| Buy | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Publication | Reason | Price tipped |
|
Aberdeen Asset Management (ADN)
Fund management |
The Daily Telegraph | Institutional investors pulled out £100m from the asset manager over the summer. But the shares have risen 83% in the past 12 months and yield 3.1% on a 2013 rating of 14.6. Buy. | 313p/165.5p* 308p |
|
Assura (AGR)
Real estate |
Investors Chronicle | GP landlord Assura is lowly rated compared to peers because of its poor track record, but the shares deserve a re-rating. Its markets are stable and there’s scope for dividend growth here. | 41p/27p 32.5p |
|
Aureus Mining (AUE)
Aim |
Investors Chronicle | Aureus’ New Liberty gold mining project is high grade and its deposits are large. American monetary stimulus could boost the shares and the company is also a takeover target. | 92p/46p 69.5p |
|
Booker (BOK)
Food and drug retailers |
Investors Chronicle | A recent trading update from the cash-and-carry operator showed solid growth. If the planned turnaround at Makro is successful, investors could receive a generous special dividend. Buy. | 98.25p/69.4p 93p |
|
Fitbug (FITB)
Aim |
Shares | The online well-being services provider is well placed to profit from growing demand from US insurers. Possible deals with American healthcare groups could trigger earnings upgrades. | 4.5p/1.257p 1.48p |
|
Diageo (DGE)
Beverages |
The Daily Telegraph | A potential deal for Diageo to buy a stake in Indian group United Spirits makes good strategic sense. The Indian spirits market is the third biggest after China and Russia. Buy. | 1,770.5p/1,193p 1744p |
|
Genel (GENL)
Oil and gas producers |
Investors Chronicle | Exploiting opportunities in Kurdistan is risky, but Genel looks well-placed. The dispute over production-share contracts should be resolved soon and, if so, this should boost the shares. | 1,020p/586p 761p |
|
Getech (GTC)
Aim |
Shares | The geological data group is reaping the benefits of a change in its business mix and is set to reinstate the dividend in November. Earnings are now looking more stable. Expect upgrades. | 42.5p/19p 36.1p |
|
Hargreaves Services (HSP)
Resources |
The Daily Telegraph | Hargreaves could have to close its Maltby Colliery, but the share-price fall looks overdone. The prospective dividend yield is 3.7%. Buy on a 2013 price-to-earnings (p/e) ratio of just 4.5. | 1,278p/530p 551p |
|
Hyder Consulting (HYC)
Infrastructure |
Shares | Unlike some competitors, the infrastructure specialist is enjoying strong trading in the Middle East, especially in Qatar. It recently beat profit forecasts and could be a takeover target. | 430p/320p 400p |
| Kingfisher (KGF) General retailers | The Times | The DIY retailer’s prospects may be picking up as weaker competition leaves the market. Analysts forecast a strong improvement in profits. It’s a long-term punt on a p/e of 10.5. | 317p/232.7p 263.9p |
|
Mediterranean Oil & Gas (MOG)
Oil and gas explorers |
The Times | Despite a spat with Leni Gas & Oil, development of MOG’s Malta assets is moving ahead. The Mediterranean could become important area for oil companies. It’s speculative but promising. | 14.25p/3.625p 13.125p |
|
MJ Gleeson (GLE)
Construction |
Investors Chronicle | The housebuilder is recovering fast and is now debt-free. Its restructuring programme is also complete and land-bank sales could generate enough cash flow to reinstate the dividend. Buy. | 132p/96p 131p |
|
Petra Diamonds (PDL)
Mining |
The Daily Telegraph | A 20% fall in the diamond price hit Petra hard, but full-year results were on track. Buy on the expectations of a diamond price recovery and the possibility of future dividend payments. | 188.5p/92.75p 118.1p |
|
Petroneft (PTR)
Aim |
Shares | Shares in the Siberian oil producer could see a re-rating if the company can capitalise on the positive performance of its Arbuzovskoye 101 well. Buy ahead of an expected announcement. | 28.875p/5.625p 7.85p |
|
RPC Group (RPC)
General Industries |
The Daily Telegraph | The packaging maker has increased profits by making innovative, lightweight products that save clients money. It’s decent value on a 2013 p/e of 9.76 and a 3.7% yield. Hold for now. | 447p/331.50p 427.50p |
|
Shanks (SKS)
Waste recycling |
The Daily Telegraph | Shank’s shares fell 17% last week after the downturn hit trading at its solid waste division. However, the rest of the business remains robust, supported by environmental legislation. | 118.5p/73.25p 79p |
|
Spirent (SPT)
Technology |
The Times | The telecoms testing specialist has sold its systems division for $64m and the proceeds will go to shareholders in the form of share buybacks. It’s a bet for the long term on a p/e of 16. | 176.3p/104.4p 160.5p |
|
S&U (SUS)
Financial services |
The Times | The loan provider enjoys a lower level of impairments than most doorstep lenders and profits are benefiting from the financial crisis. A p/e of ten and a yield of over 5% look reasonable. | 895p/597.5p 861p |
|
Zetar (ZTR)
Aim |
Shares | Buy shares in the confectionery specialist ahead of the November trading update. Positive trends, such as brand licensing deals, should boost the shares and lead to earnings upgrades. | 245p/167.5p 220p |
| Sell | |||
| Company | Publication | Reason | Price tipped |
|
Bumi (BUMI)
Resources |
The Daily Telegraph | The coal producer’s lawyers are examining a $600m write-down at a subsidiary amid claims of financial irregularities. Around $400m of debt also needs to be refinanced. Avoid for now. | 941p/120p 156p |
|
HMV (HMV)
General retailers |
Shares | New chief executive Trevor Moore faces an uphill struggle to turn around the ailing retailer, due to continuing poor sales and competition. Further earnings downgrades are likely. Sell. | 7.5p/2.25p 2.8p |
|
Hornby (HRN)
Consumer goods |
The Daily Telegraph | Shares in the model railway maker fell almost a third last week due to weak Olympic sales and serious supply chain problems. Until these are resolved, the shares are best avoided. | 141.5p/48p 62.5p |
|
Mulberry (MUL)
Aim |
Shares | It’s time to take profits in the luxury fashion brand, best known for its handbags. On a p/e of 23.8 for 2013, the rating is hefty and the retail environment is becoming choppier. Sell. | 2,500p/1,100p 1252p |
|
Ocado (OCDO)
Food and drug retailers |
Investors Chronicle | The online grocer’s recent trading update was lacklustre, with gross sales still below analysts’ forecasts. With the economic picture still looking grim, the shares remain under pressure. | 134.1p/52.1p 66p |
| * 52-week high/low | |||