UK MARKET TALK ROUNDUP: SHARES GAINING

8th Jul 2010 08:12

Stocks on the rise in the UK today. Compiled by Dow Jones Newswires Markets Desk, [email protected] Contact us in London. +44-20-7842-9464 [email protected] 0712 GMT [Dow Jones] Hays' (HAS.LN) 4Q '10 results show a return to year-on-year growth for the first time in two years, which is clearly a good sign, says Seymour Pierce. Notes on a like-for-like basis net fee income was up 8%, compared with the same period last year, driven by Asia Pacific. Nevertheless, says growth rates are slightly disappointing compared to those reported by peers such as Robert Walters (RWA.LN). Adds UK conditions remain tough. From a valuation perspective, says there is better value in small cap stocks such as Harvey Nash (HVN.LN), which it rates at buy. Has Hays at hold, with 100p price target. Shares +3.9% at 94p. ([email protected]) 0700 GMT [Dow Jones] Babcock (BAB.LN) has reported a good start to the year, with cash generation remaining strong and debt reducing, says Arden Partners. Notes the order book has remained stable at GBP8.3B, with no changes to workload coming through. Says the VT Group (VTG.LN) bid is expected to complete Thursday following a final court hearing and the increased scale and capabilities are expected to enhance the group's growth opportunities. "The shares remain fundamentally undervalued compared to other major support services companies." Has the stock at buy. Shares +0.8% at 624p. ([email protected]) Contact us in London. +44-20-7842-9288 [email protected] (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 08, 2010 03:12 ET (07:12 GMT)