Once again brokers and investment banks across the country have been working overtime rerating a number of companies on the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO).
Unfortunately on this occasion the majority of the changes have been negative ones. Here are five recent recommendation changes according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)
The news that Wilsons has downgraded the appliance maker to a hold doesn't come as a huge surprise. Last week the company warned that FY 2017 trading conditions will be increasingly challenging and competitive. Although there was an initial sell off causing a 9% decline, the shares have since recovered all those declines and climbed a touch higher. Although I wouldn't personally recommend buying the shares right now, the growth of its US business has been very pleasing and is a reason to be optimistic moving forward.
Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD)
Leading broker Bell Potter cut its rating on the growing travel company to a hold. Investors have clearly paid little attention to the change in recommendation though. Its shares are higher by almost 3% in morning trade. I like Corporate Travel Management and believe that although it may look a little expensive on paper, its strong growth prospects do justify the premium.
DUET Group (ASX: DUE)
The shares of this owner of regulated energy utility infrastructure businesses have been cut to neutral by leading investment bank Goldman Sachs. According to its research note the rating change comes as a result of recent strong share price performance, which leaves only minimal upside potential to its target price of $2.70.
Regis Healthcare Limited (ASX: REG)
This diversified residential aged care provider is a rare upgrade today. Global investment bank UBS has upgraded its shares to a buy rating this morning. UBS clearly was pleased with the company's full year results which were released last week. Despite reporting a sharp drop in profit to $46.1 million, the company did meet guidance. It also advised that it expects FY 2017 EBITDA to be at least 15% higher than normalised FY 2016 EBITDA as a result of increased income from residents at significantly refurbished facilities and recent acquisitions.
Retail Food Group Limited (ASX: RFG)
Despite posting a 79% rise in net profit after tax to $61 million last week, the master franchisor of brands such as Gloria Jean's and Donut King has been downgraded all the way down from a buy to a sell rating by UBS. With its share price up 39% in 2016 it's easy to see why some investors may want to take profits now. Personally I would resist the sell rating and continue to hold this rapidly growing company. Its strong dividend and international expansion plans make it a great long-term investment in my opinion.
