Share tips of the week
MoneyWeek’s comprehensive guide to the best of this week’s share tips from the rest of the UK's financial pages.
Two to buy
Vestas
(Investors Chronicle) Denmark’s Vestas has installed almost a fifth of the world’s wind-turbine capacity outside China. It is the world’s top supplier of onshore turbines. Government subsidies to the “green” economy have made wind power more popular, but increased competition has squeezed margins. That problem should subside this year, however, and “momentum is building in higher-margin servicing” post-installation. The company has been debt-free since 2013 and has over £1bn of net cash. A valuation of 26 times 2021 earnings is reasonable given the auspicious long-term outlook. 943kr
Pernod Ricard
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(The Times) France’s Pernod Ricard is the world’s second-biggest drinks group behind Diageo. Activist investor Elliott Advisors had been pressing it to merge with a large rival to improve operating margins, but CEO Alexandre Ricard – whose family hold 14.2% of shares and 20.1% of the voting rights – gave the idea “short shrift”. However, he is following a policy of “bolt-on acquisitions” and improving margins is part of his plan. Despite Covid-19 and a €999m writedown (largely due to Absolut Vodka, which relies on airport sales), it has increased its market share while profits have fallen less than expected. €142
Two to sell
J Sainsbury
(Investors Chronicle) The supermarket group had steadied the ship after the pricey failed merger with Asda, but the pandemic has brought new problems, notably a squeeze on margins amid a shift towards less profitable online sales and large potential losses at its bank. The balance sheet remains “stretched”. The shares are inexpensive, but the growing army of short-sellers is right to sense “a value trap”. 213p
FirstGroup
(The Times) “There is... no case for investing in a UK public transport stock.” This train and bus operator has not paid a dividend since 2013 and is struggling to cope with its debt load. And don’t count on matters improving. The sale of its US operations, first announced in March, will produce little money and Britain’s semi-privatised railway system looks likely to be scrapped. Bus systems need massive investment. Avoid. 50p
...and the rest
The Daily Telegraph
Aviva’s new CEO Amanda Blanc aims to reform the underperforming insurance giant. Its “decent digital capability” and strong balance sheet bode well. Covid-19-related claims may inflate premiums. Buy (274p). Cable-assemblies maker Volex “has put its house in order and profits have responded”. Hold (189p).
Investors Chronicle
Derwent London “was one of the few commercial property groups to increase its dividend in the wake of Covid-19”. A solid balance sheet allows it to shrug off “short-term pain on rent collection”. Buy (310p).
Shares
Inspecs, an Aim-listed eyewear-frame maker, offers an appealing “growth story”. People will be rushing to catch up on eye appointments now that lockdown has lifted and there are still 2.6 billion people worldwide who need their vision corrected. Buy (230p).
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Hargreaves Lansdown bumps up cash ISA with £25 cashback - does it beat the wider ISA market?
Just days before the end of the tax year, Hargreaves Lansdown has launched a £25 bonus for those who open a cash ISA on its savings platform. Does the bonus make it a competitive rate, and are you eligible for the cashback?
By Vaishali Varu Published
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FCA targets finfluencers with new social media guidance
So-called finfluencers have been warned by the UK financial watchdog that they could face prosecution if they fail to follow new rules.
By Henry Sandercock Published
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What to consider before investing in small-cap indexes
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By Cris Sholto Heaton Published
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Why space investments are the way to go for investors
Space investments will change our world beyond recognition, UK investors should take note
By Merryn Somerset Webb Published
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Time to tap into Africa’s mobile money boom
Favourable demographics have put Africa on the path to growth when it comes to mobile money and digital banking
By Rupert Hargreaves Published
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M&S is back in fashion: but how long can this success last?
M&S has exceeded expectations in the past few years, but can it keep up the momentum?
By Rupert Hargreaves Published
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The end of China’s boom
Like the US, China too got fat on fake money. Now, China's doom is not far away.
By Bill Bonner Published
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Magic mushrooms — an investment boom or doom?
Investing in these promising medical developments might see you embark on the trip of a lifetime.
By Bruce Packard Published
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What pension providers don't tell you about your retirement money
Check the small print from your pension provider or risk losing thousands.
By Merryn Somerset Webb Published
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Should you invest in sector funds?
Sector funds can be a useful way to fine-tune a portfolio or track a theme, but check what the index holds.
By Cris Sholto Heaton Published