…and some to hold, avoid or sell

Bodycote

The Daily Telegraph

Bodycote’s heat treatments toughen metals and alloys used in cars, aeroplanes, oil rigs and excavators. Shares have shed more than a quarter in four months, and revenues have fallen owing to a slowdown in the automotive division. Avoid. 740p.

Bovis Homes Group

The Sunday Times

Concerns of a disorderly Brexit have hit housebuilders, whose fortunes are tied to the economy and consumer confidence. Bovis’s eyewatering yield looks unsustainable. Avoid. 954p.

BP

Investors Chronicle

The energy giant’s purchase of BHP’S shale portfolio is hitting the balance sheet as oil prices dip. BP may be an “income stalwart” but looks unprepared for the transition from fossil fuels. Sell. 525p.

Breedon Group

The Times

This concrete, aggregates and asphalt supplier has been hit by shattered confidence in the construction sector. As the UK’S largest construction materials group, it’s exposed to the perils of government spending delays and cost pressures. Avoid. 69.5p.

Card Factory

Investors Chronicle

Revenues are up at the greetings card publisher thanks to a slew of new openings. But growth is slowing, debt has risen and it is exposed to decreasing high street footfall. Sell. 195p.

Equiniti Group

The Times

This shareholder services group and outsourcing business counts blue-chips and a “host of other listed companies” amongst customers who tend to stick. The US acquisition is going well, and it’s set for long-term growth. Hold. 227p.