NATURE Group has two core divisions: one receives and treats oily waste liquids in ports and the second designs, supplies and services equipment for oil-polluted waste-water treatment.
Nature has important operations in Gibraltar under an established government contract. Oil tankers travelling in the European Union can only discharge waste at ports and Gibraltar will not take waste water into its municipal system. As a result, all water treatment must take place in its port. Nature has been expanding its business agenda in Gibraltar, recently signing new additional licences for the transportation of oil slops and waste water to the group's facility in Gibraltar, one with the port of Malta the other with the Spanish port of Ceuta, on the North African coast opposite Gibraltar.
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Hide AdNature should pay a maiden dividend this year, implying a prospective yield of about 1.5 per cent on a p/e of perhaps eight. The shares have risen from 22p since the beginning of the year and the trading statement may bring the group's attractions to a wider audience.
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.
Carpetright
860p -28p
Broker says HOLD
NUMIS has kept its "hold" rating on Carpetright but cut its target price from 900p to 850p. The broker said: "Carpetright remains a high-quality business, but it will take longer to climb out of this recession than we would have hoped, with (chairman and chief executive] Lord Harris suggesting a double-dip in the economy is likely."
Weir Group
982.5p -21.5p
Broker says BUY
WEIR Group has been upgraded from "hold" to "buy" by Citi, which jacked up its target price from 750p to 1,230p. Citi said it was "worth paying for growth", adding: "Our upgrade reflects a consideration of the group not just as a recovery trade, but also for its long-term growth prospects."