…and some to hold, avoid or sell

Acacia Mining Investors Chronicle

The gold miner has cut costs and capex since the Tanzanian government banned gold exports. But charges have been filed against senior management, and the tax dispute is unlikely to be resolved soon. Sell. 155p.

Croda International The Times

The speciality chemicals group majors on performance technologies, life sciences and personal care. A diverse customer base and good geographical spread should continue to deliver solid, reliable growth. Hold. £48.47.

Investors Chronicle

A series of profit warnings has driven shares in the department store group down 80% in a year. There are “positive signs” in Debenhams’ restructuring strategy, but the business is still “too risky”. Sell. 9.9p.

Proactis Holdings Investors Chronicle

Shares in this spend management software provider have taken a beating, and it has lost two large customers. Without organic growth, the current acquisitive recovery strategy is unconvincing. Sell. 138p.

The Times

The property website’s growth options look limited in a “wildly competitive” market mired with uncertainty in the run-up to Brexit. A candidate for demotion from the FTSE 100, and shares still look pricey. Sell. 456p.

WPP The Times

The advertising and media group’s stock has fallen a third this year, and was not helped by a “shocker” of a profits downgrade. Shares are “ridiculously cheap”, but probably have further to fall. Avoid. 888.5p.