Forget short-term pain! Why Diageo plc, Prudential plc and BBA Aviation plc should provide long-term gain

Royston Wild explains why Diageo plc (LON: DGE), Prudential plc (LON: PRU) and BBA Aviation plc (LON: BBA) could provide handsome returns in the years ahead.

| 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.

Today I’m looking at three Footsie-listed stars set to deliver stunning returns in the years ahead.

Foreign firecracker

Unsurprisingly, the impact of economic cooling in Asia is predicted to weigh on Prudential’s (LSE: PRU) bottom line in the near term.

The City expects Prudential to endure a 7% earnings slide in 2016, drawing to a close the firm’s proud record of generating chunky earnings growth year after year.

However, this figure still creates a very-attractive P/E ratio of 11.4 times. And I reckon this represents stunning value given Prudential’s exceptional long-term prospects, starting from next year when a 9% rebound is predicted.

Asia is undoubtedly the jewel in The Pru’s crown, with operating profit there chugging 17% higher in 2015, to £1.3bn. And business from these ‘new regions’ is expected to surge well into the future as rising wealth levels drive financial product demand.

With Prudential also making waves in the UK and US, I reckon the stock is in great shape to deliver pukka profits growth.

Set to fly

Economic sluggishness across the Pond is likely to weigh on corporate jet specialist BBA Aviation (LSE: BBA) in the near term.

Indeed, the number crunchers expect earnings at BBA Aviation — which supplies flight support such as refuelling and ground handling, as well as aftermarket services to repair engines — to dip 2% in 2016.

But an 18% recovery is predicted for 2017 as the fruits of an improving US economy boost business jet activity. On top of this, BBA Aviation’s acquisition of Landmark Aviation in late 2015 should also turbocharge earnings in the coming years, a move that has significantly bolstered the firm’s footprint in North America.

And I reckon a forward P/E rating of 14.5 times is a decent level at which to tap into the plane play’s attractive growth story.

Toast spectacular returns

Beverages giant Diageo (LSE: DGE) has seen its bottom line take a pasting in recent years as anti-extravagance measures in China — combined with adverse currency movements — have hampered revenues performance.

And a continuation of these problems is anticipated to result in further earnings woes in the current period, a 1% fall is pencilled-in for the period ending this month.

Still, I reckon Diageo remains a great pick for those seeking slick long-term returns. The company is doubling-down on marketing and product investment to get sales firing again, particularly in the white-hot ‘premium’ segment where volumes are surging across the globe.

With shrewd acquisition activity also bolstering the Johnnie Walker manufacturer’s presence in lucrative emerging markets, I reckon Diageo is in great shape to build on a predicted 8% earnings advance in 2017.

I reckon a P/E rating of 21.1 times — while hardly eye-popping on paper — is great value for a company of Diageo’s calibre.

Royston Wild has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended BBA Aviation. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Diageo. 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

Close-up of British bank notes
Investing Articles

This UK penny stock is tipped to double by City analysts!

What should we do when a favourite penny stock falls due to short-term pressures? Consider buying for the long term,…

Read more »

Calendar showing the date of 5th April on desk in a house
Investing Articles

£390 of income a week from a £20k Stocks and Shares ISA? Here’s how!

Christopher Ruane explains how someone with a £20k Stocks and Shares ISA and long-term timeframe could target hundreds of pounds…

Read more »

Abstract 3d arrows with rocket
Investing Articles

Up 25% YTD! Is this red-hot penny stock still ‘cheap’?

This penny stock has been on fire in 2026. Ken Hall takes a closer look at the investment story behind…

Read more »

Man smiling and working on laptop
Investing Articles

Stock market correction? A passive income opportunity!

Looking to turbocharge your passive income? The stock market correction could be a once-in-a-decade chance to do just that, says…

Read more »

Black woman using smartphone at home, watching stock charts.
Investing Articles

Are investors running scared of Babcock and BAE Systems shares?

BAE Systems shares have had a brilliant run, and other UK defence stocks have been flying too. But Harvey Jones…

Read more »

Mature black woman at home texting on her cell phone while sitting on the couch
Investing Articles

As the FTSE 100 falls, savvy investors are looking for stocks to buy for the rebound

Many FTSE stocks have now fallen 10% or more from their 2026 highs. For long-term investors, exciting opportunities are emerging.

Read more »

Portrait Of Senior Couple Climbing Hill On Hike Through Countryside In Lake District UK Together
Investing Articles

Should investors consider buying resilient Admiral Group and Tesco shares as markets wobble?

Harvey Jones is impressed by how Tesco shares have held up in the current market volatility, while Admiral has been…

Read more »

DIVIDEND YIELD text written on a notebook with chart
Investing Articles

Down 15% in a month and yielding 7.5%! Should I buy even more of my favourite dividend stock?

Harvey Jones says this brilliant FTSE 100 dividend stock is suddenly cheaper due to recent market volatility. And the yield…

Read more »