Ticker

Deutsche Bank has upgraded Persimmon PLC (LSE:PSN) to 'buy' from 'hold', arguing that share price weakness has left the housebuilder too cheap despite a run of forecast downgrades. Chris Millington nudged his target price down to 1,403p from 1,419p, still implying about 20% upside from the last close of 1,166.5p.

Persimmon PLC (LSE:PSN) kept its dividend flat as it reported double-digit growth in first-half profits and completions but flagged signs of softer demand in the second half. The FTSE 100 housebuilder posted interim results showing underlying operating profit rose 10% to £189.1 million, although the margin narrowed by 30 basis points to 12.8%.

UK housebuilders are under intense pressure this year. Barratt Redrow shares have dropped by 27%, while Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Redrow, and Persimmon have plunged by 27%, 28%, and 25% this year.

Persimmon PLC's (LSE:PSN) current calendar year looks increasingly secure, but Citi believes the bigger issue for investors is whether margins come under pressure in 2027. The US investment bank said the FTSE 100 housebuilder started the year strongly, with sales volumes tracking guidance and more than half of its private home completions already secured, per its last update in April.

Bank of America has cut its price target on Persimmon PLC (LSE:PSN), the FTSE 100 housebuilder, to 1,220p from 1,300p, citing rising construction costs that it expects to squeeze profitability in 2027. The broker kept its buy rating on the stock.