Wednesday tips round-up: Vedanta, Serco, Carpetright

If there were a "nasty company of the year" award, the FTSE-100 listed mining group Vedanta Resources would not be short of nominations.

Human rights and environmental activists consistently attack Vedanta for its practices, not least its bauxite project in the Niyamgiri hills of Orissa state in eastern India. Many people will, and have, dismissed Vedanta on ethical grounds, but investors will make money from the mining group, so buy if you can stomach it suggests the Independent.

Serco has a lot to recommend it. The support services group's wide portfolio, covering everything from Australian prisons to Royal Navy tug boats, gives it considerable strength. And recent contract wins to run the Dubai metro and help Britain's unemployed back to work have helped to underpin its performance and keep the group on track for strong revenue growth in 2010. But Serco's stock has already risen by almost £1 this year, and current prices are way above previous highs of 508p. Add to that a pricey forward multiple of 18.9 times this year's earnings and it could well be time to book gains. Take profits suggests the Independent.

Yesterday's half-year trading statement from National Express was not chocka with new information, but the direction of travel looks promising. Underlying revenue on UK buses is a touch lower year-on-year - but only because mileage has been cut by 5%. The real gains here will come from driving up operating margins. NatEx's Spanish bus and UK coach operations look fine, while it seems likely to hang on to its C2C and East Anglia rail franchises for another year. With a dividend due to return later this year or next, stay aboard for recovery says the Telegraph. Buy.

There are good reasons why the long-term prospects for Carpetright look rosy. First, the floor coverings retailer dominates its sector and has benefited from the travails at its main rival, Allied Carpets. However, the major stain on Carpetright is its lofty valuation. Despite hefty selling yesterday, the shares still trade on a forecast 2011 multiple of 15.6 times, which puts it at a premium to the sector. The outlook for consumer spending over the next year is also unlikely to be pretty. For those with a long-term view, few retail shares look better but Carpetright is too pricey, so take profits says the Independent.

The rising likelihood that the UK is in for a more prolonged economic downturn means now is not the time to buying into a retailer, not even Carpetright. A hold and wait position is advisable at the moment and any sign that recovery is being sustained could present a buying opportunitysays the Telegraph.

Car dealer Pendragon is undoubtedly a well-managed business. It also benefits from higher operational and financial gearing than rivals Lookers and Inchcape, such that the shares are strongly geared to economic recovery. However, at 23p, down Ÿp, they should be left sitting on the forecourt for now says the Times.

Oil sector safety products group Cosalt's revenues are still falling. Current-year profit forecasts were cut by 6% yesterday, and net debt that it is close to Cosalt's stock market value, at 5Ÿp, or seven times 2010 earnings, there is better value elsewhere says the Times.

Immunodiagnostic Systems will not release its full-year results for another fortnight but it was yesterday's announcement from the Tyneside medical equipment maker that the stock market was waiting for. The shares have doubled on the year but they advanced a further 13% as the company announced long-awaited approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for its flagship product: a machine and diagnostic testing kit that is used to detect vitamin D. At 665œp, up 76p, the shares trade at 15 times earnings - not dear for a company showing 50% annual profit growth. Buy on weakness 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.