Latest share tips: JD Wetherspoon, Spire Healthcare & more

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

JD Wetherspoon, Spire Healthcare and Frontier Developments are among the companies under the spotlight this week.

JD Wetherspoon – ADD

Symbol: JDW.L

Index: FTSE 250

The pub chain’s modest increase in like-for-like sales during the third quarter is being seen as a return to normal levels.

Douglas Jack, an analyst at Peel Hunt, pointed out that two sites have opened and 18 sold or surrendered to the landlord in the year to date.

“As JDW approaches its year-end, we expect margin upside to fully offset any weakness in like-for-like sales,” he said. 

Spire Healthcare – BUY

Symbol: SPI.L

Index: FTSE 250

The private healthcare provider’s shares have remained rangebound in recent years, despite delivering strong earnings growth.

One reason is the company is complicated to understand but that was addressed by a recent capital markets day, according to Seb Jantet, research analyst at Liberum.

“It won’t take much in the way of investor interest to drive the shares up to 300p,” he said.

Frontier Developments – BUY

Symbol: FDEV.L

Index: FTSE AIM All-Share

The British video game maker is understood to have enjoyed a continuation of good sales since its positive update in March.

Console Edition remains a key driver, although the wider portfolio should have benefitted, according to Katie Cousins, research analyst at Shore Capital.

“A combination of a favourable title mix and reduced operating costs is supporting the recovery in profitability and we now expect to see the group breakeven in full year 2025,” she said.

Grafton – BUY

Symbol: GFTU.L

Index: FTSE 250

The DIY retailer’s like-for-like sales fell 4.5% in the first 16 weeks of the year, with the macro backdrop and wet weather playing their part.

Although the share price has fallen around 6% in the last month, Sam Cullen, an analyst at Peel Hunt, is optimistic and has a ‘buy’ rating in place.

“Grafton remains a good business with attractive medium-term prospects,” he said.

Clarkson – BUY

Symbol: CKN.L

Index: FTSE 250

The shipping services provider is expected to benefit from rising seaborne trade, energy consumption and the green transition.

Alexander Paterson, an analyst at Peel Hunt, is very positive about the outlook and sees demand for its services continuing to rise.

“Clarkson is well capitalised, with its own cash resources of £175 million, which can be used to continue investing in growth and extending these advantages further,” he said.

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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