Investment bank RBC Capital Markets has downgraded its rating for Sky PLC (LON:SKY) to ‘perform’ from ‘outperform’ but increased its price target for the bid-bound satellite broadcaster.
In a note to clients, the Canadian broker’s analysts said that post the renewal of FA Premier League rights, Sky shares are now trading in line with 21st Century Fox Inc’s (NASDAQ:FOX) takeover offer.
READ: Sky’s ‘bargain’ Premier League right deal could leave investors wanting more money from Murdoch
Therefore, they have raised their price target to 1,150p from 1,075p but pulled back their recommendation with the stock trading at 1,094p this morning, up 0.5% on last night’s close.
The analysts believe Fox is likely to bump up its offer for Sky in order to get shareholder approval at the extraordinary general meeting, should regulatory clearance finally be given.
READ: Sky shares sink after reports of deal talks between Disney and 21st Century Fox
The analysts explained that Fox has reserved the right to convert its Scheme of Agreement to a Takeover Offer, which would enable the US company to complete the deal more easily, but not automatically squeeze out minority shareholders.
Because of this, the RBC analysts believe Fox will be more likely to ‘sweeten’ the terms of its offer.
The analysts concluded: “Our new price target is based on our estimate of the required sweetening of the terms to get the deal through. We believe there is a very high probability of Sky being acquired.”