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James Beard

After studying Business Economics at the University of Leicester, James completed a Master's degree in Development Economics. He then joined an accountancy firm in London and went on to qualify as a chartered accountant. James finished his career in practice as a Senior Assurance Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Middle East. He has since held various senior finance positions - mainly in SMEs but also in an AIM-listed company - in the energy, engineering and manufacturing sectors, both in the UK and Ireland. He is now a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and joined The Motley Fool in September 2023. James invests primarily in UK stocks through his Stocks and Shares ISA and Self-Invested Personal Pension Plan. He enjoys using his accountancy training to review annual reports and earnings releases in an attempt to identify potentially undervalued companies. He also likes dividend stocks and follows the tried and tested approach of reinvesting all of the income he earns buying more shares. His favourite investment quote comes from Warren Buffett. He once said: “Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks."

Recent Articles

Warren Buffett at a Berkshire Hathaway AGM
Investing Articles

In 83 years, could I turn $115 into $133bn, like Warren Buffett?

| James Beard

This week marks the 83rd anniversary of Warren Buffett buying his first stock. Our writer considers how difficult it would…

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Bournemouth at night with a fireworks display from the pier
Investing Articles

My top 10 cheap FTSE 100 stocks

| James Beard

I’ve been crunching some numbers to identify the 10 most undervalued FTSE 100 shares. But the key question is, are…

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Exterior of BT Group head office - One Braham, London
Investing Articles

Down 50% in 5 years, does the BT share price reflect the 2024-26 dividend forecast?

| James Beard

The BT share price has halved over the past five years. Our writer looks at the three-year dividend forecast and…

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Hydrogen testing at DLR Cologne
Investing Articles

At 388p, is the Rolls-Royce share price at the level of a meme stock?

| James Beard

It might be flippant to suggest that the Rolls-Royce share price is similar to that of a meme stock, but…

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Number three written on white chat bubble on blue background
Investing Articles

Is it time to get defensive and buy these 3 FTSE shares?

| James Beard

Our writer’s found three FTSE shares with exposure to the defence sector. But would they make a great investment in…

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Red briefcase with the words Budget HM Treasury embossed in gold
Investing Articles

The government’s selling some of its NatWest shares. Should I buy for passive income?

| James Beard

Jeremy Hunt has announced the government plans to dispose of its stake in NatWest. Could this be a great passive…

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Emma Raducanu for Vodafone billboard animation at Piccadilly Circus, London
Investing Articles

Here’s why I think the Vodafone share price should be 110% higher

| James Beard

Reflecting on speculation, our writer believes there’s a case to be made for the Vodafone share price being more than…

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Percy Pig Ocado van outside distribution centre
Investing Articles

2 FTSE 100 stocks. One sublime, the other ridiculous

| James Beard

Our writer doesn’t understand the appeal of Ocado. But looking at the grocer’s latest results makes him see the attraction…

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Portrait of elderly man wearing white denim shirt and glasses looking up with hand on chin. Thoughtful senior entrepreneur, studio shot against grey background.
Investing Articles

Down 18% in a year, what’s next for the Greatland Gold (GGP) share price?

| James Beard

The Greatland Gold share price has disappointed over the past 12 months. Our writer asks whether the company’s latest update…

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Smiling white woman holding iPhone with Airpods in ear
Investing Articles

Is it time to look again at the Apple of Warren Buffett’s eye?

| James Beard

So far I’ve resisted investing in Warren Buffett’s favourite stock. But have I left it too late to follow the…

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Abstract bull climbing indicators on stock chart
Investing Articles

Will the Lloyds share price climb above 60p before the end of 2024?

| James Beard

The Lloyds share price jumped higher after the bank released its 2023 results. Could the 60p-barrier be smashed before the…

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Two multiracial girls making heart sign against red background
Investing Articles

For me, this FTSE 250 stock is a no-brainer buy!

| James Beard

After doing some number crunching and looking at the charts, our writer is convinced that this FTSE 250 stock is…

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Close-up of a woman holding modern polymer ten, twenty and fifty pound notes.
Investing Articles

Here’s the Barclays dividend forecast through until 2026

| James Beard

Volatile earnings makes it difficult to prepare a dividend forecast for a bank. But our writer’s been looking at Barclays…

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Man putting his card into an ATM machine while his son sits in a stroller beside him.
Investing Articles

HSBC share price down despite record-breaking 2023 profits

| James Beard

The HSBC share price underwhelmed after the bank released its results for its latest financial year. Our writer looks at…

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Young Black woman looking concerned while in front of her laptop
Investing Articles

Here’s the 2024 and 2025 Vodafone dividend forecast

| James Beard

Vodafone's falling share price has put a dent in my ISA. That's why I'm taking an interest in the two-year…

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Smart young brown businesswoman working from home on a laptop
Investing Articles

What next for the Vodafone share price?

| James Beard

For the Vodafone share price to return to previous levels, I think the telecoms giant needs to solve its two…

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Tabletop model of a bear sat on desk in front of monitors showing stock charts
Investing Articles

Up over 700% in a month! Here’s why I’m steering clear of this penny stock

| James Beard

Our writer explains why he doesn't want to buy this penny stock, despite its recent meteoric rise. And its lack…

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

How I’d invest £10,000 to target £1,010 a year of passive income

| James Beard

Our writer explains how he'd seek to generate over £1,000 of passive income each year (and some capital growth) by…

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Close-up of a woman holding modern polymer ten, twenty and fifty pound notes.
Investing Articles

The best (and worst) performers on the FTSE 250 last week

| James Beard

Our writer looks at the biggest movers on the FTSE 250 during the week ended 9 February. Overall, the index…

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Customers being shown around a house in progress
Investing Articles

Which is my number-one FTSE 100 housebuilder?

| James Beard

After a shock announcement, Barratt Developments will overtake Taylor Wimpey as the FTSE 100's largest builder. But should I buy…

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Emma Raducanu for Vodafone billboard animation at Piccadilly Circus, London
Investing Articles

At 64p, I think the Vodafone share price could be 85% undervalued!

| James Beard

With the Vodafone share price continuing to disappoint, our writer's trying to work out what the telecoms giant will be…

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Investing Articles

2 no-brainer FTSE ‘beginner’ stocks I’d buy

| James Beard

Here are two FTSE stocks I think could help newbie investors -- looking to buy shares for the first time…

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'2024' art concept overlaid on a stock screener
Investing Articles

Is this exciting growth stock a no-brainer buy for 2024?

| James Beard

Our writer thinks he's found a growth stock that's likely to continue to benefit from the artificial intelligence revolution.

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Aerial Houses Residential British England Drone Above View Summer Blue Sky Estate Agent
Investing Articles

The Barratt Developments share price nosedives after its H1 earnings came with a big surprise

| James Beard

The Barratt Developments share price has fallen 40% since the pandemic. But the latest earnings report included a surprise announcement.

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Man putting his card into an ATM machine while his son sits in a stroller beside him.
Investing Articles

Why passive income matters to Lloyds Bank shareholders

| James Beard

With the Lloyds share price continuing to disappoint, I'm thankful that the bank's stock remains a great source of passive…

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2024 year number handwritten on a sandy beach at sunrise
Investing Articles

How will stock markets react to this year’s elections?

| James Beard

Stock market investors don't like uncertainty. With 64 countries due to vote in 2024, is it time to think defensively?

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Warren Buffett at a Berkshire Hathaway AGM
Investing Articles

What would Warren Buffett make of my Stocks and Shares ISA?

| James Beard

Our writer speculates what Warren Buffett, possibly the most successful investor of all time, would think about the stocks in…

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Emma Raducanu for Vodafone billboard animation at Piccadilly Circus, London
Investing Articles

With a P/E ratio of 8 and a yield of 11.3%, what’s holding back the Vodafone share price?

| James Beard

Certain valuation metrics suggest that the Vodafone share price is in bargain territory. So why isn't the stock doing better?

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Hydrogen testing at DLR Cologne
Investing Articles

At 305p, should I ‘snog, marry, or avoid’ Rolls-Royce shares?

| James Beard

I'm looking at the prospects for Rolls-Royce shares through the lens of short-term trading (snog) or long-term investing (marry)!

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Electric cars charging at a charging station
Investing Articles

AI could drive the Tesla share price to $570 by 2030

| James Beard

Experts are predicting that AI will revolutionise the way we drive. It could also take the Tesla share price to…

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A front-view shot of a multi-ethnic family with two children walking down a city street on a cold December night.
Investing Articles

Down 42% in six months, why are investors putting the boot into this FTSE 250 icon?

| James Beard

It's been six months since I last looked at the investment case for this FTSE 250 legend. Since then, its…

Read more »

many happy international football fans watching tv
Investing Articles

How the share price of this FTSE 100 retailer could double in 2024

| James Beard

Only two members of the FTSE 100 -- Rolls-Royce and Marks and Spencer -- did it in 2023. But could…

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Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Is this 28%-yielding passive income stock stuck in a doom loop?

| James Beard

Our writer examines the reasons why this passive income stock is yielding nearly 30%. And asks whether now's the time…

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Investing Articles

Why isn’t anyone talking about the dividend forecast for Rolls-Royce shares?

| James Beard

The recent surge in the Rolls-Royce share price has captured the headlines. But nobody's discussing the dividend forecast. I wonder…

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Hydrogen testing at DLR Cologne
Investing Articles

Which is more likely: the Lloyds or Rolls-Royce share price to double by 2030?

| James Beard

After a stellar 2023, could the Rolls-Royce share price double over the next six years? Or will a dark horse…

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British Pennies on a Pound Note
Investing Articles

Here are 2 very different penny stocks. Should I buy them?

| James Beard

Our writer looks at two penny stocks with different characteristics. But when it comes to deciding which to buy, he…

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Mature couple in a discussion while eating a meal in a restaurant.
Investing Articles

No savings at 40? How I’d aim to generate £17,506 a year of passive income for my retirement

| James Beard

I think a decent level of passive income is the key to a happy old age. Encouragingly, I believe this…

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Businessman use electronic pen writing rising colorful graph from 2023 to 2024 year of business planning and stock investment growth concept.
Investing Articles

Could Lloyds be the FTSE 100’s best growth stock in 2024?

| James Beard

Our writer looks at the prospects for Lloyds Bank and asks whether it will deliver the returns expected of a…

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2024 year number handwritten on a sandy beach at sunrise
Investing Articles

6 reasons why I think the UK stock market will rally in 2024

| James Beard

The FTSE All-Share index increased by a disappointing 3.9% in 2023. Our writer explains why he thinks the stock market…

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

One small-cap stock I think could thrive in a recession

| James Beard

With the UK economy struggling to grow, our writer's found a small-cap stock that he thinks will benefit from an…

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