2 ‘expensive’ FTSE 250 stocks I’d buy with £2,000 today

These two FTSE 250 (INDEXFTSE: MCX) shares could deliver capital growth despite their generous valuations.

| 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.

With the FTSE 250 having risen by 7.2% per annum in the last five years, it’s unsurprising that some of its constituents now have high valuations. After all, investor sentiment is presently relatively bullish, with a number of shares pricing in improving financial outlooks.

While this can mean that the margins of safety on offer are more limited than they once were, it doesn’t necessarily suggest that now’s the time to sell. With many stocks offering impressive earnings growth outlooks, buying opportunities may still be on offer. Here are two such opportunities that could be worth a closer look right now.

Impressive performance

Reporting on Wednesday was operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, SSP (LSE: SSPG). Its performance in the first half of the financial year was impressive, with underlying operating profit rising 32.6% at constant currency.

This was boosted by revenue growth of 11.9%, with like-for-like (LFL) sales increasing 2.8%. This was driven by air passenger travel, as well as retail initiatives. The company also benefitted from significant new contract openings and further operational improvements. It has continued to grow its international presence, with its new business in India performing well alongside its growing operations in North America and Asia.

With SSP having a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 32, it may seem to be fully valued at the present time following share price growth of 173% in the last five years. However, with its bottom line expected to rise by 14% this year and by a further 10% next year, it seems to offer a relatively strong financial outlook. Given the bullish outlook for the world economy at present, its shares could continue to move higher over the medium term.

Improving performance

Also offering capital growth potential despite its high rating is Sports Direct (LSE: SPD). The company has experienced a challenging period, with its bottom line falling in each of the last two years after a period of high growth. However in the current year, it’s expected to return to positive growth, with its bottom line forecast to rise by 21%.

With the outlook for UK consumers improving, the company could enjoy a stronger period of operational and financial performance. Inflation has now fallen below wage growth for the first time in over a year and this could help to strengthen confidence among consumers.

With Sports Direct having a P/E ratio of around 21, it may seem to be overvalued at a time when many of its retail sector peers have significantly lower ratings. However, with the company having a strong position and an improving outlook, it would be unsurprising for its share price to rise after its 37% gain of the last year. As such, now could be the right time to buy it for the long term.

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.

Peter Stephens has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of SSP Group. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

How I’d use an empty Stocks and Shares ISA to aim for a £1,000 monthly passive income

Here's how using a Stocks and Shares ISA really could help those of us who plan to invest for an…

Read more »

Investing Articles

This FTSE stock is up 20% and set for its best day ever! Time to buy?

This Fool takes a look at the half-year results from Burberry (LON:BRBY) to see if the struggling FTSE stock might…

Read more »

Investing Articles

This latest FTSE 100 dip could be an unmissable opportunity to pick up cut-price stocks

The FTSE 100 has pulled back with the government’s policy choices creating some negative sentiment. But this gives us a…

Read more »

A young woman sitting on a couch looking at a book in a quiet library space.
Investing Articles

As the WH Smith share price falls 4% on annual results, is it still worth considering?

WH Smith took a hit after this morning’s results left shareholders unimpressed. With the share price down 4%, Mark Hartley…

Read more »

Investing Articles

The Aviva share price just jumped 4.5% but still yields 7.02%! Time to buy?

A positive set of results has put fresh life into the Aviva share price. Harvey Jones says it offers bags…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Can a €500m buyback kickstart the Vodafone share price?

The Vodafone share price has been a loser for investors in recent years, and the dividend has been cut. We…

Read more »

Frustrated young white male looking disconsolate while sat on his sofa holding a beer
Growth Shares

3 mistakes I now avoid when choosing which growth stocks to buy

Jon Smith runs through some of the lessons he's learnt the hard way over the years about what to look…

Read more »

Warren Buffett at a Berkshire Hathaway AGM
Investing Articles

Should I follow Warren Buffett and sell my favourite shares?

Billionaire US investor Warren Buffett has been selling tons of Apple shares and other stocks of businesses he thinks are…

Read more »