Yesterday´s results showed that global property services group Savills is flourishing, much as large swathes of the UK property market are, says The Times´s Tempus. Particularly worth noting is the firm´s growth in the Asia-Pacific region, as yesterday´s results revealed. In China, for example, it is the number one adviser on commercial property transactions. At fifteen times' this year´s earnings the valuation on the company´s shares is 'pricey,' yet the company is conservatively structured, with largely variable wage costs and no debt. Hence, this may be one of those occasions when it is justified, Tempus writes.

Gambling software outfit Playtech is not a stock for the fainthearted, nor is it a stranger to controversy.The company yesterday announced a 41% increase in its dividend pay-out on the back of a 53% rise in revenues. To that one must add the £424m paid by William Hill for Playtech's 29% stake in their digital joint-venture and €51.7m in cash at year-end (excluding the proceeds from the above asset sale). All of the above has raised hopes of a return of capital to shareholders and/or an acquisition spree. Questors says buy, "if you're brave enough."

Playtech has had a momentous month, announcing strong full-year results and strategic initiatives that have sent its market capitalisation soaring to £1.8bn. One such move is the profit-related deal with Ladbrokes, that could see it pocket as much as £500m over the next five years. As well, moves to legalise gambling may see the company move into new geographical areas. The company is also intent on moving into adjacent market segments, such as sports and financial betting. Unfortunately, investors are not universally content with the board´s makeup, Tempus says.

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