2 amazing UK stocks I wish I’d bought for my ISA!

This pair of growth stocks have absolutely soared over the past three years. Which one looks more attractive to consider for an ISA right now?

| 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.

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.

Young Black man sat in front of laptop while wearing headphones

Image source: Getty Images

It’s impossible to know which growth stocks are going to massively outperform the UK market. That said, there are some I certainly wish I’d bought for my Stocks and Shares ISA three years ago.

Here are two of them. 

SpaceX-fuelled growth

Filtronic (LSE: FTC) has been on fire in 2025 – it’s up 105%. Over three years, it’s rocketed by 1,367%

Speaking of rockets, Filtronic signed a strategic partnership with SpaceX in 2024 to supply radio-frequency modules for the US firm’s satellite internet constellation (Starlink). 

This relationship has gone from strength to strength, and earlier this month Filtronic received a follow-on order from SpaceX worth $32.5m (£24m). This was the largest deal in value so far, and it’s expected to be fulfilled in FY26 (which has just started). 

Consequently, management is confident it “will exceed current revenue expectations” for this fiscal year. That previous expectation was for roughly £52m, up from £16.3m in FY2023.

Meanwhile, Filtronic says it’s continuing to invest in its technology roadmap to capitalise on “the sizeable market opportunity”. 

This opportunity does look large. With SpaceX continuing to deploy more satellites, additional ground infrastructure will be needed, thereby presumably driving further demand for the Filtronic’s modules.  

Additionally, there should be growth opportunities in the defence market, to which Filtronic supplies components for military communication and radar systems. Customers include BAE Systems

What could go wrong? Well, the importance of the SpaceX partnership can’t be overstated. It already made up the bulk of the firm’s sales prior to this latest order. In other words, there’s now significant customer concentration risk. 

The stock also looks pricey. According to the latest forecasts, the forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is nearly 54. So investors today are having to cough up to invest in this SpaceX-related growth story.

Fintech disruptor

A second UK stock I wish I’d bought earlier is Wise (LSE: WISE). It’s up 43% in the past 12 months and 173% over three years.

Wise is a global fintech firm that specialises in low-cost international money transfers. Its fees are dramatically lower than those of traditional banks and it continues to attract consumers and business.

For the year ended 31 March, it moved £145.2bn across borders for 15.6m people and businesses, a 23% year-on-year increase. Roughly 65% of transactions were completed in under 20 seconds! 

Revenue jumped 15% to £1.2bn, while underlying pre-tax profit climbed 17% to £282m. That was equivalent to an underlying pre-tax margin of 21%. Earnings per share rose 18% to 40.4p.

Meanwhile, Wise expanded its global reach by connecting to new domestic payment systems in the Philippines, Japan, and Brazil. And it signed major new partnerships with Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered, and Nubank.

Source: Wise

I’d say the biggest risk is the uncertain economic backdrop. Were a global recession to occur, cross-border activity could quickly slow down.

Interestingly though, Wise is now the 11th-largest holding for FTSE 100 investment trust Scottish Mortgage. It says: “Multiple growth avenues are open to Wise…these opportunities give Wise the ability to grow many times from its current base.”

Looking ahead, the firm sees a $32trn market for its infrastructure. So the long-term growth opportunity remains very large indeed.

Of the two stocks here, I prefer Wise. It’s trading at 28.3 times forward earnings, and I think it’s well worth considering.

Ben McPoland has positions in BAE Systems, Nu Holdings, and Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended BAE Systems, Nu Holdings, Standard Chartered Plc, and Wise Plc. 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

Man writing 'now' having crossed out 'later', 'tomorrow' and 'next week'
Investing Articles

The best time to buy stocks? It might be right now

Short-term issues that delay long-term trends create opportunities to buy stocks. And that could be happening right now with a…

Read more »

Queen Street, one of Cardiff's main shopping streets, busy with Saturday shoppers.
Investing Articles

Here’s why Next stock rose 5% and topped the FTSE 100 today

Next was the leading FTSE 100 stock today, rising 5%. Our writer takes a look at why and asks if…

Read more »

Renewable energies concept collage
Investing Articles

Up 458% in a year, could the Ceres Power share price go even higher?

Christopher Ruane reviews some highs and lows of the Ceres Power share price over the years and wonders whether the…

Read more »

Rolls-Royce's Pearl 10X engine series
Investing Articles

Are the glory days over for Rolls-Royce shares?

Rolls-Royce shares have soared in recent years. Lately, though, they have taken a tumble. Could there be worse still to…

Read more »

Group of friends meet up in a pub
Investing Articles

Are ‘66% off’ Diageo shares a once-in-a-decade opportunity?

Diageo shares have taken another hit in the early weeks of 2026. Are we looking at a massive bargain or…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Meet the UK stock under £1.50 smashing Rolls-Royce shares over the past year

While Rolls-Royce shares get all the attention, this under-the-radar trust has quietly made investors a fortune. But is it still…

Read more »

UK financial background: share prices and stock graph overlaid on an image of the Union Jack
Investing Articles

Down 19%, the red lights are flashing for Barclays shares!

Barclays shares have fallen almost a fifth in value as the Middle East war has intensified. Royston Wild argues that…

Read more »

Aviva logo on glass meeting room door
Investing Articles

After falling another 5%, are Aviva shares too cheap to ignore?

£10,000 invested in Aviva shares five years ago would have grown 50% by now. But what might the future hold,…

Read more »