JD Sports Fashion (LSE: JD) has been one of the highest growth stocks in the FTSE 250 in recent years. The share price has consistently surged up after a series of positive updates. Investors wanting to achieve financial independence should look at the company now, as it expands its global footprint. Although it’s not the only the FTSE 250 company though that has been flying higher…
Keeping planes in the sky
BBA Aviation (LSE: BBA) is a support services company for the aviation industry. The company’s growth has been less dramatic and more up and down than JD’s, but it still looks set for future success which ought to feed into a higher share price.
The recent acquisition of Firstmark, essentially a competitor also providing aftermarket services to the aerospace industry, for $97m seems sensible and will be immediately earnings-enhancing once approved. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The acquired business is expected to contribute revenue of around $27m in its first full year of ownership and will become part of BBA’s aftermarket services arm, Ontic.
BBA’s first-half profits also gave investors reasons for hope. Underlying profit rose 4.5% to $140.2m as revenue increased 14% to $1.02bn and the interim dividend was increased by 5%.
With forecasts predicting continued growth in the global aviation industry, expansion seems a good option. With more planes than ever needing servicing, the opportunities for BBA Aviation are increasing, which is a great position to be in.
Following the trends
As mentioned, another FTSE 250 stock that has huge potential for investors is JD Sports Fashion. The company’s shops are on most high streets in the UK and the brand has significant brand awareness. Selling sports fashion has been big business in recent years and JD Sports has been a big driver and beneficiary of the trend for fashionable sports clothing, especially with the millennial demographic.
Like BBA, JD Sports is growing via acquisitions. In June it completed its acquisition of the U.S. company, The Finish Line. The $558 million deal gives JD Sports a major presence in the U.S. for the first time as it has taken ownership of Finish Line’s 600 stores in the U.S. Even before this likely transformational deal, though, the company had been performing well.
In the 26 weeks to 4 August, pre-tax profit increased 19% to £121.9m on revenue of £1.85bn, up 35% and operating profit rose 20% to £123.9m. This included a £4.8m contribution from Finish Line in the seven-week period post acquisition.
The executive chairman said the company is well positioned to deliver in line with current market expectations, with a significant contribution coming from the company’s U.S. business.
I believe both BBA Aviation and JD Sports Fashion could help you achieve financial independence: through organic growth and acquisitions, both are building ever stronger businesses that look set for success in the future.
