Marks & Spencer Share News (MKS)

It seems to be back to Plan A for can-maker Rexam. After purchasing US packaging manufacturer Owens-Illinois in 2009 the company has now decided to sell its plastic packaging division and go back to what it knows best ? cans. To be fair to management, Rexam should recoup most of its money from the plastics sale. It will also keep a large amount of tax losses that will help future profits. It has been a costly diversion, although the company will come close this year to hitting its target for a 15% return on capital employed. Even so, it would be good if it could deliver on this sooner rather than later, says The Sunday Times´s Matthew Goodman. After walking away from a bid which valued the company at 975p Betfair´s new Chief Executive, Breon Corcoran, has much to do to meet investors´ aspirations and there are risks. Although the shares are still supported by hopes of a bid, it must grow the top-line, which may be done through acquisitions. In itself that carries execution risks. Then there are the plans to introduce a "point of consumption tax" of 15%, and Ladbrokes' Betdaq platform could also steal some business. So while the company retains an attractive balance sheet for a potential bidder, at a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.5 - versus 19.3 now - for 2016 there is large gap to fill, particularly with analysts already penciling in a fall in profitability. The Sunday Telegraph´s Questor team says hold as investors should never buy on bid hopes alone. Debenhams is trading at an unjustified discount to Marks&Spencer, at 9.4 times 2014 earnings, versus the 11.5 times which shares of its competitor are discounting. That comes despite plans to increase its international and 'on-line' presence, its steady margins and solid dividend cover - at three times earnings. Its prospective yield is set to rise to 3.8% next year and share buy-backs will also support the price. Questor upgrades to buy from hold. ABPlease 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.