This FTSE 250 stock has jumped 200%+ since the market crash. Would I buy now?

This FTSE 250 (INDEXFTSE:MCX) stock has soared on news that lockdowns are being lifted. Paul Summers thinks the shares still offer value.

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.

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.

Gambling stocks — including FTSE 250 bookmaker William Hill (LSE: WMH) — were among the hardest hit as markets crashed in March. At the time, this all seemed fairly logical. With most sporting events cancelled, the outlook for the industry looked truly dire. 

In only a couple of months, however, these stocks have bounced back strongly. Indeed, those who had the courage to buy William Hill back in the middle of March will have seen their money grow an incredible 200% since.

With lockdowns now beginning to ease around the world, is there still time to get on board? Let’s start by taking a quick look at today’s trading update.

Game off

All things considered, this morning’s statement could have been a lot worse.

While a flagging retail arm meant that total revenue declined 5% in the 10 weeks before the coronavirus hit, the company was still making great strides online over this period. Overseas growth, particularly in Spain, Italy and the potentially-very-lucrative US market was strong in this part of the business. 

From 11 March to 28 April, however, net revenue tumbled 57%. That fall was partly due to the closure of the company’s entire retail estate as a result of the pandemic.

It wasn’t all bad. Encouragingly, the FTSE 250 member said today that online activity had not declined as much as expected. Punters were continuing to bet on sports like table tennis and football in emerging markets. Others were switching to games offered by the company. Interestingly, the introduction of a ban on customers using credit cards had not led to a material drop in activity.

William Hill has also done its bit to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on its finances. Costs have been cut and dividend payments have been suspended. Having come to an agreement with its lenders, the FTSE 250 stock said that it finished the trading periodin a strong financial position with significant headroom“. 

FTSE 250 recovery play?

Shares in William Hill were racing ahead of the pack again in early trading, This suggests that investors believe the company still offers value. Are they right?

Well, as the company itself noted, there are signs that the sporting calendar could be about to get back on track. Football in Germany, for example, is expected to resume this month, albeit behind closed doors. Horse-racing is likely to return to the UK in June, having already restarted in France.

For its part, Hill said that it was currently planning to ‘power up’ its operations through a “staged opening of the UK retail estate in the second half of 2020″. Notwithstanding this, it did say that it would be withdrawing all future guidance on earnings.

With the shares still around 45% lower than where they were trading at the start of 2020, I can’t help but feel there’s still some money to be made. This is especially true given that the company is nicely positioned to benefit from the huge growth of gambling in the US as rules are gradually relaxed. 

I certainly wouldn’t go ‘all-in’ on William Hill though. After all, no one knows just how successful the lifting of restrictions will be. News of a second wave will almost certainly obliterate the gains made since March as events get postponed again. It’s a bet worth taking, in my view, but I’d be inclined to build a position gradually.

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.

Paul Summers 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

Passive income text with pin graph chart on business table
Investing Articles

Yields of up to 7%! I’d consider boosting my income with these FTSE dividend stocks

The London market has some decent-looking dividend stocks right now, and I’m tempted by these two for growing income streams.

Read more »

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

I’d put £20K in an ISA now to target a £1,900 monthly second income in future!

Christopher Ruane shares why he thinks a long-term approach to investing and careful selection of shares could help him build…

Read more »

Mature couple at the beach
Investing Articles

6 stocks that Fools have been buying!

Our Foolish freelancers are putting their money where their mouths are and buying these stocks in recent weeks.

Read more »

Black woman using loudspeaker to be heard
Investing Articles

I was right about the Barclays share price! Here’s what I think happens next

Jon Smith explains why he still feels the Barclays share price is undervalued and flags up why updates on its…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Where I’d start investing £8,000 in April 2024

Writer Ben McPoland highlights two areas of the stock market that he would target if he were to start investing…

Read more »

View of Tower Bridge in Autumn
Investing Articles

Ahead of the ISA deadline, here are 3 FTSE 100 stocks I’d consider

Jon Smith notes down some FTSE 100 stocks in sectors ranging from property to retail that he thinks could offer…

Read more »

Young female business analyst looking at a graph chart while working from home
Investing Articles

Why I think Rolls-Royce shares will pay a dividend in 2024

Stephen Wright thinks Rolls-Royce shares are about to pay a dividend again. But he isn’t convinced this is something investors…

Read more »

Investing Articles

1 of the best UK shares to consider buying in April

Higher gold prices and a falling share price have put this FTSE 250 stock on Stephen Wright's list of UK…

Read more »