106%+ returns, 97% win rate: A fresh list of AI-picked stock is out NOW
On Monday, Barclays (LON:BARC) analyst Alex Medhurst upgraded Rathbone Brothers stock from Underweight to Equalweight, adjusting the price target to GBP18.30, a slight decrease from the previous GBP18.80. This revision follows Rathbone’s disclosure of a significant capital surplus in their full-year 2024 results.
Rathbone Brothers, which trades on the London Stock Exchange (LON:LSEG) under the ticker RAT:LN and over-the-counter as RTBBF, reported having £142 million in capital above its regulatory requirements. As the company approaches the completion of the Investec (LON:INVP) Wealth & Investment UK migration, management has indicated that capital allocation will be a key area of focus throughout 2025. While Rathbone is expected to keep a substantial capital buffer, the possibility of capital return to shareholders has not been dismissed.
Barclays has slightly reduced its earnings per share (EPS) forecast for Rathbone by approximately 3% for fiscal year 2025, citing cost pressures and a slower-than-anticipated margin guidance development from the fiscal year 2024 results. The firm’s projections for fiscal year 2026 and beyond have also been trimmed, but only by about 1%, as cost pressures are expected to ease.
The price target has been lowered to 1,830p from 1,880p, reflecting the reduced EPS estimates. Despite the downgrade in the price target, the new projection still implies potential growth from the stock’s current trading level. This reassessment is partly influenced by the stock’s recent performance, which has seen a decline of 10.5% since the third-quarter update on October 18, compared to a 3.8% drop in the FTSE 250 index over the same period. The upgrade from Underweight to Equalweight by Barclays suggests a neutral stance on the stock, with the potential for upside based on the new price target.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.