…and some to hold, avoid or sell

Berkeley Energia

The Sunday Times

The uranium explorer’s hopes of mining in Spain have been dashed thanks to anti-nuclear politics. Prices are weak and, as yet, there’s still no decision on whether the necessary licences will be granted. Sell. 15.75p.

Centrica

The Mail on Sunday

The British Gas-owner has suffered sliding sales, tumbling profits and a dividend slashed to 5p – a major decline for one of the FTSE 100 stalwarts. Shares are at their lowest point since 1997, CEO Iain Conn is leaving and prospects are unclear. Sell. 73.38p.

Lookers

Investors Chronicle

The struggling car retailer has been hit by low consumer confidence, cost inflation and the threat of new emission laws. An FCA probe doesn’t help, and a no-deal Brexit would exacerbate its problems. Sell. 45.35p.

Next

The Daily Telegraph

The retailer has revised profit forecasts upwards as sales in own-brand merchandise rise. Stock management is improving, and online growth of 12% has offset the 4.2% decline in sales from shops. Hold. £60.54.

Sage Group

The Times

The accountancy and payroll software group is focusing on migrating its customers to the cloud and moving to a more lucrative subscription model. Shares have fallen, but the strategy is “clearly working”. Hold. 736.5p.

Sports Direct International

The Daily Telegraph

The sportswear retailer is “in chaos”: a series of acquisitions have cost a fortune and proved a “damaging distraction”. House of Fraser has “terminal” problems, and the core business has “lost its way”. Sell. 214.4p.