Global equity markets are flying today on news that the EU referendum polls have put the remain vote ahead. These three stocks are all up today but is it time to buy or should you wait for a pullback?
Financial advisor
Hargreaves Lansdown (LSE:HL) is up 7.5% as investors react to the most recent poll. The financial services company is trading on a price to earnings ratio (P/E) of just under 37 and pays a dividend yield of 1.5%. Broker price targets are around the current price of the stock which indicates to me that the company is fairly valued at its current price. The first half results were solid with revenue rising 12% and client numbers up 15% from a year ago.
This is encouraging and shows that Hargreaves Lansdown is building on its large client base and driving revenues higher. If global equity markets rally for the rest of the year then expect increased profits and a further increase on assets under management. This Thursday’s referendum will also be key and I expect Hargreaves Lansdown to rally well if we vote to remain.
Oil recovery
Tullow Oil (LSE: TLW) has bounced well since its lows in January after falling over 85% in the last few years. The company has a net debt of $4.5bn which is ok given the $1.3bn free cash and unused debt headroom that Tullow has access to. This liquidity gives the company financial flexibility to continue to invest in new projects whilst keeping lenders happy. The Ten development in Ghana is key to Tullow’s future prospects. Currently first oil is targeted for July/August and development work is now over 90% complete.
This increased production will be key to increasing cash flows and even at a $50 oil price the shares should be upgraded on first oil. Tullow remains a favourite of investors wanting a leveraged play on the rising oil price. I expect the oil price to continue to rise towards Christmas and next year should be a solid year in the oil markets and for Tullow.
Housing shortage
Today Taylor Wimpey (LSE: TW) is rallying as investors expect Britain to remain inside the European Union. Taylor Wimpey is one of the strongest housebuilding stocks in the UK and it’s no surprise to see shares flying. The shares trade on a P/E ratio of just 12 and pay a dividend yield of 1%.
The company expects revenues and profits to rise over the next few years and at this price I think shares are cheap compared to the growth potential the stock has. The UK has a significant housing shortfall and if we remain in the EU then we will need even more houses to house economic migrants entering the UK.
These three companies are in demand with investors today and I believe this will continue in the short term. Hargreaves Lansdowne looks fairly valued but Tullow and Taylor Wimpey look cheap compared to the growth that the shares offer.
