Latest share tips: Howden Joinery, WH Smith & more

Here's your roundup of the latest share tips. See which companies the experts are buying, selling or holding this week.

Howden Joinery, WH Smith and Hargreaves Lansdown are among the companies under the spotlight this week.

Howden Joinery – ADD

Symbol: HWDN.L

Index: FTSE 100

The specialist kitchen supplier’s like-for-like sales are marginally up as market conditions remain subdued.

However, Clyde Lewis, an analyst at Peel Hunt, still considers it a core longer-term holding and has a 900p target price.

“Howden Joinery’s position as a winner in the UK kitchen market is not in doubt,” he said. “We continue to see it growing its share further over the medium term.”

Pearson – BUY

Symbol: PSON.L

Index: FTSE 100

The global learning company has just published a trading update that echoed the positive tone of last month’s full-year results.

The first quarter saw underlying revenue growth of 3% year-over-year, according to Roddy Davidson, an analyst at Shore Capital.

“Forward-looking comments indicate that the year is unfolding as anticipated, and that management continues to expect an acceleration of growth during the second half,” he said.

WH Smith – ADD

Symbol: SMWH.L

Index: FTSE 250

The retailer delivered a solid set of interim results but new stores have been taking a bit longer than expected to open.

Jonathan Pritchard, an analyst at Peel Hunt, believes there’s plenty to like in the business but the problem is no obvious short-term catalyst.

“We believe the shares are of interest but need a turn in momentum,” he said. “We reiterate our ‘Add’ rating and 1,500p target price.”

Young & Co – BUY

Symbol: YNGA.L

Index: FTSE AIM UK 50 Index

Young’s is looking particularly strong following the recent completion of its acquisition of the City Pub Group.

Anna Barnfather, an analyst at Liberum, believes the deal brings “future synergies and scale” to an already attractive investment case.

“Potential upside remains as margins harmonise and debt reduces more rapidly,” she said. “Our target price moves to 1,450p from 1,570p.”

Hargreaves Lansdown – BUY

Symbol: HRGV.L

Index: FTSE 100

Positive market movements helped push assets under management up 5% to £149.7 billion over the first three months of the year.

Net inflows also improved to £1.6 billion, with platform flows recovering after a few periods of weakness, according to Stuart Duncan, an analyst at Peel Hunt. 

“We do not believe the longer-term prospects are being reflected in the share price,” he said. “We reiterate our ‘buy’ recommendation and 1,200p target price.”

The information included in this article does not constitute regulated financial advice. You should seek independent, professional financial advice before making any investment decision.

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