BUZZ-Fnac Darty: HSBC raises to "Buy", shares rise

(Corrects spelling of company name in headline)

** Shares in French retailer Fnac Darty up 4.6 pct after HSBC raises to "Buy"

** Broker now sees co as the best in class in terms of execution, innovation and financial performance among consumer electronics (CE) players

** "Since the start of the year, CE sector has seen sentiment negatively impacted by consumer malaise, execution missteps and profit warnings", says broker in a note

** "Co has been unfairly tarred with the same brush", adds the note

** HSBC sees co above competitors CECONOMY and Dixons, with highest operating margin estimates of 4.2 pct in 2018, and free cash flow conversion of 65 pct

** Stock is among top gainers on the SBF 120 index