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CLOSE BROTHERS 990 980

P 21Jul 946 970 960 950 940 930 17 Jul 18 Jul 20 Jul 19 Jul 21Jul

Close Brothers was trading "in line with expectations", according to a trading statement last Friday. The merchant banking group has seen "increased pressure from the inflationary environment" and faced difficulties from market conditions at its trading business. But analysts at Peel Hunt said "the investment case remains intact". They maintained a 'Hold' rating with a target price of 977p.

FIRSTGROUP

P 150 148 149.8 21Jul 146 144 142 17 Jul 18 Jul 20 Jul 19 Jul 21Jul

Transport firm Firstgroup reported FY24 trading had been in line with expectations outlined last year. So far £70.9m of a £75m buyback programme has been completed. When it is complete, and subject to AGM approval, analysts at Peel Hunt noted another buy back programme will be launched to return a further £115m of capital. The analysts reiterated a 'Buy' rating with a target price of 185p.

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