Broker snap: BT continues to improve

Credit Suisse remains positive towards telecoms giant BT after the third quarter results beat consensus estimates and highlighted the continuing improvement in fixed-line loss and retail broadband trends.The broker notes that its operational momentum is improving: "UK market lines returned to growth in the fourth quarter as consumers return to fixed line to get access to higher broadband speeds whilst BT's own retail line loss continues to improve," says analyst Paul Sidney.While Credit Suisse still views the company as the least efficient telecommunications group in Europe, it says it has scope to make further material cost savings over the next three years and its cost cutting is still underestimated.Additionally, "BT's government spending exposure is now limited to local authorities (low risk currently) following the memorandum of understanding signed with central UK Government," says Sidney.The broker keeps its 'outperform' rating and 200p target price.