BEST OF THE BROKERS

HOME RETAIL GROUP
Seasonal performance at Homebase appears to have driven consensus forecasts higher, said Nomura analysts as they reiterated their “buy” rating on the stock and upped their target price to 288p. The broker says the firm is on track to reduce full year total costs.

ITV
Goldman Sachs removed ITV from its “Conviction List” and reiterated its “buy” recommendation. Following the recent rise in the stock, the broker said that it remains a good opportunity but that it is no longer a standout in the sector. It’s 48p price target remains unchanged.

RSA
Since Collins Stewart upgraded RSA to a “buy” in April, it has updated its forecasts for investment and currency markets. The broker therefore reduced its earnings per share and net asset value by 5 per cent, but kept its dividend growth expectation at 7 per cent.