…and some to sell

Ashtead Group The Mail on Sunday

Shares in the equipment rental firm are up 8.5%. But Deutsche Bank fears the impact of a slowdown in the US construction market on some 550 stores across 40 US states, and has issued a “sell” rating. Sell. £12.17.

JD Wetherspoon Investors Chronicle

The “riotous post-referendum surge” in shares of the discount pub chain has come to a sobering end. Sales have dropped, and costly estate improvements, along with rates and wage rises, could impact margins. Sell. 866p.

Lancashire Holdings Sharecast

The insurer reported a strong Q3, but Canaccord Genuity notes a decline in its converted book value per share. There are fears that tough competition from investment funds will see the firm write less business. Sell. 730.5p.

Sage Shares

The accountancy software supplier has enjoyed a two-year share price run. But analysts remain split: there are fears that Sage may miss growth targets and struggle to retain its lofty rating. Sell. 716.5p.

Virgin Money London Evening Standard

The bank has made a dramatic recovery since July: credit card balances and mortgage lending have surged. But it’s squeezed by the cut in base rates and vulnerable to Brexit stumbles. Too risky. Sell. 320p.

William Hill City AM

The gambling sector faces an increasingly tough regulatory backdrop and uncertain economic outlook, argues Investec, which has downgraded William Hill, citing rising costs and competition. Target 243p. Sell. 294.9p.