Broker tips: StanChart, Sage, Premier Farnell

6th Dec 2012 11:22

Investec has reiterated its 'buy' rating and 1,800p target price for emerging markets lender Standard Chartered following the group's pre-close trading update, saying the business is 'sitting pretty'."STAN may have travelled well ahead of today's statement, but with improving momentum into 2013e, we remain committed buyers," analyst Ian Gordon said.UBS has cut its target price for accountancy software group Sage from 305p to 300p and kept its 'neutral' rating for the stock, saying that the second half was "solid" but upgrades to forecasts are unlikely.The broker said: "We believe management's FY13 targets are in line with current consensus estimates and see little likelihood of upgrades."Premier Farnell may have received a pleasing market reaction to its third-quarter statement on Thursday, but Panmure Gordon has reiterated its 'sell' rating for the stock, saying that conditions remain tough for the electronics components supplier.Analyst Andy Brown said: "Recent results from the group have tended to come in on the disappointing side. Senior management change is unlikely to signal a shift in strategy. Global PMI data also remains uncertain suggesting some difficult months ahead."BC