Latest share tips: Next, Reach & more

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

Next, Reach and Science Group are among the companies under the spotlight this week.

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1. Next – BUY

Symbol: NXT.L

Index: FTSE 100

The retailer has enjoyed a 10% increase in full-year 2025 pre-tax profit to £1 billion, with strong performances from both international and online.

Customer numbers also increased in the UK, highlighting ongoing opportunities, according to John Stevenson, an analyst at Peel Hunt.

“Next remains a key long-term sector holding for us,” he said. “We maintain our target price of 11,000p and ‘buy’ recommendation.”

2. Reach – BUY

Symbol: RCH.L

Index: FTSE All-Share

The publishing group announced that Jim Mullen, who has been chief executive for six years, is stepping down from his role by mutual agreement.

He is being replaced immediately by Piers North, who is currently the company’s chief revenue officer, according to Johnathan Barrett, an analyst at Panmure Liberum.

“Piers has been instrumental in developing and delivering the customer value strategy and helping build out the productive eCommerce proposition and put in place the Mantis platform,” he said.

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3. Pets at Home – BUY

Symbol: PETS.L

Index: FTSE 250

The vet side of the business has delivered strong like-for-like growth but the retail arm is expected to suffer from difficult trading conditions.

Management thinks low consumer confidence will continue for some time, according to Jonathan Pritchard, an analyst at Peel Hunt.

“The shares may not perform well today, but we believe there is vast underlying value, particularly in the vets business, which alone accounts for most of the market cap,” he said.

4. Science Group – BUY

Symbol: SAG.L

Index: FTSE AIM 100 Index

The consultancy’s full-year 2024 results were slightly ahead of expectations, with revenue of £110.7 million and adjusted operating profit of £21.5 million.

The company continues to be well-managed, with class-leading margins in a tough market, according to Andrew Ripper, an analyst at Panmure Liberum.

“The main interest now rests on Science Group’s more ambitious investment in Ricardo, on which it has a variety of options,” he said.

5. Rentokil Initial – HOLD

Symbol: RTO.L

Index: FTSE 100

The pest control specialist, which is expecting a slow start to the year, has announced strategic shifts that include a revised branch strategy and a door-to-door pilot.

Actions to reinvigorate sales growth are ongoing, according to Christopher Bamberry, an analyst at Peel Hunt.

“We believe the near-term risks are compensated by the substantial derating and longer-term opportunities,” he said.

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