…and some to hold, avoid or sell

Apple The Times

The latest “overpriced” iphones have been shunned in China. Apple has been touting its software unit (Apple Music, Apple Pay et al) in an attempt to “gloss over” deep cracks in the phone business. It doesn’t wash. Sell. $174.18.

Rank Group Investors Chronicle

The casino operator is launching a three-year programme to harness technology to boost revenues and cut costs. But four-fifths of revenue comes from physical venues, which are performing poorly. Sell. 168.8p.

The Sunday Telegraph

Shares in the pest control and hygiene services expert, with its admirable cash-generation record and attractive margins, have risen tenfold in a decade. But they now trade on a “whopping” multiple: take profits. Sell. 353.1p.

Severn Trent The Daily Telegraph

The water utility has successfully negotiated its latest regulatory review. A Corbyn government remains a risk, but analysts can now forecast cash flow and profits with more certainty. Yields 5.1%. Hold. £19.78.

Smith & Nephew The Times

The medical equipment maker, known for hip and knee replacements, is showing signs of operational improvements. Revenue growth is accelerating and it has the capacity for mergers and acquisitions. Hold. £15.45.

Talktalk Telecom Group Investors Chronicle

Shares in the telecoms group have fallen after it warned that profits would be £10m-£15m lower than forecast. The customer base is growing and churn rates are now low. But further downgrades are a concern. Sell. 99.7p.