Investec has restarted its coverage of drinks giant AG Barr at 'buy', saying it demonstrated good momentum in its sales during the fiscal year 2013, as the company continued to concentrate on building distribution from its strong regional position.

The broker commented that the group has made "significant progress" adding to its manufacturing capabilities, and noted that the balance sheet remains strong. It has given a target price of 562p, saying its "reputation for delivery, cash generation and growth opportunities" places the group towards the top of the rating range for branded beverage companies.

Credit Suisse has increased its earnings per share estimates for British Sky Broadcasting by 5.0% in 2013 and 2014 after updating its forecasts to take into account recent results, mergers and acquisitions and share buybacks.

"We raise our target price to 800p from 610p, which reflects both the earnings upgrade and the 30% re-rating of European Media over the last six months," the analyst team said, but added it remains "relatively cautious" about the stock.

Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC) will start to see substantial earnings growth next year as the miner's projects begin production, according to Credit Suisse.

The firm's analysts expect ENRC's earnings in 2014/15 to rise as assets move from development into production and further progress is made on the group's copper growth strategy.

The remarks come a day after the resources giant recorded a loss before tax of $550m, down from a profit of $2.76bn the year before as it took impairment charges and an onerous contract provision totalling $1.54bn.

NR

Related share prices
British Sky Broadcasting Group (BSY) share price
Barr (A.G.) (BAG) share price
Eurasian Natural Resources Corp. (ENRC) share price