Wednesday tips round-up: G4S, Luminar, Close Brothers...

16th Mar 2011 06:53

G4S's organic growth last year stood at 2.1% and is already running ahead this year. Profits before interest, tax and one-offs were 4.2% ahead at £527m.What you get with G4S is a good geographical growth story and a strong play on economic recovery in Britain, the Continent and America. Unexciting, but a secure long-term hold, even in these markets says the Times.G4S shares are trading at around 11.9 times forward earnings, making the stock attractively valued in comparison with peers, adds the Independent.There was little singing and dancing when Luminar issued its year-end trading up yesterday, although the figures were better than feared, according to analysts. Same-outlet sales for the year to 26 February were down by 18.6%, with the decline being driven by a "reduction in admissions". While the rate of decline in sales may be easing, the wider economic picture remains cloudy at best. Hold says the Independent.Boutique bank Close Brothers' operating profits before one-offs rose 5.5% to £65.4m and the dividend is held at 13.5p. Close shares have had a good run and subsided 2.4% yesterday. The shares are on about 12 times earnings, and yield about 4.7%. About high enough says the Times.Over the past decade James Fisher has moved from being mainly a shipping company, running a fleet of British coasters with salt-caked smoke stacks to providing much higher margin marine services. The group is increasingly finding business in emerging marine markets, particularly the Far East. As a gesture of confidence, a 9.7p final dividend raises the total by 8% to 14.7p. On 11 times earnings, a strong hold says the Times.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.