FAST.L Share News (FAST)

Shares in Barclays fell following Tuesday's news of a fall in first-quarter profits, but brokers are advising investors to buy the shares on hopes that its turnaround plan will bear fruit.Barclays is cutting costs and slashing jobs in a shake-up to streamline the bank and has pledged to give more details of its plans on Thursday. Analyst Richard Hunter at broker Hargreaves Lansdown said the shares were likely to be volatile before Thursday's announcement, but added: "If some of the rumoured changes are implemented, resulting in a more streamlined and obviously profitable bank, the recent upgrade of the market consensus to a 'buy' will have been vindicated."There is much to like with bottling firm Coca-Cola HBC (CCH), according to Numis Securities, but not enough for the broker to take a positive stance ahead of the company's first-quarter update on May 16th.Numis has initiated coverage of the stock with a 'hold' rating and 1,428p target price. "Much to like here but it is pointless being bold as regards forecasts at this early stage of the year and with geopolitical uncertainties currently so prominent. For non-holders, a watching brief is best maintained for now," said Analyst Charles Pick.UBS has raised its forecasts for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) but downgraded its rating on the stock from 'buy' to 'neutral', saying it sees limited upside for the shares.The bank has lifted its price target for the stock from 2,200p to 2,225p. However, UBS said: "While we acknowledge the strong operational momentum we downgrade the shares from 'buy' to 'neutral' due to insufficient share price upside relative to our price target to support a 'buy' rating".Countrywide's shares look attractive at current levels following the estate agent chain's strong first-quarter results, according to Panmure Gordon, which maintained a 'buy' rating and 700p target price on the stock."If the first-quarter momentum is sustained or accelerated there is scope for earnings upgrades. The economy is getting stronger and real wages are picking up which is very supportive," the broker said.Cantor Fitzgerald has slashed its target price for AIM-listed Fastnet Oil & Gas after the company plugged and abandoned one of its wells offshore Morocco."In terms of valuation, we increase our overall risking of Moroccan frontier acreage, especially following Cairns unsuccessful well in December 2013. On this basis, whilst we anticipate an initial sell-down this morning, we retain our 'buy' recommendation, reducing our target price to 19p (from 28p)."BC