Could These 5 Mid-Caps Be The Stars Of 2015? Pace plc, Persimmon plc, Supergroup PLC, Galliford Try plc And Monitise Plc

Can Pace plc (LON:PIC), Persimmon plc (LON:PSN), Supergroup PLC (LON:SGP), Galliford Try plc (LON:GFRD) or Monitise Plc (LON:MONI) beat the wider index next year?

| 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.

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.

Pace

2014 has been an encouraging year for investors in Pace (LSE: PIC). Shares in the set-top box producer are up 11% thus far this year, with the company announcing recently that, owing to higher than expected margins, its full-year profit will be higher than previously anticipated. In fact, it’s set to be 17% greater than it was last year, which is a highly impressive growth rate and more than twice the forecast for the wider market this year.

Despite this, shares in Pace still trade on a low valuation. For example, their price to earnings (P/E) ratio is just 10.8, which means that their price to earnings growth (PEG) ratio is hugely appealing at just 0.6. As a result, Pace looks hugely appealing at its current share price and could be a top performer next year.

Persimmon

Although the UK housing market is undoubtedly cooling at the moment, there is still tremendous potential for house builders such as Persimmon (LSE: PSN). That’s because there is still a major undersupply of housing in the UK, and Persimmon looks set to enjoy strong revenue growth over the medium term as a result of this.

Indeed, Persimmon’s bottom line is forecast to grow by a whopping 43% in the current year, followed by 23% next year. And, with a P/E ratio of just 12.6, its PEG ratio of 0.3 is massively appealing and means that shares in the company could have an excellent 2015.

Supergroup

Although Supergroup (LSE: SGP) released a profit warning recently, it was almost entirely due to unseasonably warm weather that is not reflective of the company’s underlying performance.

Indeed, Supergroup is making encouraging progress and is forecast to increase its bottom line by 17% next year. With a P/E ratio of 14.7, this puts it on a highly desirable PEG ratio of just 0.8 and means that, after a disappointing 2014 that has seen its share price tumble by 40%, 2015 could be a much better year for the seller of Superdry branded goods.

Galliford Try

As with Persimmon, Galliford Try (LSE: GFRD) looks set to be a beneficiary of the high demand for housing in 2015 and beyond. For example, its bottom line is expected to rise by 14% next year, which is roughly twice the rate of growth of the wider index and would make it five years in a row of profit growth.

Despite this excellent track record and strong prospects, shares in Galliford Try continue to trade at a very appealing price. For instance, they have a PEG ratio of just 0.7, which indicates that growth is on offer at a very reasonable price and sets the company up for a strong 2015.

Monitise

Although Monitise (LSE: MONI) has vast long-term potential, its performance in 2014 has been hugely disappointing. That’s because shares in the mobile payment solutions company have fallen by 51% since the turn of the year, with uncertainty surrounding the future of key shareholder (and customer), Visa, weighing on investors’ minds.

While Monitise is expected to turn a profit for the first time in 2016, this should not be taken as a foregone conclusion by investors. That’s because moving from many years of losses to a profit can take longer than expected, and may be subject to delays that cannot be foreseen. So, while 2015 may be a better year than 2014 for investors in Monitise, it may struggle to achieve star status.

Peter Stephens owns shares of Galliford Try and Persimmon. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Pace. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of Monitise. 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

A young Asian woman holding up her index finger
Investing Articles

£5,000 invested in FTSE 100 stock London Stock Exchange Group 1 month ago is now worth…

FTSE 100 powerhouse London Stock Exchange Group has been dragged into the software sell-off. However, recently, it has started to…

Read more »

Two business people sitting at cafe working on new project using laptop. Young businesswoman taking notes and businessman working on laptop computer.
Investing Articles

The Barratt Redrow share price trades at a 13-year low! Is it a screaming buy at 266p?

The Barratt Redrow share price has taken a battering in recent years but Harvey Jones says the FTSE 100 stock…

Read more »

Finger clicking a button marked 'Buy' on a keyboard
Growth Shares

Why is everyone buying Rio Tinto shares?

Rio Tinto shares are the flavour of the week among investors. Paul Summers is asking whether this momentum will continue.

Read more »

A rear view of a female in a bright yellow coat walking along the historic street known as The Shambles in York, UK which is a popular tourist destination in this Yorkshire city.
Investing Articles

How much do you need in an ISA for £100 a day in passive income?

Ben McPoland explains why he thinks this cheap FTSE 250 stock could contribute nicely towards an ISA pumping out passive…

Read more »

Departure & Arrival sign, representing selling and buying in a portfolio
Investing Articles

Warning: hedge funds expect this FTSE stock to tank

This FTSE stock has already taken a huge hit due to the conflict in the Middle East. However, institutional investors…

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Investing Articles

Here’s how to invest £3k in the FTSE 250 for a 7.6% dividend yield

Jon Smith talks through how to build a robust FTSE 250 dividend portfolio with a yield well in excess of…

Read more »

Surprised Black girl holding teddy bear toy on Christmas
Investing Articles

2 potential hidden gems in the UK stock market

Our writer highlights two growth shares from the FTSE 250. Both could be under-the-radar winners in the London stock market…

Read more »

Happy young female stock-picker in a cafe
Dividend Shares

I was right about the Vodafone share price! Next stop 125p?

The Vodafone share price has soared since the lows of May 2025. Since racing past £1 in January, the shares…

Read more »