Today I’m discussing the profits prospects of two FTSE 250 (INDEXFTSE:MCX) stars.
Make juicy returns
The weighty international presence of Britvic (LSE: BVIC) makes it a terrific selection for thirsty growth hunters, in my opinion.
The drinks giant’s latest financials last month were something of a mixed bag. While group revenues rose 5.3% during April-June, to £346.3m, on an organic basis sales dipped 0.7% to £326.5m. And the Hertfordshire business mentioned that “consumer and economic uncertainty” following the UK’s Brexit vote, allied with the impact of sterling weakness, could create problems further down the line.
Still, the company remains bullish on its growth prospects for the coming years. Britvic commented that “our strategy to leverage our market leading brands in our core markets, expand internationally, continue to invest in innovation and focus on cost control, means that we are well placed to continue to deliver our long-term strategic priorities.”
Indeed, Britvic saw sales in the US rise in double-digits during Q3, and product rollouts like that of Fruit Shoot multipack should keep driving the top line. Meanwhile, market share grabs in Brazil drove revenues in the country 37% higher from the same 2015 period, illustrating the huge potential of the firm’s overseas territories.
And Britvic certainly offers great value for money, in my opinion. Predicted earnings rises of 4% and 2% for the years to September 2016 and 2017 produce P/E ratings of just 12.9 times and 12.7 times.
Play your cards right
While Britvic may suffer near-term bumpiness in the UK following June’s referendum, I have no such fears over till activity at Card Factory (LSE: CARD).
Indeed, I believe the budget greetings card seller is likely to receive a boon as shoppers shun the more expensive cards and celebratory items over at Clinton Cards and WH Smith, for example.
And the retailer’s store expansion scheme should satisfy the appetite of price-conscious customers up and down the land. Card Factory opened a further 20 stores between February and April, putting the firm closer to its planned total of 50 new stores by the end of the current fiscal year.
Its expansion strategy helped power total sales 6.5% higher during the past quarter. But Card Factory is also enjoying strong revenues growth online — sales here rose by double-digits from February-April.
City analysts expect earnings to edge just 1% higher in the year to January 2017, and to rise 4% in fiscal 2018. These figures yield reasonable-if-unspectacular P/E multiples of 16.5 times and 15.3 times.
The celebration of birthdays and public holidays like Valentine’s Day and Christmas remains one of life’s constants regardless of the broader economic environment. In this respect, I reckon Card Factory’s cut-price wares make it a great pick for defensively-minded investors.
