Shares to buy in a stock market crash

Rupert Hargreaves explains why these four companies are on his list of equities to buy in a possible stock market crash.

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.

I like to keep a list of shares to buy in a stock market crash. Investing when the market is falling can be challenging, and I believe one of the best ways to get around these issues is to prepare in advance. That means I am ready to act if prices fall substantially. By using this approach, I will be ready for all eventualities. 

As such, here are a selection of companies I would buy for my portfolio in a stock market crash based on their income and growth credentials. 

Shares to buy for growth

There are two companies I would buy for my portfolio as growth investments in a stock market crash.  Both are located in the financial sector and are different ways to own unique growth themes. 

The first is PayPoint. This company helps bridge the gap between the world of cash and cashless transitions. It provides payment terminals for shop owners and the software to help customers pay online bills with cash. It has also recently been rolling out a service to replace the need for ATMs. PayPoint allows consumers to withdraw cash from convenience stores without buying other items

As the world becomes increasingly focused on cashless transactions, I think the demand for the group’s services will grow. That is why the stock is on my investment wishlist. 

I would also buy IG Group. The financial services enterprise has grown rapidly over the past 10 years through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. The corporation takes a tiny percentage of every trade customers make on its platforms, which can be highly lucrative in volatile markets.

In a stock market crash, I think the company will outperform other equities for these reasons. Additional cash generation will also provide more firepower for acquisitions to drive growth in the years ahead

Challenges these companies could face include additional regulatory constraints and competition from international peers. These headwinds may restrict growth and impact profit margins. 

Stock market crash buys

I would also use any stock market crash to snap up some shares in technology companies. Tech stocks have been some of the most sought-after investments over the past two years. This rush to buy has sent equity valuations to record levels. If there is a stock market crash, these valuations should return to more appropriate levels. 

Two stocks on my wishlist are Team17 and Computacenter. I have chosen these because they have a long track record of developing gaming software and helping clients with IT needs. Their track records should help them stand out in the increasingly competitive tech sector.

Competition is the biggest challenge they will face, especially as these are relatively small businesses compared to their giant US-based peers.

Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended PayPoint. 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

Close-up of British bank notes
Investing Articles

How much passive income could £20,000 in an ISA grow to? It could be quite a bit

An ISA can be a great tool for building passive income, although according to Alan Oscroft, some strategies have much…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Are Diageo shares ready to do a Rolls-Royce?

Things have got so bad for Diageo shares that Harvey Jones says they remind him of the struggles Rolls-Royce faced…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Down 60%! A once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy these 2 beaten-down UK stocks?

Harvey Jones highlights two UK stocks that are cheaper than they were 10 years ago and offer juicy dividend yields…

Read more »

Businessman hand stacking money coins with virtual percentage icons
Investing Articles

Why do 2 of my favourite second income stocks look so cheap right now?

Our writer was shocked to find two dividend stocks in his second income portfolio trading at prices far below fair…

Read more »

Finger clicking a button marked 'Buy' on a keyboard
Investing Articles

Just Released: A Higher-Risk, High-Reward Stock Recommendation For Your ISA? [PREMIUM PICKS]

Fire stock picks will tend to be more adventurous and are designed for investors who can stomach a bit more…

Read more »

Investing Articles

£10k invested in BP and Shell shares just 1 month ago is now worth…

Conflict in Iran has rattled global stock markets but it's been helpful for FTSE 100 oil giants. Harvey Jones says…

Read more »

Finger clicking a button marked 'Buy' on a keyboard
Investing Articles

Down 25%, are Barclays shares too cheap to miss?

Nobody expected Barclays' shares to fall so hard after their big multi-year gains. So the dip does make the valuation…

Read more »

A senior man and his wife holding hands walking up a hill on a footpath looking away from the camera at the view. The fishing village of Polperro is behind them.
Investing Articles

ISA or SIPP? Here’s 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of both

SIPPs and Stocks and Shares ISAs both have potentially attractive features, as well as downsides. Christopher Ruane looks at some…

Read more »