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Rising up into the ex dividend date get end cop Weds 16th...reckon we'll be back at 3 in the next couple of months...
I sold this waaay back at 8 odd and moaned like a stuck pig when it went to 11....how times have changed...was going to move my profits into 4d pharma which has also been spanked...but looks now tempting...hmmm
One of the best counter-cyclical stocks to buy?
Unfortunately the cost of living and operating a business in Britain is rocketing. It’s a scenario that threatens to send the number of corporate insolvencies through the roof. So I expect demand for financial services business Begbies Traynor Group (LSE: BEG) to remain strong.
The Federation of Small Businesses (or FSB) commented last month that “thousands of small businesses are on a knife-edge” following a tough Christmas period. It looks like things could continue to get worse before they get better, too, as energy prices increase and interest rates rise. As the FSB notes, Bank of England action this week “will heap pressure on many indebted businesses”.
This is particularly concerning as corporate insolvency rates are already ballooning. Government data shows that there were 1,486 such insolvencies in December, up 20% year-on-year and 33% higher from levels recorded in December 2019.
It’s no surprise that City analysts think Begbies Traynor — which provides insolvency services and other support to distressed firms — will remain busy. They’re expecting earnings to rise 28% and 10% in the financial years to April 2022 and 2023 respectively. Stronger-than-expected economic improvement could hit these profit forecasts and dent my returns as a potential investor.
I think it’s a great stock to buy for my portfolio, but not just for the near term. Its acquisitions have delivered strong profits growth for the past half a decade, and the company remains committed to expansion through M&A activity.
Always thought Amazon might snap them up to have a physical presence and knock out a small competitor...who knows??
Currys, previously Dixons Carphone, has been quite the shapeshifter throughout the pandemic. The group’s in a tough spot as e-commerce behemoths like Amazon encroach on its territory selling appliances and electronics. But it’s managed to hold its own against the onslaught after sharpening its value proposition over the course of the pandemic.
Currys’ defining feature is its knowledgeable staff, on-hand to help customers make decisions that will work for their needs. This is something online only retailers don’t tend to offer, and big-box discounters lack. It puts Currys in a unique position, but one that was all-but lost during lockdowns.
The group moved the service aspect of its business online, offering its instore experience to customers through a screen. Plus, the group’s closed its Carphone Warehouse locations to bring all of its products together under one roof. This should increase cross-selling opportunities, while also lowering the overall cost base.
It’s an exciting way to merge online and in-store, and it also means Currys is prepared if we’re heading for any more restrictions.
On paper, Currys looks well prepared to emerge victorious in the new retail landscape, but there are a few niggles. Top of the list for us is operating margins – which are thin at just 2%. Online sales are less profitable than those in-store. So, if we’re on track for a shift toward majority e-commerce, Currys will have to find a way to boost profitability.
Inflation also presents a problem. Consumers are likely to be more conscious about what they’re spending. And with the rapid rise in prices, they might put off the big-ticket purchases Currys specialises in.
So far, the group’s strategy is paying dividends. At the half-year, it was sitting on £250m in net cash, an enviable position in the retail space. This means the group’s been able to restart dividend payments, though this is variable and not guaranteed.
Currys is a unique player in the retail space. If the group continues to build out its online platform in a way that supports profits, we see the business continuing to thrive.
I reckon theres many good buying opportunities in this Non santa rally....Ezy represents excellent long term value at 450 imo...this spring/summer covid will be vaporised and everyone will be flying....until winter.....
But BEG is my additional choice as its gonna be a bumpy year...plus 5g stocks
Next pandemic could be MORE LETHAL than Covid warns vaccine inventor Dame Sarah Gilbert - as Britain's Omicron wave grows by more than 50% in a day and overall Covid cases rise by 16% in week to 43,992
Reckon I'll get my 425 this week...I predict a lockdown in January will occur...but this time the economy could be really walloped as no more furlough and how many of these booster injections are we going to have to endure??
Interesting...bought Nokia at 3 shortly after the profits warning...sold after the gamestop fiasco then bought again...holding long term...no dividend but UP and EPS is increasing..just wait for 4thQ results in FEB!...but Vodafone...you wont get much better yield and capital appreciation...
Its certainly a monthly traders share and good to be back on board at a smidge over 110@£40k..fingers crossed and not burnt!
this will be above 120 pre divi....6 months time 145...without a shadow of doubt...unless its taken over/merged in which case back up nearer £2...telecoms companies will continue to consolidate...
My tips..VOD, Nokia, Spirent...
£6 is what this is worth
Increasing infections and moving into winter..proper
More shares in circulation
Debt spiralling
Fuel costs...spiralling....hedged?
NO DIVIDEND
Passenger numbers dwindling...Bookings sre one thing but actual ar$es on seats and slots being filled another deal..ski season will tell
Just cant convince myself to buy...will continue to watch the mayhem but +- 15% from 6 for next 2 3 months is...tradeable..
Been a LONG time since I was an investor here...but back in at 109.95 with 49ks...this joins my other currently profitable investments in Spirent, Nokia and even BT...which seems to be staggering out of the crypt......just wish this zombie would pay a dividend but it will...