Tuesday tips round-up: Cobham, Vernalis, Immunodiagnostic Systems

13th Apr 2010 06:01

Cobham trades on a surprisingly thin multiple of 11.6 times Evolution's forecasts for 2010. That falls to 10.8 times on the numbers for 2011, suggesting that the market may be pricing in too much disappointment while at the same time overlooking the potential for growth. The Independent said buy in November last year and, given the stock's attractive valuation, the paper say keep buying.There's nothing vernal about Vernalis. Shares in the British biotechnology group have suffered a terrible spring, down nearly 40 per cent since the start of the year. At 53½p, Vernalis is caught between rock-bottom sentiment on UK biotech ? which, aside from Shire, lacks a conspicuous success story ? and moves by large pharmaceuticals groups to cut R&D, which implies they will have to buy early-stage drugs from Vernalis and its ilk. However, the company's issuance of new shares at 76p only two months ago may curb short-term demand. Strictly a buy for the brave, says the Times.Panmure has Immunodiagnostic Systems on 16.9 times 2011 full-year earnings, which looks pricey, but is much more reasonable when compared to the company's peer group. The issue with the USFDA remains a worry for investors but the company generally looks in good shape and, if the shares fall further over the coming days, investors willing to take a risk should be prepared to take advantage. Buy on weakness, says the Independent.Will Stella prove stellar? Frustratingly, that was not a question answered by yesterday's full-year results from Ithaca Energy, the AIM-listed oil and gas explorer whose Stella field in the North Sea is its most closely followed prospect. Shares are at 148¼p, up 6¼p. Success at Stella is expected to add at least 30p a share to Ithaca's net asset value. A risky buy, according to the Times.Carr's Milling Industries has provided not only capital growth ? the shares are up by a quarter since being recommended here last year ? but income, too. At 520p, the shares trade at less than nine times earnings and yield 4.6 per cent. With Carr's well placed to make acquisitions that could send full-year forecasts higher still, there is good reason to hold on, says the Times.At the interim results in December, Eckoh reported that turnover in speech had risen 15 per cent year on year. Yet, the revenues declined overall because of a slide in the larger side of the business, the so-called Client IVR, or premium-rate phone services. Revenues in that division fell 28 per cent after it lost ITV as a client in December 2008, and IVR calls have further reduced as publishing clients have gone out of business. The future doesn't look great for the division, and management admit the market has been on a downward slope for a couple of years. Still, the shares are cheap, so hold for now, according to the Independent.Please note: Digital Look provides a round-up of news, tips and information that is impacting share prices and the market. Digital Look cannot take any responsibility for information provided by third parties. This is for your general information only as not intended to be relied upon by users in making an investment decision or any other decision. Please obtain a copy of the relevant publication and carry out your own research before considering acting on any of this information.