Have £2k to invest? Here are 2 FTSE 100 stocks I’d buy in an ISA today

I think these two FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE:UKX) shares could offer long-term return potential.

| 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 100 facing an uncertain future, many investors may feel now isn’t the right time to buy shares. After all, the index has experienced a decade-long bull market which will inevitably come to an end at some point.

However, the valuations of many of the index’s members suggest there are wide margins of safety on offer. There may also be growth opportunities that long-term investors can capitalise upon.

With that in mind, here are two FTSE 100 shares that could be worth buying in a Stocks and Shares ISA today.

IHG

Tougher trading conditions in key markets such as the US and China negatively impacted on InterContinental Hotels (LSE: IHG) in its most recent quarterly performance. They could continue in the near term, and may mean its profit growth is somewhat subdued.

However, in the long run, the company appears to have a solid growth outlook. It recently launched its new premium brand Atwell Suites. It could provide the company with additional growth through appealing to a new customer demographic. IHG has also improved its loyalty offer through new partnerships. This could widen its economic moat and lead to improving financial performance.

The company’s valuation continues to be relatively high. For example, it trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 22. However, it has recorded four consecutive years of double-digit earnings growth that suggests it has a sound business model and successful strategy. Alongside the continued improvements it’s making to its operations, this may mean the recent slowdown in its financial progress is a buying opportunity for long-term investors.

Centrica

The share price of Centrica (LSE: CNA) has gained a boost recently following the general election result. There was a chance it and other utility companies could have been nationalised under a Labour government. With that threat removed, the company’s shares have made recent gains.

However, they continue to trade significantly below their peak. This has largely been due to poor performances from various parts of the business that continued into its most recent quarterly update.

Despite this, the company is on track to meet its previous financial guidance for the full year. It’s making progress on cost savings and in customer account numbers, while there has been a recovery in business energy supply margins in North America.

Clearly, Centrica is experiencing a difficult period and investor sentiment is weak. Its P/E ratio of 12.7 reflects the uncertain future that may be ahead. However, after many years of disappointment, the stock could now offer turnaround potential.

It may be a relatively risky investment opportunity compared to some of its FTSE 100 index peers. But equally, it could prove to be highly rewarding if it’s able to make further progress with its strategy.

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 owns shares in Centrica. 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

Here’s how I’d target £10k passive income a year by investing just £100 a week

Think we need to be rich to retire on a solid passive income stream that we don't have to work…

Read more »

artificial intelligence investing algorithms
Investing Articles

My favourite income stock is suddenly 20% cheaper and yields 7.26%! Time to buy more?

Harvey Jones has just seen the gains on his favourite FTSE 100 income stock largely wiped out as the shares…

Read more »

Young Caucasian girl showing and pointing up with fingers number three against yellow background
Investing Articles

3 stock market mistakes I’d avoid

Our writer explores a trio of things that can trip up investors who are new to the stock market. Each…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Just released: our top 3 small-cap stocks to consider buying in October [PREMIUM PICKS]

Small-cap shares tend to be more volatile than larger companies, so we suggest investors should look to build up a…

Read more »

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 »