JEF

Pennon Group PLC (LSE:PNN, OTC:PEGRY) shares fell as much as 20.4% to around 360p after the water utility launched a £550 million rights issue and cut its dividend, with Jefferies describing the measures as a significant balance sheet reset. Jefferies retained its 'hold' rating and 500p price target, saying the package strengthens Pennon's finances and provides funding for accelerated investment but comes at the cost of a sizeable equity raise and another dividend reduction.

CoreWeave IncTesla shares rise as Q3 deliveries beat production can capture stronger near-term pricing as AI demand far exceeds supply, Jefferies wrote after attending the company's Fully Connected conference. Jefferies noted that discussions with executives, customers, and management pointed to broad-based demand and visibility into 2028.

JEF's SMBC venture is likely to expand its Japan equities and ECM reach, with SMBC's 20% stake deepening the strategic alliance.

European soft drinks value growth slowed to 4.6% in the four weeks to 6 September from 12.0% previously, as volume growth moderated sharply, Jefferies said. Volume growth eased to 1.4% from 9.2%, while price and mix contributions increased to 3.2% from 2.8%, with the broker pointing to favourable weather as support.

Jefferies said successful execution of Emitel's growth strategy could deliver 60% valuation upside for the business and increase Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Ltd (LSE:CORD, FRA:86L)'s net asset value by 34%. The broker reached the estimate after a site visit to Emitel in Kraków, describing Cordiant's largest asset as a multi-pillar growth opportunity.

SSE PLC (LSE:SSE), the UK-listed utility, remains on track with its £33 billion investment programme after reiterating earnings guidance and reporting a sharp increase in network investment, Jefferies said. The broker retained its 'buy' rating and 3,060p price target against a reference share price of 2,491p, implying a 23% upside, after SSE reiterated its adjusted earnings per share guidance of 168p to 193p for the 2026/27 financial year.

Jefferies' record Investment Banking and Equities fiscal Q3 results offset weakness in Asset Management and Fixed Income, but the earnings mix remains uneven.

JEF's record Q3 IB revenues point to stronger M&A and equity issuance, but major banks may see mixed results.

Jefferies Financial Group posted strong Investment Banking and Capital Markets results in Q3 2026, offsetting significant weakness in Asset Management. JEF's Asset Management unit suffered a 55% sequential and 52% YoY revenue decline, driven by repeated credit events and reputational setbacks. Despite group revenues of $2.2B and EPS of $1.08 beating expectations, persistent asset management issues justify the stock's discounted 0.9x book value.

Jefferies Financial Group reported a 16% increase in quarterly profit, but its shares slipped after hours.