PURE.L Share News (PURE)

Following yesterday's dip in shares of Smiths Group, after the release of its latest set of halfway figures, the stock is back at where it was when talk surfaced last summer of an approach for its medical division. Ironically, it was precisely that division's performance which was one of the weakest in the latest reporting period, due to the hit from taxes in the US on sales of medical devices, while Obamacare has done little to help matters either. The Flex-Tek division, on the other hand, benefitted from the revival in US housing, while John Crane is doing well in energy. That, precisely, has been management's point all along. A diversified conglomerate affords shareholders a more stable base relative to the alternative of breaking the company up. Barring any slip ups the shares should not go much lower from here, rather the opposite if talk picks up again of a break-up, says The Times's Tempus. PureCircle is an AIM-listed punt on the trend towards low-calorie sweeteners, as emerging market consumers become more prosperous, demand more fizzy pop and in turn diabetes becomes a problem. Here's one fact on the market which the company's products serve: the world sweetener market is worth $60bn. The company's products were licensed for use in the European Union at the start of 2012 and the firm is expected to see revenues of approximately $100m this year. However, its operating profits at the half-year stage were only $2.9m. In the next financial year sales ought to be coming in at about half the maximum pace which its production facilities can sustain, or $300m. That puts the stock on about 5o times' projected earnings. "Pure speculation, and for the longer term," but, "that market worth makes one gasp," Tempus says. AB 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.