One to Watch

Concurrent 41.5p unchScotsman says BUY

CONCURRENT Technologies makes high-end embedded computer products for critical applications in the defence, aerospace, transportation, communications and industrial markets. The firm's products deliver very high levels of reliability that make them ideal for different industries and therefore the products are price inelastic with gross margins earned in excess of 55 per cent.

At its recent AGM, the firm said the marketplaces that it sells into are rich in opportunity, particularly the defence sector. An area that is likely to continue to grow is the detection and detonation of improvised explosive devices and the firm's product is showing growing traction.

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Although the firm only has a market cap of 28 million, it has cash on its balance sheet of 4m, giving it the flexibility to continue to invest in product development in addition to increasing its dividend. On a current rating of circa 10x 2010E P/E with good growth opportunities, Concurrent looks an interesting investment. Longer-term it is possible the company will be bought by a larger competitor.

• The value of your investment could fall and you may get back less than you invested. You should take professional advice if you have any doubt about the suitability of this company for your portfolio.

Young & Co Brewery

537.5 unch

Broker says BUY

SEYMOUR Pierce has reiterated its "buy" rating on Young & Co. The broker said: "Young's has the strongest balance sheet (in the pubs sector].We believe it allows the group to trade better and make longer-term investment decisions without a Damocles sword of debt hanging over it."

Topps Tiles

48.5p +2.25p

Broker says BUY

EXECUTION Noble has cut its price target for Topps Tiles but has maintained its "buy" rating following the retailer's interim results on Wednesday. The broker said: "Topps remains a well-run, market leading business that should emerge stronger in the upturn. We cut our price target from 95p to 85p, but maintain our 'buy' recommendation."

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