** Shares of Australia's Endeavour Group EDV.AX rise as much as 4.2% to A$4, marking their biggest intraday pct gain since August 4, 2025

** Citi raises target price for the pub operator by around 4% to A$4.30

** Sees potential for improved performance with execution expected to be enhanced under the new CEO

** Brokerage cuts FY26 and FY27 EPS by -3%, reflecting slightly slower sales and lower gross margins in retail

** Stock fell 3.5% in the previous session after reporting a ~17% drop in HY profit attributable

** Co's intention to retain its Retail and Hotels portfolio "makes sense" to Jefferies analyst, although synergies haven't yet been realised

** Average rating of 14 analysts is "hold"; their median PT is A$3.75 – according to data compiled by LSEG

** Stock up ~8% YTD

(Reporting by Sneha Kumar in Bengaluru)

((Sneha.kumar@thomsonreuters.com;))