If the market drops again, I’ll be buying this FTSE 100 giant

Market turbulence is a great buying opportunity for patient investors. This Fool has his eyes on a FTSE 100 giant for the next market tumble.

| 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.

Frustrated young white male looking disconsolate while sat on his sofa holding a beer

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.

In the unpredictable world of investing, market dips can be nerve-wracking, as we learned last week. But for savvy investors, they’re also golden opportunities to snap up quality stocks at bargain prices. One FTSE 100 gem that’s caught my eye is Beazley (LSE:BEZ), a speciality insurer that’s been quietly seeing real success in the market.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Beazley Plc PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL1 Aug 201931 Aug 2024Zoom ▾Jan '20Jul '20Jan '21Jul '21Jan '22Jul '22Jan '23Jul '23Jan '24Jul '242020202020212021202220222023202320242024www.fool.co.uk

What does it do?

The company has grown from a plucky upstart to a major player in the Lloyd’s of London market. But this is no stuffy old insurance company. The firm is at the cutting edge of risk management, offering solutions for pretty much everything, from cyber threats to property risks.

In its latest earnings report, the company smashed analyst expectations, with earnings soaring by a jaw-dropping 178% over the past year. That’s the kind of growth that makes even tech start-ups jealous!

Should you invest £1,000 in Beazley Plc 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 Beazley Plc made the list?

See the 6 stocks

But despite this performance, the shares are trading at what a discounted cash flow (DCF) calculation suggests could be a bargain price. With this estimate a full 74% above the current share price, and a price-to-earnings ratio of just 4.6 times, it’s possible there’s some real value here.

Of course, it’s not just about the numbers. From the looks of it, management has positioned itself well in the market. It’s a big fish in the Lloyd’s of London pond, which gives it access to a smorgasbord of risk and opportunity. And it’s not resting on its laurels either. The company is making big moves in the cyber insurance space — a sector I suspect is only going to grow as our lives become increasingly digital.

Focus on growth

Now, I know what many investors in the insurance space are thinking. This all sounds great, but what about some income? While its 1.96% dividend yield might not have investors popping champagne corks, it’s a nice little earner on top of the potential for capital growth.

Most interestingly to me, the City bigwigs seem pretty sweet on Beazley too. Analysts are forecasting a potential price rise of over 26% from current levels. Although such forecasts are far from guaranteed, when the suits in the Square Mile are getting excited, it’s often worth paying attention.

Of course, no investment is without risk. Annual earnings are expected to dip by a worryingly high 15% over the next few years. Like all insurers, it’s exposed to the risk of major catastrophes, such as the global IT outage experienced last month. Such an event can spook analysts into forecasting major declines in profits, and is likely the reason for the potential undervaluation. However, in my view, these risks are all part of the sector.

And let’s not forget the regulatory tightrope that insurers walk. Changes in insurance regulations or tax laws could throw a spanner in the works. Plus, as the firm expands into new markets and risk categories, it’s venturing into uncharted waters. So, while I’m excited about the potential, I’m keeping my rose-tinted glasses firmly in my pocket.

I’ll be buying

Regardless, if the market takes another tumble, you’ll find me bargain-hunting for Beazley shares. With its strong market position, attractive valuation, and potential for growth, I reckon it could be a winner for FTSE 100 investors like me willing to weather a bit of short-term turbulence for potentially juicy long-term gains.

Pound coins for sale — 31 pence?

This seems ridiculous, but we almost never see shares looking this cheap. Yet this Share Advisor pick has a price/book ratio of 0.31. In plain English, this means that investors effectively get in on a business that holds £1 of assets for every 31p 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 10%, 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

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.

Gordon Best 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

At $184, I reckon this S&P 500 juggernaut is still on sale

Our writer sees Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) as an attractive S&P 500 stock to consider while it is priced 23% lower than…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Cheap FTSE 250 shares to consider buying right now?

These FTSE 250 growth stocks had weak starts to 2025, and face short-term uncertainty. But their long-term valuations could be…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As stocks dive, is this a rare chance for ISA investors to build generational wealth?

Globally, stocks have pulled back significantly following the announcement of tariffs by the US president. Is this an opportunity for…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 ultra-cheap shares to consider right now!

These cheap UK shares offer considerable growth and income potential over the long term, reckons our writer Royston Wild.

Read more »

Investing Articles

Legal & General Group shares go ex-dividend on 24 April – time to grab that 9% yield?

Harvey Jones holds Legal & General Group shares and is already looking forward to the next bumper dividend from this…

Read more »

Young female analyst working at her desk in the office
Investing Articles

3 FTSE 100 dividend stocks to consider buying while they’re on sale

Paul Summers reckons canny investors should think about snapping up quality, dividend-paying stocks while they're going cheap

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 cheap passive income shares to consider buying right now

The passive income we can earn from the UK stock market looks set to climb this year, and could even…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Down 15% in a month, this FTSE 100 dividend share offers investors a stunning 10.8% yield

Harvey Jones plucks out a FTSE 100 dividend share that offers frankly a quite staggering yield and is now a…

Read more »