I neither saw or endorsed the buy recommendation you mention. I only know about it as someone mentioned it here on hc.
It is quite normal for brokers to make recommendations without consulting the company. How they came up with their price target is up to them.
I don't think there should be any conspirancy concerns. Personally if the broker believes the price target was 47 cents then maybe it should have been a hold recommendation.
Cheers Tony.
PLV Price at posting:
37.4¢ Sentiment: LT Buy Disclosure: Held