Halfords shares are 32% cheaper than a year ago. Time to buy?

Halfords shares trade on a relatively cheap looking valuation and pay dividends. Our writer pores over the latest results considering whether to invest.

| 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.

Man changing battery on electric bicycle

Image source: Getty Images

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.

Speeding downhill can feel exhilarating on a bike. The same is not necessarily true in the stock market. Cycle and motoring retailer Halfords (LSE: HFD) is a case in point. Halfords shares have dipped 32% over the past year.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Halfords Group Plc PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.co.uk

With the company releasing its results today (27 June), now seems like a good opportunity to look into whether that price tumble has been overdone. Could Halfords shares be a bargain to scoop up for my portfolio?

Improving sales trend

On the profit side of things, the results were not especially exciting. Still, the group remains firmly profitable, with earnings after tax of £39m. That was within 1% of what it managed last year, though underlying basic earnings per share fell 14%. Those figures are for continuing operations though. Including discontinued operations like Halfords’ tyre supply chain operation, profit before tax fell 45% to £20m.

Should you invest £1,000 in Aston Martin right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Aston Martin made the list?

See the 6 stocks

The good news though came in the topline. Revenues rose 8%, driven by an 18% increase in Halfords’ autocentres division.

This continues a long trend of impressive revenue growth at the company.

Created using TradingView

I think that bodes well for the business, as it shows ongoing high customer demand. That will hopefully be the basis for long-term profitability.

One general concern I have about investing in retailers is that profit margins can be slight. Including discontinued operations, Halfords’ gross margin last year was 48.2%, but its net margin (profit after tax as a percentage of revenue) was just 1%. That is wafer thin.

Uncertain dividend

The final results contained the news that the business plans to cut its annual dividend by a fifth compared to last year.

With a yield standing at 7%, cutting the dividend by a fifth could still leave it at over 5%. Still, I rarely take a dividend cut as a positive sign. Halfords’ dividend has been all over the place over the past 20 years.

Created using TradingView

So when weighing up the option of investing now, I am not focusing too much on the historical yield. If the restructuring pays off and earnings boom next year, the dividend could well move up again. Equally, the board has shown it has no compunction about cutting the shareholder payout.

Long-term potential

With a restructured business, could Halfords shares do better in future than they have in the past year?I think the business should benefit from strong long-term customer demand. It is a well-recognised brand and shop network could help it capitalise on that. Its price-to-earnings ratio of 11 does not look expensive.

That said, while cars and bicycles may have a lot of moving parts, I fear the same is true of Halfords’ business. There has been a lack of consistency in its long-term performance that concerns me. So while I think the shares look fairly priced, I do not plan to buy.

5 stocks for trying to build wealth after 50

The cost of living crisis shows no signs of slowing… the conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine shows no sign of resolution, while the global economy could be teetering on the brink of recession.

Whether you’re a newbie investor or a seasoned pro, deciding which stocks to add to your shopping list can be a daunting prospect during such unprecedented times. Yet despite the stock market’s recent gains, we think many shares still trade at a discount to their true value.

Fortunately, The Motley Fool UK analyst team have short-listed five companies that they believe STILL boast significant long-term growth prospects despite the global upheaval…

We’re sharing the names in a special FREE investing report that you can download today. We believe these stocks could be a great fit for any well-diversified portfolio with the goal of building wealth in your 50’s.

Claim your free copy now

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.

C Ruane has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. 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.

Like buying £1 for 51p

This seems ridiculous, but we almost never see shares looking this cheap. Yet this recent ‘Best Buy Now’ has a price/book ratio of 0.51. In plain English, this means that investors effectively get in on a business that holds £1 of assets for every 51p they invest!

Of course, this is the stock market where money is always at risk — these valuations can change and there are no guarantees. But some risks are a LOT more interesting than others, and at The Motley Fool we believe this company is amongst them.

What’s more, it currently boasts a stellar dividend yield of around 8.5%, and right now it’s possible for investors to jump aboard at near-historic lows. Want to get the name for yourself?

See the full investment case

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

As copper prices surge, Glencore shares are a steal at 270p

Andrew Mackie believes the extraordinary dislocation occurring in copper markets will be very supportive for the Glencore share price.

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 cheap shares to consider as Trump shocks markets

Dr James Fox examines several cheap shares, on paper at least, as markets experience a broad sell-off in reaction to…

Read more »

Investing Articles

10% dividend yield! Here’s a FTSE 100 share to consider in April for passive income

This FTSE 100 stock just soared past the 10% yield mark, making it a potentially lucrative option for investors targeting…

Read more »

Young black woman using a mobile phone in a transport facility
Investing Articles

3 FTSE 100 safe haven stocks to consider as trade wars bite

I'm confident in the long-term outlook for the FTSE index of stocks. But these blue chips may protect investors from…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s how Trump tariffs could hand us some top passive income bargains

As tariff terror grips the stock market, it's time for passive income investors to steel our nerves and look for…

Read more »

Investing Articles

These FTSE shares may offer some safety as Trump slaps tariffs on trading partners

FTSE shares moved lower on 3 April, after US President Donald Trump introduced hefty tariffs on its trading partners. These…

Read more »

Investing Articles

6.8% dividend yield! Consider these 2 ‘secret’ passive income stocks to target a £1,360 payday in 2025

Looking for ways to generate above-average dividend income? These lesser-bought income stocks are worth a close look.

Read more »

Elevated view over city of London skyline
Investing Articles

The M&G dividend yields over 10% — and could get higher!

Christopher Ruane explains why he's upbeat about the long-term outlook for the M&G dividend yield and would happily buy the…

Read more »