Why Dignity plc is a turnaround stock I’d buy after today’s 50% share price crash

Dignity plc (LON: DTY) could post a strong recovery despite share price woes this week.

| 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.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

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.

The share price of funeral-related services specialist Dignity (LSE: DTY) dropped by as much as 50% on Friday after it released a profit warning. A more competitive market outlook means that the company will cut prices for various services, which is expected to cause a fall in profitability over the medium term. As a result, investor sentiment has deteriorated.

However, the company could deliver a strong turnaround in the long run. A stable market, strong business model and low valuation could combine to make the stock a worthwhile purchase at the present time.

A changing market

In the last couple of years, Dignity has faced a more competitive marketplace. With inflation moving higher and now being ahead of wage growth, disposable incomes are falling in real terms. Therefore, it is unsurprising that consumers are seeking to cut costs in order to balance their income and expenditure each month. And while funeral costs are an exceptional item, they are not immune to increasingly price-conscious behaviour.

Alongside increasing competition, the company has seen the average reduction in the number of funerals per location running at 6.8% between 2015 and 2017. This is almost twice the rate of 3.6% which was recorded between 2004 and 2014. In response, the company is lowering the cost of some of its services as it seeks to protect its market share. This is expected to lead to substantially lower profits in 2018.

Recovery potential

The level of profitability that is expected to be recorded in 2018 is unclear. As such, it seems as though investors are pricing-in a wide margin of safety. Dignity now trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 8 using its 2016 earnings figure.

While its rating is very likely to rise due to the prospective fall in 2018 earnings, the reality is that the company continues to have a dominant position in the funeral services market. With it offering the scope for further growth in the long term, the stock could prove to be a sound, albeit volatile, turnaround opportunity.

Strong performance

Operating in the general retail sector is a more stable growth opportunity. Online takeaway ordering specialist Just Eat (LSE: JE) continues to perform exceptionally well following its promotion to the FTSE 100. Its shares are up 14% in the last three months and continue to offer growth at a reasonable price.

For example, the company is forecast to post a rise in its bottom line of 42% in the current year, followed by further growth of 30% next year. This puts it on a price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of just 0.9, which suggests that it could offer continued upside potential.

Following the acquisition of Hungryhouse, Just Eat now has a more dominant position within its sector. This could lead to improved growth prospects, while its international diversity may mean that its risk/reward ratio remains attractive over the medium term. As such, now could be the perfect time to buy it for the long run.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Peter Stephens has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Just Eat. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

2 top FTSE 250 investment trusts trading at attractive discounts!

This pair of discounted FTSE 250 trusts appear to be on sale right now. Here's why I'd scoop up their…

Read more »

Smiling young man sitting in cafe and checking messages, with his laptop in front of him.
Investing Articles

3 things that could push the Lloyds share price to 60p and beyond

The Lloyds share price has broken through 50p. Next step 60p? And then what? Here are some thoughts on what…

Read more »

Young female business analyst looking at a graph chart while working from home
Investing Articles

£1,000 in Rolls-Royce shares a year ago would be worth this much now

Rolls-Royce shares have posted one of the best stock market gains of the past 12 months. But what might the…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Are HSBC shares a FTSE bargain? Here’s what the charts say!

There are plenty of dirt-cheap FTSE 100 banking stocks for investors to choose from today. Our writer Royston Wild believes…

Read more »

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

Just released: Share Advisor’s latest ‘Hold’ recommendation [PREMIUM PICKS]

In our Share Advisor newsletter service, we provide buy, sell, and hold guidance for our universe of recommendations.

Read more »

Investing Articles

Investing £5 a day could help me build a second income of £329 a month!

This Fool explains how £5 a day, or one less takeaway coffee, could help her build a monthly second income…

Read more »

Smart young brown businesswoman working from home on a laptop
Investing Articles

2 FTSE income stocks investors should consider buying in April

Income stocks are a great way to build wealth. Our writer details two picks she believes investors should consider snapping…

Read more »

Investing Articles

What might the 5-year price chart tell us about BT shares?

Christopher Ruane considers what clues the long-term performance of BT shares might offer him about business performance and whether to…

Read more »