Two to buy
Vestas
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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'EV maker Faraday Future will crash'Faraday Future Intelligent Electric is failing dismally to live up to its name, says Matthew Partridge
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Investors should cheer the coming nuclear summerThe US and UK have agreed a groundbreaking deal on nuclear power, and the sector is seeing a surge in interest from around the world. Here's how you can profit
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8 of the best houses for sale with folliesThe best houses for sale with follies in the grounds – from a five-storey Victorian Gothic tower in Tonbridge, Kent, to a former mill in Oxfordshire with gardens that include a folly on an island in a lake
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A tale of two Reits – why performance matters for valuationAEW UK and Regional are two Reits that are valued very differently, despite a shared focus on properties outside London
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Healthcare stocks look cheap, but tread carefullyShares in healthcare companies could get a shot in the arm if uncertainty over policy in the US wanes, but are they worth the risk?
