Johnston Press trades at 4.6 times 2009 earnings, but interim results this month are likely to show what executives can do. Given that there is likely to be better news ahead, buy for recovery, says the Times.

With its government customers, Ultra Electronics is attractive to those looking for a safe haven in troubled economic times. But its stellar share price performance in recent years means its shares are not cheap; they trade at 15.3 times 2009 earnings per share, a premium to British peers, says the FT.

At more than 20 times 2008 earnings, 888 is trading at a premium to its peers, but it would probably be a decent bet that it increases its value further. A formal settlement with the US Department of Justice could also make it an attractive takeover target, giving its shares further room for upward momentum, says the FT.

The uncertainty surrounding a settlement with the US Department of Justice will continue to weigh on sentiment, and 888 shares – off 1½p at 152¼p – are trading on a chunky multiple of 18 times earnings. But a settlement is not crucial and the company’s strong cashflow and growth potential makes shares in 888 a solid long-term hold, recommends the Times.

Senior’s margins improved significantly, given its focus on cost control, and helped Senior beat expectations. The shares currently trade on a forward earnings multiple of a little over 10 times, which is undemanding given the company's growth prospects. Buy, says the Telegraph.

Imperial Energy’s prospects look much brighter than they did in the spring, when it was forced to mount a rights issue to fund further development after failing to secure debt finance in the contracting financial markets. The company is expanding rapidly, has large reserves for the size of its business and is developing key infrastructure in Siberia. In short, it has much going for it. Buy, says the Times.

After buying Intertek last year at 932p, Questor feels confident enough to recommend holding on, in the Telegraph.

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