The fallout of June’s EU referendum has played havoc with investor confidence, and with it the fortunes of the FTSE 250 (INDEXFTSE: MCX) index. The bourse has slipped 7% since the leave vote came in, the FTSE 250 even taking in 20-month lows before recovering ground.
But regardless of the outlook for the wider FTSE 250, here I am looking at five stars I reckon should thrive regardless of Britain’s exit from the EU.
Flying ace
Corporate jet services play BBA Aviation (LSE: BBA) is insulated from the pressures set to hit the British economy, its reliance on the robust US economy leaving it in great shape to enjoy splendid revenues growth.
Business plane activity is still recovering across the Atlantic, and the shrewd acquisition of Landmark Aviation last year has significantly improved BBA Aviation’s long-term position in this market.
I reckon a forward P/E rating of 15 times is great value given these factors.
Plane sailing
Fears over declining holiday demand has smashed Wizz Air (LSE: WIZZ) following the Brexit vote. But I believe stock pickers may be missing a trick here.
The low-cost carrier’s focus on Central and Eastern Europe should lessen the impact of falling spend from British travellers. Besides, Wizz Air remains locked on expanding the number of routes it operates in the region, a factor that propelled passenger numbers 16.2% higher during June, to 2m. And I believe a prospective P/E ratio of 9.9 times more than bakes-in the risks facing Wizz Air.
Drinks darling
Beverages play Britvic’s (LSE: BVIC) expansion into foreign markets also makes it a great selection for those seeking safety away from the UK, in my opinion.
Britvic is expecting big things from the US as it launches its Fruit Shoot multipack, while acquisitions and new product rollouts in lucrative developing markets also promise rich rewards.
And the firm is still throwing the kitchen sink at developing its vast portfolio of industry-leading brands. Last month Britvic launched its Thomas & Evans No. 1 non-alcoholic label aimed squarely at adult consumers.
And a low P/E rating of 12.7 times for the current fiscal year underlines my enthusiasm for the stock.
Screen stunner
I believe cinema operator Cineworld (LSE: CINE) is one of the best picks out there for defensively-minded investors.
For one, the enduring popularity of the movies is one that’s broadly unshaken regardless of the wider economic environment — in fact, Cineworld could find its foyers packed in the months ahead as Brits opt for cheaper nights out.
And Cineworld’s expansion across Central/Eastern Europe and Israel also gives it added security through geographic diversification.
I reckon the silver screen star is a great pick for current times, even in spite of a slightly-heady P/E rating of 17 times for 2016.
Brand leader
The strong emerging-market bias of PZ Cussons (LSE: PZC) also makes it a great pick for those seeking solid profits in the years ahead.
That’s not to say the household goods maker doesn’t have problems of its own — indeed, PZ Cussons is suffering the impact of economic bumpiness in Nigeria in particular. But in the long term, I believe rising wealth levels in Asia and Africa should deliver splendid returns for patient investors.
On top of this, the brilliant brand power of products like Carex soap and St. Tropez skin products gives PZ Cussons’ revenues visibility that little bit of extra clout.
As such, I reckon a forward P/E rating of 18.5 times signals very fair value.
