Sunday newspaper share tips

Sunday Times

Shares in Rexam, the world's biggest maker of drinks cans, have performed poorly in recent weeks after negative news from some of its biggest customers unsettled investors. But its half-year results on Wednesday should offer a degree of reassurance. Profits are expected to be £146.7 million against £126 million a year ago. With underlying margins set to rise over the next few months, investors should buy at 419 1/4p. Sports retailer JJB Sports shocked the market last week with a profits warning, saying poor weather had hit demand for T-shirts and shorts. Broker Numis says it does not expect sales to recover at the core JJB chain until 2006 and investors should therefore sell at 183 1/2p.

The Business

Shares in power generation technology developer Turbo Genset have plummeted since 2000, but investors should now be lifted by the first contracts coming through. The group, which develops generators that are smaller and lighter than rivals, is expected to unveil further orders over the next few weeks. With turnover set to accelerate over the next couple of years as orders flow in, investors may wish to buy at 15 3/4p.

Russia-based gold miner Peter Hambro Mining is on track to meet its 2004 production target and is making significant progress in developing all of its projects. Shares in the company, which believes it will be in a strong position to meet its five-year production target of 1 million ounces of gold a year, are set to start climbing again. Buy at 452p.

Sunday Telegraph

Shares in Rexam, the world's biggest maker of drinks cans, have performed poorly in recent weeks as investors have been unsettled by negative news from key customers such as Coca-Cola. But results due on Wednesday could provide some reassurance following the company's decision to push through price rises a few months ago. It's not all rosy but shares are on a relatively low valuation and are worth tucking away for the long term.

The paper tipped insurer Friends Provident at 137 1/2p last November and despite warning that its strong sales growth wouldn't be maintained at 24%, it has nevertheless been solid. Shares have dipped to 130 1/4p after reaching 157 3/4p earlier in the year but chief executive Keith Satchell remains upbeat about the savings market and the company is delivering on its promise to build a manager fund manager with the merger of Isis, in which it holds a 67% stake, and Foreign & Colonial. The move created Britain's fourth biggest asset manager. Keep buying.

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