raised its rating on Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (LSE:RKT, ETR:3RB) from ‘hold’ to ‘buy’ as part of a reassessment of European consumer staples stocks.
Share prices across the entire European consumer staples sector tumbled in 2024, reflecting what HSBC called “one of the worst years in recent memory” for the industry.
Aviva PLC's (LSE:AV.) deal to buy Direct Line Insurance Group PLC (LSE:DLG) got a mixed welcome from Jefferies though analysts at the bank still kept a ‘buy’ rating on the UK insurer.
In short, the US bank reckons the deal offers compelling financial and strategic prospects but also comes with "material" integration risks.
Ashtead Group PLC (LSE:AHT) faced a sharp drop for a second day running on Wednesday as analysts trimmed estimates in the wake of Tuesday’s cut to full-year guidance.
Though the industrial equipment rental firm detailed plans to shift its primary listing from London to the US, the news was overshadowed by a separate profit warning contained in the interims.
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (LSE:IAG) gained on Wednesday after being upgraded to a ‘buy’ rating by Deutsche Bank analysts.
Lifting the British Airways owner from a ‘hold’, Deutsche noted capacity constraints on transatlantic flights should leave IAG able to lift prices into 2025.