...and the rest

Shares

Shares in specialist sensor and testing equipment maker Spectris jumped 5% on the news it would sell a division and return the proceeds to investors via a share buyback. The stronger balance sheet leaves it well placed to invest in growth and R&D. Buy (2,951p). Strix is a world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of kettle safety controls. The market “has remained stubbornly against it” – in part due to lockdowns in China, where it sells most of its components – but there is “considerable scope” for shareprice gains. Buy (218p).

The Sunday Times

Appliance retailer Marks Electrical has seen its shares fall steadily since it listed in November. But its balance sheet is cushioned by nearly £4m net cash, and sales surged 44% to £80.5m for the year to March 2022. Buy (91p).

The Times

Electrical retailer Currys may see profits struggle as inflationary pressures and falling real incomes weigh on consumer spending. Avoid (94p). Banco Santander is expected to reveal first quarter earnings per share of €0.13, up from €0.09 cents a year ago. This is primarily due to its expansion in South America and its dependance on individual customers rather than corporations. Buy (€2.79). Premier Inn operator Whitbread can benefit from the return to normality. Dividends have resumed a year earlier than expected. Buy (2,901p). Car dealer Inchcape is set for continuing strong demand. It expects profits to rise at least 25% in 2022, so a forecast price/earnings ratio of 10.9 and a yield of 3.7% do not reflect its potential. Buy (706p).