Sell shares of PZ Cussons, Danny Fortson recommended in the Sunday Times. The maker of Imperial Leather soap has been hit by economic problems in Nigeria, its biggest market, and pressure applied to suppliers by the UK supermarkets. Cussons' Chief Executive Alex Kanellis will struggle to meet forecasts for this year, the Inside the City columnist said. Cheaper oil will mean more money in most of the world's consumers' pockets but Cussons will face further problems in Nigeria, which is also grappling with an insurgency. Cussons has steered itself admirably but more pain is in store.Steer clear of PZ Cussons shares, Questor said in the Sunday Telegraph. It is a quality company for the long-term and its consumer products provide steady revenue but the shares look far too expensive, trading as they do on 19 times forecast earnings. As well as its problems in Nigeria, Cussons faces supermarket price wars and price deflation in Europe. With the founding family still holding 35% of the shares there is also a lack of liquidity. Questor said the shares should be avoided two years ago and has reiterated that stance now.Buy shares of Finsbury Food Group, Midas advised in the Mail on Sunday. The cakemaker struggled after the financial crisis but it has strengthened its balance sheet and doubled in size by buying breadmaker Fletchers. The deal expands Finsbury's range and takes it into new markets, bringing a relationship with Marks & Spencer. It also has a growing place in the eating out-market. The plan is to bed down the Fletchers acquisition while keeping an eye out for other acquisitions. Finsbury should also benefit from falling costs for raw materials. The company is on a growth path and has a progressive dividend policy.
Marks & Spencer (MKS)
Pz Cussons (PZC)