Stocks Retreat

Headlines this week say Stocks resume retreat as crude prices surge and all stock picks this week are 80% BUY, 9% HOLD and 11% SELL.

1. OVERWEIGHT Wizz Air

Top performing stock picks this week is equal first OVERWEIGHT Wizz Air Holdings by Barclays and OVERWEIGHT Wizz Air Holdings by Bernstein with a tip performance of 10%.

Wizz Air Holdings is a Hungarian ultra-low-cost airline group specialising in affordable, point-to-point, short- and medium-haul flights across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

WizzAir share price launched at 1,310p in 2015, rose to an all-time high of 5,500p in 2021 and is today at 940p.

On 4th March the company issued a profit warning in this RNS stating lower than expected profits in 2026 due to the war in Iran pushing oil prices higher. The expected loss is €50 million causing a loss of around €25 million. By 9th March shares were at the all-time low price of 902p.

In Stockomendation UBS says BUY; Barclays and Bernstein have OVERWEIGHT and ODDO BHF has UNDERPERFORM. UK fund manager short sellers have plunged into action with 14 active positions see those here.

2. AVOID Strix

Second top performing stock pick this week is AVOID Strix Group by Steve Moore in ShareProphets with a tip performance of 6%.

Strix is a global leader in the innovation, design, manufacture and supply of kettle safety controls, heating and temperature controls, steam management and water filtration technologies. It is estimated that Strix controls are used approximately 1.2 billion times per day, in more than 100 countries, by over 10% of the world’s population. The original company Castletown Thermostats was founded in 1951 and Strix is still based in Isle of Man.

Strix share price launched at 134p in 2017, rose to an all-time high of 382p in 2021 and is today at 38p.

On 9th March the company issued a six months Trading Update in this RNS, reporting challenging market conditions including rising commodity prices and earlier macroeconomic pressures. However, Strix said the company has strengthened its financial position following the sale of its Billi division which restored a healthy cash balance and reduced reliance on debt. The business has been focused on streamlining operations, including restructuring production at its Chinese facility and reducing inventory levels, while also beginning a programme to optimise costs and repurchase shares. Strix noted improving signs of recovery in its Controls division, with order books showing stronger momentum than in the previous year, and it is implementing product price increases in response to commodity costs. Overall, the company conveyed cautious optimism as trading conditions begin to stabilise and performance indicators show early signs of improvement.

However, in his article Steve Moore highlights the falling market cap and unfulfilled transformation initiatives.

In Stockomendation Berenberg and Stifel say BUY whilst Steve Moore is AVOID. There are no active fund manager short positions.

3. BUY Nichols

Third top performing stock pick is BUY Nichols by Berenberg with a tip performance of 6%.

Nichols is a British soft drinks manufacturer best known for its Vimto brand. Founded in 1908, it is listed on AIM under the ticker NICL. Nichols produces and distributes squash, carbonates, and still drinks, including licensed brands like Levi Roots, Sunkist, and SLUSH PUPPiE, operating in the UK, Middle East, and Africa.

Nichols share price launched at 217p in 1993, rose to an all-time high of 1,918p in 2017 and is today at 946p.

On 11th March the company released its Preliminary report stating self-generated progress through restructuring, product mix changes, and operational discipline rather than through strong underlying category or market growth. The financial picture is healthier due to these internal actions, but neither revenue performance nor segment dynamics suggest broad based demand acceleration. This is a year characterised by controlled optimisation, margin engineering, and strategic pruning, rather than breakout commercial expansion.

In Stockomendation three analysts: Berenberg says BUY; Deutsche Bank and Peel Hunt with HOLD. There are no active short positions open.

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Disclaimer: The contents of this article should not be considered financial advice. Pricing data correct as at 12th March 2026.