This FTSE small-cap is a great growth stock I’d seriously consider

Jabran Khan explains why this FTSE small-cap stock is high on his list of growth stocks and why he’s thinking it could be a great addition to his portfolio.

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.

Eckoh Technologies (LSE:ECK) is a FTSE growth stock that I believe presents a good opportunity. Eckoh is an award-winning customer engagement, contact centre, and secure payment solutions provider. Organisations are always looking to optimise customer experience as well increase contact centre efficiency and reduce operational costs. ECK’s customer base includes Transport for London, BMW, Boots, Capita, Ministry of Justice, and MetLife, to name a few.

FTSE opportunity

ECK has enjoyed substantial success in the past few years. In the last three years, it has seen revenue increase year on year. In addition, the company has seen gross profit increase year on year too over the last four years.

When the FTSE crashed in March, ECK lost nearly 40% of its share price value. At the height of the crash, shares could be purchased at just 41p per share. As I write this, shares are now trading at close to 70p per share, which is a good recovery in my opinion.

Recent performance

For the full year ended 31 March 2020, ECK revenue increased 16% to £33.2m. The revenue increase mostly came from ECK’s US segment, which increased by 36% of £12.7m. Its UK segment increased by 6% to £20.5m. Net income also increased from £945K to £3.1m.

A more recent trading update released today covered the six months to 30 September. Eckoh has showed excellent resilience in the face of an economic downturn. As expected, the first quarter was a challenging one for new business for many FTSE incumbents including ECK as deals were put on hold. Total revenue was slightly lower, driven mainly by a decline in US support services ($2.8m to $1.1m) and the impact on the UK business from the pandemic.

In the UK, new and total business were higher than last year. Total contracted business increased 8% to £8.6m. ECK saw excellent levels of business coming from existing clients. In August 2020, it secured a six-year renewal of its contract with Capita for the provision of services for the Congestion Charge to Transport for London, at a total contract value of £4m. A number of other sizeable renewals are expected to close in the second half of the financial year which is encouraging.

Growth to continue

Overall I feel Eckoh presents a unique opportunity to invest in a growing and thriving business. I believe its solutions will be key as the world changes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The way in which businesses take payments has been under scrutiny in recent years to ensure companies are compliant with with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)”.

ECK has shown it has the tools to win and renew key contracts, and caters to some of the biggest public and private sector names out there. Across the FTSE there are many growth stocks, but this one is high on my list right now. At its current price, I feel it is a bargain and I can only see its price increasing.

Jabran Khan 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

Calendar showing the date of 5th April on desk in a house
Investing Articles

Just 1 year’s Stocks and Shares ISA allowance could generate a £1,900 annual passive income. Here’s how!

Fretting about the upcoming Stocks and Shares ISA contribution deadline? Our writer has an upbeat approach, focusing on ongoing passive…

Read more »

Passive and Active: text from letters of the wooden alphabet on a green chalk board
Investing Articles

As global markets dip, British passive income stocks offer higher yields at cheaper prices

Mark Hartley takes a look at some higher-yielding FTSE stocks that have taken a hard hit in the past month.…

Read more »

Mindful young woman breathing out with closed eyes, calming down in stressful situation, working on computer in modern kitchen.
Investing Articles

2 ‘overpriced’ FTSE 100 shares I’ve got my eye on if the stock market crashes

Never one to miss an opportunity, our writer is putting cash aside to buy quality FTSE 100 stocks in the…

Read more »

Young mixed-race woman looking out of the window with a look of consternation on her face
Investing Articles

With stock market risks emerging, is now the time to consider the 60/40 portfolio?

The stock market could be in for a period of turbulence. Here’s a simple strategy that can help long-term investors…

Read more »

Bus waiting in front of the London Stock Exchange on a sunny day.
Investing Articles

Is a stock market crash coming? It’s not too late to get ready!

Christopher Ruane sees reasons to fear a coming stock market crash. Rather than tying to time it, he's hoping to…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Down 4% in 2026, is now the time to consider buying Nvidia shares

Has Nvidia become too big to keep growing? Or is the stock’s decline this year a chance to think about…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is the party finally over for Rolls-Royce shares?

Rolls-Royce shares have made investors rich but momentum is slowing and the Iran conflict isn't helping. How worried should we…

Read more »

Asian man looking concerned while studying paperwork at his desk in an office
Investing Articles

7.8% dividend yield! A dirt-cheap UK income share to buy today?

I’m on the hunt for lucrative passive income opportunities, and this under-the-radar FTSE stock currently offers a whopping 7.8% dividend…

Read more »