Hochschild Mining has suspended production at its Peruvian mine for 15 days, but Peel Hunt analysts think a coronavirus stoppage will only be temporary. Instead, analysts think Hochschild's share price is off 57 per cent from its year to date high has been driven mainly by a 35 per cent decrease in the silver price. However, Peel Hunt is confident the miner's strong balance sheet can more than support the stoppage and rates the stock a "buy". Analysts increase the target price from 217p to 230p.

McCarthy & Stone has suspended its dividend and is particularly exposed to the material impact coronavirus will have on the housebuilding industry. Canaccord Genuity analysts say there is virtually no visibility over what profits and cash-flow are likely to be over the coming months. They think it will prove hard to find a third-party investor for its investment properties. Canaccord Genuity recommends caution after the suspension of its dividend and rates the stock as a "sell". Canaccord analysts retains a target price of 135p.

Given the continuous disruption caused by the coronavirus, Newriver Reit has announced a renewed focus on cash. It will suspend all non-essential capital expenditure, reduce operating costs and has decided not to pay a dividend for the fourth quarter. Peel Hunt analysts think Newriver's £115m of cash and undrawn facilities and a fully unsecured balance sheet means it is relatively well-positioned. Analysts commend the decision and expect other Reits to follow suit. Peel Hunt rates Hochschild a "buy" and reiterates its target price of 225p.

(c) 2020 City A.M., source Newspaper