Stock market rally! Here are 2 FTSE 250 shares I’ve been buying for the next bull run

Share prices are rising and this Fool is buying. Paul Summers details two FTSE 250 (INDEXFTSE:MCX) shares he’s added for the next bull market.

| 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.

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.

With promising coronavirus vaccines continuing to hit the headlines, stock markets have been rallying strongly in November. Today, I’m covering two FTSE 250 shares I’ve been adding as part of my own buying spree.

FTSE 250 contrarian play

Like most in the market, online price comparison site Moneysupermarket.com (LSE: MONY) hasn’t had the easiest 2020 so far. In its most recent update, the FTSE 250 member revealed a 16% decline in revenue over Q3, due to travel restrictions and banks pulling products from the market.

But let’s not get distracted by a temporary period of troublesome trading — Moneysupermarket still ticks many boxes on a quality-focused investing checklist:

  • Sky-high returns on capital employed? Check.
  • Huge operating margins? Check.
  • A strong brand? Check.
  • Net cash on the balance sheet? Check (£5m).
  • Still paying dividends? Check.

In addition to all this, Moneysupermarket should benefit from a rush for travel insurance when people start flying again. Even those that aren’t so inclined to travel will still be wanting to use the site to save money on monthly bills. 

Could I make greater gains buying battered travel and leisure stocks? Quite possibly. The issue with this strategy, however, is that many of these simply aren’t very good businesses when it comes to making money for their shareholders. And, as Warren Buffett would surely attest, it’s the quality of a business that really matters in the long run.

Assuming things do get back to normal next year, Moneysupermarket shares trade at 17 times forecast FY21 earnings. That still looks great value to me, considering the five-year average PE of 22.

Down but not out

A second battered FTSE 250 stock I’ve bought more of in November is high-performance polymer supplier Victrex (LSE: VCT). Like Moneysupermarket, recent trading hasn’t been great, due to the chaos caused by the coronavirus.

Last month’s update spoke of end markets remaining “subdued” after sales volume and revenue fell 26% (to 695 tonnes) and 27% (to £55,7m) respectively in Q4. Job cuts will help mitigate the company’s high fixed costs, but it’s hardly the sort of news to make investors bullish. There’s also Brexit to ponder.

As negative as this sounds, Victrex remains a classy operator. Let’s look at some of the attractions: 

  • High returns on capital employed? Check.
  • High operating margins? Check.
  • Operating in multiple industries. Check.
  • A market leader in what it does? Check.
  • Lots of net cash on the balance sheet? Check (£67.4m).
  • Dividends? Check (a dividend for FY2020 is expected).
  • Growth opportunities? Check.

Thanks to its exposure to the aerospace industry, I also think Victrex is another good ‘picks and shovels’ play on the recovery in travel. Tapping into the growing trend for green investments, the company’s lightweight thermoplastics help make aircraft more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Play the long game

Naturally, big gains won’t come overnight. As an investor however, it pays to distinguish between short-term hurdles and game-changing problems. The coronavirus, I submit, is the former.

A valuation of 24 times forecast earnings does look dear, given current headwinds, but this should reduce as profits recover over the next couple of years. Just like star UK fund manager Terry Smith, I think price is of secondary importance compared to buying a great company with solid growth prospects. This belief certainly hasn’t adversely affected the performance of his Fundsmith Equity Fund.

Victrex’s eventual rebound should be worth the wait.  

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 owns shares of Moneysupermarket.com and Victrex. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Moneysupermarket.com and Victrex. 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

Investing Articles

Could the JD Sports Fashion share price double in the next five years?

The JD Sports Fashion share price has nearly halved in the past five years. Our writer thinks a proven business…

Read more »

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

If interest rate cuts are coming, I think these UK growth stocks could soar!

Falling interest could be great news for UK growth stocks, especially those that have been under the cosh recently. Paul…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Are these the best stocks to buy on the FTSE right now?

With the UK stock market on the way to hitting new highs, this Fool is considering which are the best…

Read more »

Petrochemical engineer working at night with digital tablet inside oil and gas refinery plant
Investing Articles

Can the Centrica dividend keep on growing?

Christopher Ruane considers some positive factors that might see continued growth in the Centrica dividend -- as well as some…

Read more »

Smiling family of four enjoying breakfast at sunrise while camping
Investing Articles

How I’d turn my £12,000 of savings into passive income of £1,275 a month

This Fool is considering a strategy that he believes can help him achieve a stable passive income stream with a…

Read more »

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

2 top FTSE 250 investment trusts trading at attractive discounts!

This pair of discounted FTSE 250 trusts appear to be on sale right now. Here's why I'd scoop up their…

Read more »

Smiling young man sitting in cafe and checking messages, with his laptop in front of him.
Investing Articles

3 things that could push the Lloyds share price to 60p and beyond

The Lloyds share price has broken through 50p. Next step 60p? And then what? Here are some thoughts on what…

Read more »

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

£1,000 in Rolls-Royce shares a year ago would be worth this much now

Rolls-Royce shares have posted one of the best stock market gains of the past 12 months. But what might the…

Read more »