B&M European Value (LSE: BME) and Pets At Home Group (LSE: PETS) are examples of UK shares that have struggled for different reasons recently.
If I had the cash to invest today, I’d buy some shares now ahead of any potential recovery. Here’s why.
Discount retailer
I reckon B&M has become a victim of its own success. The shares dipped a couple of months ago due to what markets deemed a less-than-stellar trading update. There were no profit warnings, or a slump in sales, just flat operating cash flow and adjusted earnings per share.
The shares are down 18% from 551p on 3 June, to current levels of 449p. Over a 12-month period, they’re down 13% from 520p, to current levels.
This drop is good news, as it offers a better entry point, in my eyes. The shares now trade on a price-to-earnings ratio of just 12. This looks good value for money for a business with a remarkable growth story and solid track record, as well as exciting future prospects.
Plus, a dividend yield of over 7% – albeit pushed up by a falling share price – is attractive, and backed up by a healthy balance sheet. However, I do understand that dividends are never guaranteed.
Looking to the future, B&M’s aggressive growth has propelled it into the FTSE 100. This includes a recent move to snap up now defunct Wilko sites to expand its footprint.
Conversely, the recent cost-of-living crisis has shone a spotlight on consumers’ need to abandon branded labels, for cheaper non-branded products. Supermarket disruptors such as Aldi and Lidl, have capitalised. If this trend continues, B&M could see earnings and returns dented.
Caring for our furry friends
When the pandemic struck, there was a huge spike in spending on our beloved pets, boosting Pets At Home shares. As normality resumed, the shares, and performance of the business dwindled.
Over a 12-month period, the shares are down 17% from 364p at this time last year, to current levels of 299p. The shares hit highs of 518p in September 2021, but have dropped 42% from that point to current levels.
It’s hard to ignore Pets’ previous track record, as well as dominant market position. The firm was performing well prior to the pandemic too, so this wasn’t a flash in the pan. Plus, it looks to be investing in the right channels to turn around its fortunes, including a re-brand, which is pleasing to see.
Add to this the fact that according to Statista, pet ownership levels are the highest they’ve ever been in the UK, Pets At Home Group could recover nicely once economic turbulence subsides. At present, the shares still offer a dividend yield of 4.3%, which could make up for a lack of capital growth immediately.
From a bearish view, the amount of money spent during the pandemic led to a spike in pet care firms popping up. This increased competition could hurt earnings and returns.
Plus, Pets has to think about the added expense of its retail outlets. This could harm its bottom line, and the speed of any recovery. Many of the new kids on the block are online only, capitalising on the e-commerce boom.
