My top 3 FTSE 250 growth shares for 2020

These FTSE 250 growth shares look set to take off in 2020 writes Rupert Hargreaves.

| 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.

As one of the UK’s top up-and-coming wealth managers, Brewin Dolphin Holdings (LSE: BRW) has a tremendous opportunity in front of it.

The demand for wealth management services across the UK, and indeed around the rest of the world, is only growing as investors and savers wake up to the value wealth managers can add to any investment strategy.

Growth ahead

According to research from PWC, the industry’s penetration rate (managed assets, as a proportion of total assets) will expand from 39.6% in 2016 to 42.1% by 2025.

With this being the case, if Brewin can keep doing what it has been doing for the past five years, I think the stock offers the potential for substantial capital gains in the years ahead.

Over the past five years, Brewin’s net profit has grown at a compound annual rate of 50%, and City analysts expect the company to report earnings growth of 29% in its current financial year and an increase of 10% for 2020.

That puts the stock on a forward P/E of 15, in line with the asset management industry sector average. In addition to the company’s growth potential, shares in the wealth manager currently support a highly attractive dividend yield of 4.7%. Put simply, there’s a lot to like about this investment.

Booming market

I’m also optimistic on the outlook for Wizz Air (LSE: WIZZ). Wizz is one of London’s most successful companies. Net profit has grown at an average of 27% per annum for the past six years and the stock has more than doubled investors’ money over the previous three. 

As the market for low-cost air travel continues to boom, Wizz has the backdrop it needs to maintain its explosive growth rate. To capitalise on customers insatiable demand for cheap air travel, Wizz is planning to nearly triple the size of its fleet and go intercontinental by 2028. The firm has 270 planes on order at the moment with more in the pipeline.

City analysts are expecting Wizz to report earnings growth of 19% this year, followed by an increase of 24% in 2021 as new planes arrive and the company opens up new routes.

A forward P/E of just 13.3 seems to undervalue the company, considering management’s long-term growth plans.

Property growth

Another company that has an excellent growth track record is student accommodation manager Unite (LSE: UTG).

Unite has managed to make the slow and steady business of managing student accommodation exciting. Over the past six years, earnings per share have grown at a compound annual rate of 15%, and book value per share has increased at 17% as Unite has reinvested rental profits back into operations to fund the development of new buildings. Over the same time frame, the company’s dividend to investors has grown tenfold.

Considering this track record, I’m excited to see what the future holds for Unite. Demand for high-quality student accommodation across the UK is only growing, and the firm’s size gives it a key advantage in this booming market.

City analysts seem to be expecting big things as well. They are expecting the company’s full-year 2019 dividend to leap a staggering 31% thanks to growth in rental income. A further increase of 19% is projected for 2020. 

If the company makes good on these projections, I think there’s plenty of potential for capital growth here as income investors rush to take advantage of Unite’s growing distribution. 

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.

Rupert Hargreaves owns no share mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Wizz Air Holdings. 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

These FTSE 100 shares could soar over the next year

FTSE 100 shares show strong potential as rate cuts loom. History shows stocks could gain more than 70% in the…

Read more »

Young Black woman using a debit card at an ATM to withdraw money
Investing Articles

“If I’d put £5,000 into Santander shares just 2 years ago, here’s what I’d have now”

Our writer considers whether he thinks Santander shares still look good value after a strong period for the global Spanish…

Read more »

Illustration of flames over a black background
Investing Articles

Could this FTSE 250 stock be the next Rolls-Royce?

With an ongoing probe into the motor finance industry, the share price of this member of the FTSE 250 has…

Read more »

Investing Articles

My 3 favourite FTSE dividend stocks give me a mind-blowing 9.82% yield!

Harvey Jones is surprised to learn that he owns the three highest-yielding dividend stocks on the FTSE 100. So is…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Following strong 2024 results, this 6.1%-yielding FTSE 100 gem looks a bargain to me

With good 2024 results delivered, and a buyback and dividend increase announced, this high-yielding FTSE 100 heavyweight looks very cheap…

Read more »

Investing Articles

I’m not surprised the IAG share price is surging, it’s the top-rated UK stock

The IAG share price is up 57% since the start of the year, but remains undervalued. This bull run could…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is the stock market set for a crash in 2025?

Could antitrust lawsuits derail US tech stocks and cause a stock market crash next year? Stephen Wright thinks the risks…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As Rolls-Royce’s share price falls 8%, is it time for me to buy on the dip?

Rolls-Royce’s share price has dropped after a stellar rise this year. I think this leaves it looking even more discounted…

Read more »