Next

The Times

A difficult operating environment caused by the conflict in the Middle East could squeeze the retailer’s profit margins. But in the long term, the stock offers a favourable risk-reward opportunity. Next has a “solid” financial position and the flexibility to make acquisitions. International sales are increasing and earnings are set to rise 5% this year. Next is a “high-quality business” with a strong competitive position, and its shares are “fundamentally undervalued”. 13,560p

Canadian Pacific Kansas City

Barron’s

After years of disappointment, Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CP) shares are poised to rise. Synergies from mergers, a rebound in rail traffic, and a healthier industrial economy all bode well. As one of the Big Six railroads in North America, CP operates a network across Canada, the US Midwest, and Mexico. In the age of AI, railway firms such as CP are viewed as resilient “heavy-asset, low-obsolescence” businesses immune to technological disruption. The renegotiation of the US-Canada-Mexico trade pact is a risk, but analysts expect earnings-per-share (EPS) to grow 9% this year, driven by revenue growth and margin expansion. C$112

Venture Life Group

Investors’ Chronicle

Venture Life Group, a developer of self-care products, is becoming a pure-play consumer-healthcare platform focused on healthy-living brands. It has bought several labels, sold lower-margin operations and eliminated debts, creating a strong cash position. Sales rose 11.4% to £35.2m in 2025 thanks to higher sales volumes and revenue from power brands such as Balance Activ, Health & Her and Health & Him. Despite adjusted cash profit slipping to £6m amid to higher costs, there could be “chunky” earnings upgrades from new potential acquisitions. 66p

James Halstead

The Times

Britain’s top commercial flooring manufacturer is a family-run firm with a 50-year history of paying dividends outpacing inflation. It carries no debt and offers a 7% yield. The stock looks cheap following the reduction in inheritance-tax relief for Aim-listed shares. Despite flat revenues and profits over the past five years, the group has seen growth in central Europe and Scandinavia. The shares have priced in “much of the gloom”. Given the solid balance sheet, investors should be “happy to collect dividends until a recovery arrives”. 139p

Anpario

Investors’ Chronicle

Anpario, a maker of natural feed additives, raised its earnings guidance in January, a fourth upgrade in a year. Its strong performance is thanks to the full-year contribution from an acquisition and higher sales growth in Asia and the Americas. The Middle East war could hamper demand and supply chains, but trading this year has started well. The recent sell-off in the shares is a “buying opportunity”. 477p

Rocket Companies

Barron’s

The US mortgage firm has gained market share despite a backdrop of high interest rates and economic uncertainty. Its digital-first approach and AI automation saw it manage 5.5% of home-purchase loans last year, up from 3.8% in 2024. It plans to expand refinancing activity too by 2027. Full-year adjusted sales doubled to $2.4bn and earnings increased. Higher interest rates could pose a risk, but profit growth is expected to quicken. The recent dip in the stock is a buying opportunity. $15