Bullish Bovis

After the UK construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) posted robust October gains on the back of strong growth in residential construction, Bovis Homes (BVS) should please with tomorrow’s (8 Nov) trading statement. At the half-year results in August the housebuilder reported strong gains across all metrics. (SFl)

Hikma heaven

Jordanian medicine company Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) issues a trading statement tomorrow (8 Nov) which could hint at new licensing agreements and moves into new markets. Such developments should help it meet a 20% 2013 revenue growth target after the firm disposed of its injectables business. (MD)

Premier’s peril

Risk-averse investors should sell Bisto gravy-to-Mr Kipling cakes maker Premier Foods (PFD) following last week’s (31 Oct) weak third quarter update. Grocery market competition is increasingly cut-throat and Premier is constrained by its chunky net debt pile. (JC)

Escher no write-off

Postal services software supplier Escher’s (ESCH:AIM) profit warning (1 Nov) is a timing issue, not a serious threat going forward and more a consequence of it being a small supplier with several very large customers. It failed to close roughly $6 million worth of Rispote orders which will slip into next year. (SF)

Don’t tire of Tyler

The dive in motor and pumps provider Hayward Tyler (HAYT:AIM) on contract newsflow (31 Oct) looks like profit-taking after a strong year-to-date run. This has created an opportunity to top up ahead of Tuesday’s (12 Nov) interims which should underscore the momentum in the business. (TS)

Pump up Lombard profit

Vascular medtech specialist Lombard Medical Technology (LMT:AIM) has become an attractive acquisition target after removing any barriers to it operating in the lucrative US market. A licensing agreement with Medtronic eases any patent infringement concerns ahead of the imminent Aorfix stent launch. (MD)