Wednesday tips round-up: IHG, Johnston Press, Ashtead

InterContinental Hotels (IHG) was the toast of investors yesterday after it delivered a buoyant performance in the US, which accounts for about two-thirds of its profits. For the quarter just ended, IHG registered a 35% rise in operating profits to $112m. Total revenues jumped by 9% to $396m over the period, although its revenue per available room (revPAR) performance in Europe was more subdued. While the stock is less of a bargain than last summer, the Independent still recommends a buy.Yesterday, Johnston Press published its interim management statement for the 18 weeks to 17 May. The results showed more bad news for its total advertising revenues, which fell by just over a tenth. On the upside, management has clearly kept a tight control on costs, and will benefit from lower interest payments. And although the stock is only on 2.2 times forward earnings, this is too risky a bet, and concerns over the debt continue to weigh in some quarters, says the Independent, who keeps its sell recommendation.Ashtead is a leading rental equipment provider in the US and the UK. Over 80% of the company's revenues are generated in the US, where its Sunbelt subsidiary is the second largest in the market. Sunbelt has a market leading position amongst smaller contractors, and is likely to benefit as they increasingly decide to hire equipment rather than purchase outright. We do not feel that the market has fully appreciated either the structural growth story or the improvements made to Ashtead's operating model and believe the stock remains undervalued. Buy, says the Scotsman.A cursory glance at BG Group's results show a deluge of problems the oil and gas group had to grapple with in the first quarter. George Osborne's tax increase hit earnings by $265m (£162m), exploration and production slowed because of the political unrest in the Middle East, flooding in Queensland, and a shutdown in the North Sea. Despite the revolts in Egypt and Tunisia - where BG is a big player - have appeared to have settled down, the Telegraph keeps its hold recommendation.Hansard Global, the seller of long-term savings products, turned in a solid trading performance yesterday. Though IFRS profit after tax for the first nine months of its financial year fell 4% to £12.9m, this was due to increased investment already flagged up. More pertinently, new business premiums were up 37% to £162.1m and margins widened. Buy, says the Independent. CSR has not had a lot of luck. On Monday, the day before CSR was to report first-quarter figures, its merger-partner Zoran startled the market with lower-than-expected first quarterlies. CSR shares are selling on less than ten times' this year's earnings, against a sector on almost fifteen. If the deal fails, they will probably rise further. It might get Zoran on good terms. It might even attract a predator itself. On that basis, the shares look like a good speculative gamble, but a gamble all the same.---BCPlease 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.