Are These The 5 Best Stocks In The FTSE 250?

Should you buy John Wood Group PLC (LON:WG), Laird PLC (LON:LRD), Redrow plc (LON:RDW), Tate & Lyle PLC (LON:TATE) and RPC Group plc (LON:RPC)?

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Wood Group

While Wood Group’s (LSE: WG) share price has fallen by 16% during the course of the last year, the company’s bottom line continues to outperform most of its sector peers. For example, while a lower oil price has caused many oil stocks to post severe declines in profitability, Wood Group is all set to report an increase in its bottom line for 2014 of 21%.

And, while 2015’s forecast decline of 2% is somewhat disappointing, it would still represent a relatively good performance. Furthermore, with Wood Group trading on a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of just 9.1, it seems to be extremely cheap and, although its bottom line may be somewhat volatile moving forward, it seems to be a great buy at the present time.

Laird

Although ARM dominates the UK tech scene, sector peer Laird (LSE: LRD) seems to have a very bright future ahead of it. For example, it is forecast to increase its bottom line by 16% in the current year, followed by growth of 11% next year. This, when combined with a P/E ratio of 16.5, equates to a price to earnings growth (PEG) ratio of just 0.9, which indicates that Laird offers growth at a reasonable price.

And, unlike many of its sector peers, Laird has a top notch yield, too. It currently yields 4%, which makes it highly appealing for income investors as well as for growth investors, too.

Redrow

With there being a consensus among the major political parties regarding house building, now could be a good time to buy house builders such as Redrow (LSE: RDW). Certainly, more houses are required than are currently being built, and this is helping Redrow to increase its bottom line by a forecast 23% next year, and a further 20% in the year after that.

Despite this excellent growth rate, Redrow trades on a P/E ratio of just 9.8. This seems to be unjustifiably cheap when the company’s growth prospects are taken into account and, as such, it could be a top performer moving forward.

Tate & Lyle

While shares in Tate & Lyle (LSE: TATE) have disappointed in the last year, being down 13%, the future could be much brighter for the sugar producer. That’s because it is forecast to make a comeback from a challenging 2015 financial year (when it is forecast to have posted a decline in earnings of 31%) by increasing its bottom line by 18% next year.

And, while Tate & Lyle trades on a relatively high P/E ratio of 17, this strong growth rate means that it has an appealing PEG of 0.9. Furthermore, with a yield of 4.3%, its total return could be somewhat impressive moving forward.

RPC

Packaging company RPC (LSE: RPC) has increased its bottom line in four of the last five years, with it averaging growth of 26% per annum. While this rate of growth is not forecast to continue over the next couple of years, RPC offers relative reliability when it comes to earnings growth and this could appeal to investors during an uncertain period.

In addition, RPC also seems to offer growth at a very reasonable price, with it having a PEG ratio of just 1. And, with RPC having a well-covered yield of 2.9% that is forecast to grow to as much as 3.5% next year, it could prove to be a winning investment over the medium term.

Peter Stephens owns shares of Laird and Tate & Lyle. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Laird and RPC Group. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Calendar showing the date of 5th April on desk in a house
Investing Articles

Just 1 year’s Stocks and Shares ISA allowance could generate a £1,900 annual passive income. Here’s how!

Fretting about the upcoming Stocks and Shares ISA contribution deadline? Our writer has an upbeat approach, focusing on ongoing passive…

Read more »

Passive and Active: text from letters of the wooden alphabet on a green chalk board
Investing Articles

As global markets dip, British passive income stocks offer higher yields at cheaper prices

Mark Hartley takes a look at some higher-yielding FTSE stocks that have taken a hard hit in the past month.…

Read more »

Mindful young woman breathing out with closed eyes, calming down in stressful situation, working on computer in modern kitchen.
Investing Articles

2 ‘overpriced’ FTSE 100 shares I’ve got my eye on if the stock market crashes

Never one to miss an opportunity, our writer is putting cash aside to buy quality FTSE 100 stocks in the…

Read more »

Young mixed-race woman looking out of the window with a look of consternation on her face
Investing Articles

With stock market risks emerging, is now the time to consider the 60/40 portfolio?

The stock market could be in for a period of turbulence. Here’s a simple strategy that can help long-term investors…

Read more »

Bus waiting in front of the London Stock Exchange on a sunny day.
Investing Articles

Is a stock market crash coming? It’s not too late to get ready!

Christopher Ruane sees reasons to fear a coming stock market crash. Rather than tying to time it, he's hoping to…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Down 4% in 2026, is now the time to consider buying Nvidia shares

Has Nvidia become too big to keep growing? Or is the stock’s decline this year a chance to think about…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is the party finally over for Rolls-Royce shares?

Rolls-Royce shares have made investors rich but momentum is slowing and the Iran conflict isn't helping. How worried should we…

Read more »

Asian man looking concerned while studying paperwork at his desk in an office
Investing Articles

7.8% dividend yield! A dirt-cheap UK income share to buy today?

I’m on the hunt for lucrative passive income opportunities, and this under-the-radar FTSE stock currently offers a whopping 7.8% dividend…

Read more »