7.5x earnings, £80.2m in net cash, and a big yield… what’s not to like about this UK stock?

This UK stock has a really strong net cash position relative to its size and its other metrics are very encouraging. Dr James Fox explains.

| 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.

Portrait of pensive bearded senior looking on screen of laptop sitting at table with coffee cup.

Image source: Getty Images

Yü Group‘s (LSE:YU) a UK stock that’s confounded expectations. Over the past five years, it’s delivered a spectacular 1,800% share price return. And yet it still looks unusually cheap for a UK growth share.

Currently, the business trades at just 7.5 times forecast earnings, holds a really impressive net cash position of £80.2m, and offers a healthy — and growing — dividend yield that looks set to move north of 5% in just a couple of years.

What it does

Yü Group specialises in supplying electricity, gas, and water exclusively to UK businesses. Unlike many mid-tier operators, it isn’t a broker. It’s a licensed supplier, bundling utilities with straightforward contracts and adding value through digital metering, usage analytics, and sustainability options. The company’s known for its quick scaling in smart meters and for winning new SME and large enterprise customers across Britain.

Industry-wide trends look supportive. There’s an accelerating push for smart metering, transparency, and ESG. These are areas where Yü Group’s already strong. For businesses craving greener energy, Yü also offers packages that include 100% renewable electricity.

Furthermore, companies face rising pressure to cut costs and to simplify utility management, both of which are firmly in Yü’s marketing wheelhouse. By the start of 2025, Yü had already secured £566m in contracted revenue, up 9% from last year, underpinning both its impressive sales growth and greater earnings visibility.

The numbers add up

Earnings have snowballed. Adjusted EBITDA hit £48.8m in 2024 (up 11%), with pre-tax profit at £44.5m. Net cash stood at £80.2m, buoyed by prudent hedging alongside a deal with Shell that freed up working capital for further expansion.

And the balance sheet outlook only improves. Analysts forecast net cash to reach £117m in 2025, £142m for 2026, and a remarkable £168m for 2027. This is really worth noting for a company with a market cap of £272m.

Dividends are also improving. Starting at 60p per share for 2024, it’s on track for 84p in 2025, 90p in 2026, and 95p in 2027. The yield, currently 3.3%, will reach 4.7% by 2026 and 5.1% by 2027 if forecasts hold. That’s difficult to find among either high-growth or utilitarian dividend shares.

Forward earnings metrics are also compelling. Yü trades on 7.5 times forecast earnings for 2025, dropping to just 7 times in 2026. The net cash-adjusted price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio would sit around 5.2 times. Very attractive.

The bottom line

However, there are risks. Energy markets are by nature volatile, injecting uncertainty into what customers ultimately pay and what Yü pockets. While its revenue per customer is somewhat exposed to wholesale price swings, its hedging agreements reduce some pressure but do not eliminate it.

Rapid growth brings the usual operational and execution risks, and the highly competitive UK utilities space could erode margins. Even allowing for these risks, there’s a lot to like about the company. It’s certainly worth broader investor attention.

I’m going to be watching it very closely.

James Fox 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.

More on Investing Articles

Man hanging in the balance over a log at seaside in Scotland
Investing Articles

Lloyds shares just dipped below the £1 mark!

Lloyds shares are trading for pennies again! But is this a golden opportunity to pick up shares in the FTSE…

Read more »

ISA coins
Investing Articles

£10,000 put in a Cash ISA a decade ago is now worth…

What would have made someone the most money over the past 10 years -- a Cash ISA or Stocks and…

Read more »

A man with Down's syndrome serves a customer a pint of beer in a pub.
Investing Articles

Are Diageo shares about to pull a Rolls-Royce?

On many metrics, Diageo shares are looking somewhat similar to Rolls-Royce shares a few years back. Could history repeat itself?

Read more »

Warren Buffett at a Berkshire Hathaway AGM
Investing Articles

1 big question to ask when thinking about what Nvidia stock could be worth

Christopher Ruane likes the look of the Nvidia business. But when it comes to its stock price, he's taking a…

Read more »

Night Takeoff Of The American Space Shuttle
Investing Articles

How has the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust share price risen 57% in a year?

The Scottish Mortgage share price has soared over the last 12 months. After this kind of gain, investors might be…

Read more »

A young black man makes the symbol of a peace sign with two fingers
Investing Articles

I just bought this magnificent £2 UK growth stock for my Stocks and Shares ISA

Edward Sheldon just bought shares in this fast-growing British company for his Stocks and Shares ISA and he’s excited about…

Read more »

British pound data
Investing Articles

The stock market could plummet says the Bank of England

The Bank of England sees a number of risks on the horizon that could derail the stock market’s recent rally.…

Read more »

Young mixed-race couple sat on the beach looking out over the sea
Investing Articles

Here’s how a £20,000 Stocks and Shares ISA could one day generate £14,947 of passive income a year

Can a five-figure Stocks and Shares ISA end up producing a five-figure annual passive income? This writer shows how it…

Read more »