Are these the FTSE 100’s best bargains?

Royston Wild reveals a cluster of FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE: UKX) giants offering plenty of upside at current prices.

| 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 four FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE: UKX) stars offering irresistible value.

Package up a bargain

With the online shopping phenomenon still picking up pace, I reckon Royal Mail (LSE: RMG) is in great shape to generate splendid returns in the years ahead. And investors can look forward to exploding parcel volumes both at home and abroad — the courier operates across more than three dozen countries.

The City expects earnings at Royal Mail to move 3% and 5% higher in the years to March 2017 and 2018, respectively, creating very attractive P/E ratios of 11.9 times and 11.3 times. These figures obliterate the FTSE 100 average of 15 times by some distance.

And dividend yields of 4.5% and 4.7% for these years should attract serious attention from income chasers.

Travel titan

Concerns over the impact of terrorism in key destinations has shaken the travel sector in recent weeks, a factor that has sent TUI Travel’s (LSE: TUI) share value spiralling lower.

Of course this issue merits serious attention from investors. But I reckon the impact of robust economic conditions on holidaymakers’ wallets — combined with the fruits of massive restructuring — still makes the travel operator a great stock bet.

Indeed, TUI Travel is expected to report earnings growth of 7% in the year to September 2016, creating a P/E rating of just 12.6 times. And the multiple drops to just 11 times for 2017 thanks to an anticipated 15% bottom-line bump.

Meanwhile, dividend yields of 4.8% and 5% for this year and next smash the big-cap forward average of 3.5%.

Plug in

Surging demand for BT Group’s (LSE: BT-A) broadband and television services continues to power revenues growth at the firm’s Consumer division. And I expect massive investment in its fibre network to keep driving surfer demand through the roof.

The impact of this colossal investment is expected to push earnings at BT 10% lower in the year to March 2017. Still, this leaves the telecoms titan dealing on a P/E rating of just 13.9 times. And an anticipated 8% earnings rebound in 2018 nudges the multiple to a mere 12.6 times.

On top of this, predictions of exploding profits are expected to drive the dividend from 3.8% this year to a splendid 4.3% in 2017.

Bless the gains down in Africa

I believe the exciting emerging regions of Africa make Old Mutual (LSE: OML) an exceptional stock candidate. Surging wealth levels in these regions — and particularly in South Africa — should drive financial product demand in the years ahead, with planned restructuring bolstering the insurer’s sales prospects still further.

In the meantime, the number crunchers expect earnings at Old Mutual to fall 8% in 2016 before bouncing 9% next year. Consequently the financial play deals on P/E ratings of just 10 times and 9.2 times.

And dividend yields of 4% and 4.5% for these periods seal the investment case, in my opinion.

Royston Wild has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. 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

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

2 spectacular growth stocks to consider buying in March

Investors ignore the risks with growth stocks when things are going well. But when this changes, fixating on the dangers…

Read more »

UK financial background: share prices and stock graph overlaid on an image of the Union Jack
Investing Articles

Why is the FTSE 100 suddenly beating the S&P 500?

The UK's blue-chip index has been on fire over the past couple of years, helping it catch up to the…

Read more »

Artillery rocket system aimed to the sky and soldiers at sunset.
Investing Articles

This non-oil FTSE stock’s risen 4.6% in 3 days. What’s going on?

Against the backdrop of trouble in the Middle East, James Beard investigates why this FTSE 100 stock’s doing so well.…

Read more »

Three signposts pointing in different directions, with 'Buy' 'Sell' and 'Hold' on
Investing Articles

Has a 2026 stock market crash just come a whole lot closer?

If we're in for a stock market crash, what's the best way for us to prepare, and what kinds of…

Read more »

Silhouette of a bull standing on top of a landscape with the sun setting behind it
Investing Articles

Up 79% in a year, this FTSE 250 stock still gets a resounding Strong Buy from analysts

This under-the-radar growth stock in the FTSE 250 has been on fire over the past 12 months. Why are City…

Read more »

Frustrated young white male looking disconsolate while sat on his sofa holding a beer
Investing Articles

Vistry shares down 20%! Here’s what I’m doing…

Vistry shares have crashed as the firm cuts prices and moves away from share buybacks. But is Stephen Wright’s long-term…

Read more »

UK financial background: share prices and stock graph overlaid on an image of the Union Jack
Investing Articles

The IAG share price is climbing today despite war fears – what’s going on?

It's been a tough week for the IAG share price and Harvey Jones expects more volatility. Yet the FTSE 100…

Read more »

Businessman with tablet, waiting at the train station platform
Investing Articles

By March 2027, £1,000 invested in Natwest shares could turn into…

NatWest shares have been on a tear in recent years. What might the next 12 months have in store for…

Read more »