The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, Feb. 6, edition that Desjardins Securities analyst Gary Ho has reaffirmed his "buy" recommendation for Brookfield Business Partners. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Ho boosted his unit target by $1 to $32 (all figures U.S.). Analysts on average target the units at $28.57. Mr. Ho says that alongside the release of "strong" fourth quarter 2023 financial results, the confirmation from Brookfield Business Partners' management of a plan for an initial public offering for Clarios International was "a pleasant surprise." Brookfield abandoned a $1.8-billion IPO for the car battery manufacturer, which is co-owned with Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, in 2021. Mr. Ho says in a note: "This is a significant near-term catalyst. We estimate Clarios accounts for 60 per cent of Brookfield Business's current price yet only 25 per cent of its $39-plus intrinsic NAV [net asset value]. An end to the tightening cycle should also benefit Brookfield Business's valuation, creating a better monetization, financing and trading environment. ... Brookfield Business offers a unique way to gain PE exposure without liquidity constraints."
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