Forget short-term pain! Why Diageo plc, Prudential plc and BBA Aviation plc should provide long-term gain

Royston Wild explains why Diageo plc (LON: DGE), Prudential plc (LON: PRU) and BBA Aviation plc (LON: BBA) could provide handsome returns in the years ahead.

| 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.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

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.

Today I’m looking at three Footsie-listed stars set to deliver stunning returns in the years ahead.

Foreign firecracker

Unsurprisingly, the impact of economic cooling in Asia is predicted to weigh on Prudential’s (LSE: PRU) bottom line in the near term.

The City expects Prudential to endure a 7% earnings slide in 2016, drawing to a close the firm’s proud record of generating chunky earnings growth year after year.

However, this figure still creates a very-attractive P/E ratio of 11.4 times. And I reckon this represents stunning value given Prudential’s exceptional long-term prospects, starting from next year when a 9% rebound is predicted.

Asia is undoubtedly the jewel in The Pru’s crown, with operating profit there chugging 17% higher in 2015, to £1.3bn. And business from these ‘new regions’ is expected to surge well into the future as rising wealth levels drive financial product demand.

With Prudential also making waves in the UK and US, I reckon the stock is in great shape to deliver pukka profits growth.

Set to fly

Economic sluggishness across the Pond is likely to weigh on corporate jet specialist BBA Aviation (LSE: BBA) in the near term.

Indeed, the number crunchers expect earnings at BBA Aviation — which supplies flight support such as refuelling and ground handling, as well as aftermarket services to repair engines — to dip 2% in 2016.

But an 18% recovery is predicted for 2017 as the fruits of an improving US economy boost business jet activity. On top of this, BBA Aviation’s acquisition of Landmark Aviation in late 2015 should also turbocharge earnings in the coming years, a move that has significantly bolstered the firm’s footprint in North America.

And I reckon a forward P/E rating of 14.5 times is a decent level at which to tap into the plane play’s attractive growth story.

Toast spectacular returns

Beverages giant Diageo (LSE: DGE) has seen its bottom line take a pasting in recent years as anti-extravagance measures in China — combined with adverse currency movements — have hampered revenues performance.

And a continuation of these problems is anticipated to result in further earnings woes in the current period, a 1% fall is pencilled-in for the period ending this month.

Still, I reckon Diageo remains a great pick for those seeking slick long-term returns. The company is doubling-down on marketing and product investment to get sales firing again, particularly in the white-hot ‘premium’ segment where volumes are surging across the globe.

With shrewd acquisition activity also bolstering the Johnnie Walker manufacturer’s presence in lucrative emerging markets, I reckon Diageo is in great shape to build on a predicted 8% earnings advance in 2017.

I reckon a P/E rating of 21.1 times — while hardly eye-popping on paper — is great value for a company of Diageo’s calibre.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Royston Wild has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended BBA Aviation. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Diageo. 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

The flag of the United States of America flying in front of the Capitol building
Investing Articles

3 top S&P 500 growth shares to consider buying for a Stocks and Shares ISA in 2025

Edward Sheldon has picked out three S&P 500 stocks that he believes will provide attractive returns for investors in the…

Read more »

Growth Shares

Can the red hot Scottish Mortgage share price smash the FTSE 100 again in 2025?

The Scottish Mortgage share price moved substantially higher in 2024. Edward Sheldon expects further gains next year and in the…

Read more »

Inflation in newspapers
Investing Articles

2 inflation-resistant growth stocks to consider buying in 2025

Rising prices are back on the macroeconomic radar, meaning growth prospects are even more important for investors looking for stocks…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Why I’ll be avoiding BT shares like the plague in 2025

BT shares are currently around 23% below the average analyst price target for the stock. But Stephen Wright doesn’t see…

Read more »

Warren Buffett at a Berkshire Hathaway AGM
Investing Articles

5 Warren Buffett investing moves I’ll make in 2025

I’m planning to channel Warren Buffett in 2025. I won’t necessarily buy the same stocks as him, but I’ll track…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s why 2025 could be make-or-break for this FTSE 100 stock

Diageo is renowned for having some of the strongest brands of any FTSE 100 company. But Stephen Wright thinks it’s…

Read more »

Investing Articles

1 massive Stocks and Shares ISA mistake to avoid in 2025!

Harvey Jones kept making the same investment mistake in 2024. Now he aims to put it right when buying companies…

Read more »

Value Shares

Can Lloyds shares double investors’ money in 2025?

Lloyds shares look dirt cheap today. But are they cheap enough to be able to double in price in 2025?…

Read more »