Sunday newspaper share tips

By This Is Money
Updated: 07:54 EDT, 3 June 2007

Each week we round up the Sunday newspaper share tips and the views of the mid-week tipsters too.

For the Mail on Sunday's stock picks read the Midas column. And check out our review of the mid-week share tips.

Sunday Telegraph

Shares in specialist buy-to-let lender Paragon have fallen 20% this year amid fears of a collapse in the market, but the company is better protected than most from any downturn. Just 0.15% of its book is in arrears and in the last slowdown during 2005, Paragon nonetheless grew profits and revenues. The stock is rated a long-term buy at 533.5p.

Telecoms wholesaler Alternative Networks buys space on mobile and fixed line networks to sell to corporate customers, and has a strong client list including Channel Four and media group JCDecaux. The company has a strong cash position, raising the prospects of share buybacks, and is expected to unveil a healthy dividend alongside interim results this week. Buy at 160p.

Stockbroker and corporate financing house Panmure Gordon has seen shares fall 20% since it bought US investment bank ThinkEquity, but its recent involvement in deals such as Sir Tom Hunter and HBOS's acquisition of housebuilder Crest Nicholson does not suggest the company has taken its eye off the ball. The company looks cheap compared to its sector rivals and, with a target price of 250p, investors are advised to buy at 158p.

Abbot Group, which designs, builds and runs oil rigs, is benefiting from booming demand for its platforms as exploration activity from oil companies continues apace. Rental rates for the rigs have soared and Abbot is expecting double-digit profits growth this year. The firm, which has also been touted as a potential takeover candidate, looks cheap. Buy at 285p.