LONDON (ShareCast) - Investec has said that a lack of upgrades for consensus forecasts at Aggreko may disappoint, but the broker says that the first-half results from the temporary power and temperature controls group were strong.

"Aggreko has had an excellent first half, with a 30% lift in EPS (as expected), and remains confident of delivering a strong full-year performance," said analyst John Lawson.

Investec makes no forecasts changes today ("a lack of upgrades might disappoint some") but it's 'buy' rating and cashflow-based target price of 2,520p remain unchanged.

Shares of SEGRO raced ahead on Thursday morning after the industrial property specialist's interim results, but Jefferies has maintained its 'hold' recommendation on the stock, saying that 'the hard work starts' in the second half.

Jefferies said in a research note: "With good progress selling UK non-core assets (£503m year-to-date), the focus has shifted to the European non-core assets which will be more difficult.

"Operationally, the results were robust with voids flat at 9.1%. For now, top line growth is likely to come from developments or acquisitions, the pace of which will be limited by the 49% loan-to-value."

In spite of the poor weather and higher promotions, UBS says that High Street giant Next has once again 'surprised on the upside' in the second quarter, leading the broker to lift its target price for the stock from 3,500p to 3,750p.

The broker says that, trading at 12 times current-year earnings, Next has moved to a small premium to its sector peers. Nevertheless, this "looks well worth it on this performance". UBS has maintained its 'buy' recommendation for the stock.

BC

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