3 FTSE Shares Hitting New Highs: BT Group plc, Sports Direct International Plc And Galliford Try plc

BT Group plc (LON: BT.A), Sports Direct International Plc (LON: SPD) and Galliford Try plc (LON: GFRD) all climb.

| 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.

The FTSE 100 (FTSEINDICES: ^FTSE) is still being held back by fears of the ending of economic stimulus policies, and we should hear more on that subject from the US Federal Reserve next week. Today the index of top UK shares is up just 9 points to 6,597 by mid-afternoon, and still some way from the 13-year record of 6,876 points set in May. But it’ll get there, and it may well be sooner rather than later.

Which companies are helping push the FTSE indices towards new heights? Here are three breaking new ground:

BT Group

The positive spell enjoyed by BT Group (LSE: BT-A) (NYSE: BT.US) is continuing, with the firm’s shares reaching a 52-week high of 349.7p today before dropping back a little to 347p by early afternoon. The release of its BT Sports TV channels, together with a licensing deal with Virgin Media, has put the spotlight on the company of late, and the future is looking healthy.

We have two years of earnings growth forecast, with the shares still on a forward P/E of only 14 even after a near-50% rise over the past 12 months. Potential dividend growth is looking healthy too, with a 20% lift forecast for the current year.

Sports Direct International

Sports Direct International (LSE: SPD) ended yesterday on a 52-week closing high of 729p, ahead of joining the FTSE 100 today — the shares have subsequently dropped 20p to 709p by this afternoon. The firm, headed by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, only floated in 2007 just as the financial crisis hit, and at one stage its shares slumped as low as 32p as consumer spending dried up.

But today the firm is worth £4.3bn, and this week told us its sales were up 18% in the quarter to 31 July. That’s not a bad start.

Galliford Try

Shares in Galliford Try (LSE: GFRD) soared to a record 1,090p yesterday, as the construction firm is lining up new contracts. On Monday, it announced a £35m deal for the second phase of the development of the prison and young offenders’ institution at Bridgend, South Wales. And today we heard of two contracts worth £60m for housing schemes in East London.

The share price is now up more than 60% over the past 12 months, with strong earnings and dividend rises forecast.

Finally, if you’re looking for high-performing top-drawer shares that should take you all the way to a comfortable retirement, I recommend the Fool’s special new report detailing five blue-chip shares. They’ll be familiar names to many, and they’ve already provided investors with decades of profits.

But you can only get the report for a limited period, so click here to get your hands on these great ideas — they could set you on the road to long-term riches.

> Alan does not own any shares mentioned in this article.

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.

More on Investing Articles

Mature couple at the beach
Investing Articles

6 stocks that Fools have been buying!

Our Foolish freelancers are putting their money where their mouths are and buying these stocks in recent weeks.

Read more »

Black woman using loudspeaker to be heard
Investing Articles

I was right about the Barclays share price! Here’s what I think happens next

Jon Smith explains why he still feels the Barclays share price is undervalued and flags up why updates on its…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Where I’d start investing £8,000 in April 2024

Writer Ben McPoland highlights two areas of the stock market that he would target if he were to start investing…

Read more »

View of Tower Bridge in Autumn
Investing Articles

Ahead of the ISA deadline, here are 3 FTSE 100 stocks I’d consider

Jon Smith notes down some FTSE 100 stocks in sectors ranging from property to retail that he thinks could offer…

Read more »

Young female business analyst looking at a graph chart while working from home
Investing Articles

Why I think Rolls-Royce shares will pay a dividend in 2024

Stephen Wright thinks Rolls-Royce shares are about to pay a dividend again. But he isn’t convinced this is something investors…

Read more »

Investing Articles

1 of the best UK shares to consider buying in April

Higher gold prices and a falling share price have put this FTSE 250 stock on Stephen Wright's list of UK…

Read more »

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

The market is wrong about this FTSE 250 stock. I’m buying it in April

Stephen Wright thinks investors should look past a 49% decline in earnings per share and consider investing in a FTSE…

Read more »

Black father and two young daughters dancing at home
Investing Articles

1 FTSE 250 stock I own, and 1 I’d love to buy

Our writer explains why she’s eyeing up this FTSE 250 growth phenomenon, and may buy more shares in this property…

Read more »