STOCKS NEWS UK SMALL-Marston's higher as dividend maintained

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09:50GMT 22May2009-Marston's higher as dividend maintained

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Shares in Marston's (MARS.L) rise as much as 7 percent as the pubs firm says it is maintaining its interim dividend, which many analysts feared would be cut, and is on track to meet expectations for the full-year.

"The maintaining of the interim dividend is a big positive," says Numis analyst Douglas Jack.

"With strong H2 cash-flow likely to reduce net debt this year, we would not be surprised if the final dividend is also held. Given this and recent weakness in the shares, we are upgrading our stance from 'hold' to 'add'," he says.

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Reuters messaging rm://matthew.scuffham.reuters.com@reuters.net

09:10GMT 22May2009-Cranswick up; Numis says 'add'

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Shares in British pork supplier Cranswick (CWK.L) rises 1.5 percent, with Numis saying the recent portfolio reshaping and another strong set of results has prompted it to repeat its "add" rating and remain positive on the company.

"We think that price increases will offset a small negative impact from a stronger euro and higher pig prices. Higher sales from bacon and sausages will improve the mix," says the broker, which forecasts EPS growth of 12 percent in 2010.