Punch Taverns upgraded to trading buy from hold at Charles Stanley, TP raised to 160p from 115p
Business Financial Newswire
Charles Stanley believes the severity of Punch's situation seems to be receding. The group's reported PBT of 160m, though down 39%, was in line with its expectations, says analyst James Dawson.
'Estate stabilisation appears to be taking hold and the aggressive disposal programme has certainly enabled debt repayment at an equally aggressive rate.
'In our opinion, this may mark a genuine turning point for group operations.'