Forget a Cash ISA! I’d buy these 2 bargain FTSE 250 growth stocks today

These two FTSE 250 (INDEXFTSE:MCX) shares could be undervalued in my opinion, and may offer superior returns to a Cash ISA.

| 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.

The FTSE 250 may have risen by 12% in the first half of 2019, but there continue to be a number of shares that could offer good value for money.

Certainly, with the index being focused on the UK there is political and economic uncertainty facing many of its members.

But when compared to the 1.5% return on a Cash ISA that is available at the present time, now could prove to be a good time to access the growth potential of a range of mid-cap stocks.

With that in mind, here are two FTSE 250 shares that appear to offer growth at a reasonable price.

Future

Global platform for specialist media, Future (LSE: FUTR), released an encouraging trading update on Monday. It reported that the positive performance it experienced in the first half of the year has continued. As a result, it anticipates that its performance for the full year will be ahead of previous guidance.

The financial outlook of the company has been boosted by strong audience growth within its Media division. It has also seen a positive contribution from recent acquisitions, while being in the process of searching for a new CFO following a change in position to Chief Strategy Officer for the current CFO.

In the current year, Future is forecast to post a rise in earnings of 16%. Despite this strong rate of growth, the stock trades on a price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of just 1.3. This suggests that it could offer good value for money, and may be able to deliver further share price growth following its 118% rise since the start of the year.

G4S

Also offering an encouraging financial outlook is FTSE 250-listed G4S (LSE: GFS). The security specialist is expected to post a rise in earnings of 12% in the current year after what has been an uncertain period for the business in recent years. Since it trades on a PEG ratio of 1, it appears to be cheap relative to many of its mid-cap peers.

The company’s recent trading update showed that is has experienced strong sales wins in recent months. It is also making progress with a separation review that has the aim of creating two separate businesses in order to unlock shareholder value. This could be a sound move for the business, and could offer greater specialism and efficiency over the long run.

As well as its growth potential, G4S also has an increasingly appealing income outlook. The stock currently yields 5% from a dividend that is covered twice by profit. This suggests that there is scope for growth in shareholder payouts, which may provide an additional boost to its total return over the long run. As such, now could be a good time to buy a slice of the stock from a value, income and growth perspective.

Peter Stephens 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

A handsome mature bald bearded black man in a sunglasses and a fashionable blue or teal costume with a tie is standing in front of a wall made of striped wooden timbers and fastening a suit button
Investing Articles

Is NIO stock the next Tesla?

The NIO share price is up by more than 100% in the past year. Might this Chinese EV firm be…

Read more »

Two business people sitting at cafe working on new project using laptop. Young businesswoman taking notes and businessman working on laptop computer.
Investing Articles

Is this the beginning of a stock market recovery?

Dr James Fox explores whether a stock market recovery is truly on the cards after the US struck a deal…

Read more »

Smiling white woman holding iPhone with Airpods in ear
Investing Articles

Up just 1%: what’s going on with Tesco shares now?

Dr James Fox takes a closer look at Tesco shares after the stock rose less than the rest of the…

Read more »

Rear view image depicting a senior man in his 70s sitting on a bench leading down to the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs on the coastline of East Sussex, UK. The man is wearing casual clothing - blue denim jeans, a red checked shirt, navy blue gilet. The man is having a rest from hiking and his hiking pole is leaning up against the bench.
Investing Articles

How much do I need in a Stocks and Shares ISA to reach a £2,027 monthly passive income?

The new financial year is under way and that means new allowances for the Stocks and Shares ISA! How much…

Read more »

UK coloured flags waving above large crowd on a stadium sport match.
Investing Articles

Why is everyone suddenly buying this dirt-cheap growth stock?

This beaten-down UK growth stock has suddenly become the centre of attention as investors target its recovery potential. The Iran…

Read more »

Finger clicking a button marked 'Buy' on a keyboard
Investing Articles

Why is everyone buying Rolls-Royce shares?

Rolls-Royce shares jumped 10% today, even giving mining stocks a run for their money as the FTSE 100 index suddenly…

Read more »

Shot of a senior man drinking coffee and looking thoughtfully out of a window
Investing Articles

Up 8%: what’s going on with Lloyds shares today?

Dr James Fox takes a closer look at one of the stock market's biggest gainers on Wednesday 8 April after…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Investing Articles

Fresnillo share price rebounds as a FTSE 100 top mover after a 30% sell-off — what’s next?

The Fresnillo share price has surged today — Andrew Mackie asks whether this FTSE 100 mover is signalling a turning…

Read more »