…and some to hold, avoid or sell
Contour Global
The Daily Telegraph
Contour Global owns and operates power-generation assets in thermal and renewable energy sectors across Europe. Maintaining its commitment to a 10% rise in the annual payment: yields more than 6%. Hold. 193.8p.
Ocado
The Daily Telegraph
A “vaccine victim” – shares fell 11% on worries of a slowdown in the online boom upon a return to supermarkets. But Ocado’s technology for operating automated warehouses has “huge scope” to grow. Hold. £21.64.
J. Sainsbury
Investors Chronicle
Surging grocery sales in the pandemic were tempered by collapsing fuel sales, and profits wiped out by impairment charges and restructuring costs. Price wars and discretionary retail exposure are worrying. Sell. 203p.
Smith & Nephew
The Times
Shares in the medical equipment-maker rebounded after the first lockdowns, but fell in the second wave as procedures were suspended. Yet it is developing new products, and earnings will recover. Hold. £15.50.
Trainline
The Daily Telegraph
Shares in the online ticket retailer soared on news of a vaccine. Flexible travel requirements (instead of five-day-a-week commuting) could benefit Trainline, and leisure travel should recover also. Hold. 400p.
Wizz Air
Investors Chronicle
The budget airline is increasing its fleet after capacity returned to 70% of the 2019 rate in late summer. But capacity will contract again in fresh lockdowns, and negative conditions may extend beyond 2021. Sell. £36.20.