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Alpha: Phil Oakley's weekly shares round-up

This week Phil goes under the bonnet of Bioventix (BVXP), Vertu Motors (VTU), Hollywood Bowl (BOWL), Greggs (GRG) and Marston's (MARS).
October 12, 2018

This week I ask whether all potential good news is priced in for Bioventix (BVXP) and examine the outlook for Vertu Motors (VTU). I also explain why I like the business models at Hollywood Bowl (BOWL) and Greggs (GRG) and assess Marston’s (MARS) ability to manage its debts. 

Bioventix is a good business (that manufactures sheep antibodies used in blood testing) but future earnings growth looks well priced in.  Any surprise to the upside rests on the success of major client Siemens' new heart disease tests. Vertu Motors is doing reasonably well in a tough market, and taking market share, but it faces challenges in growing profits.

Hollywood Bowl is a company I like. It has a simple and effective business model and generates good cash returns on the money it invests. Food retailer Greggs is another well-run business. It's stock market valuation has come down in recent weeks and with scope for sales and profits to move higher, it is worth keeping an eye on. 

I'm not so keen on Marston's. The company has a significant debt pile, with burdensome interest payments.  
 

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