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        <title>Card Factory plc (LSE:CARD) Share Price, History, &amp; News | The Motley Fool UK</title>
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        <description>The Motley Fool UK: Share Tips, Investing and Stock Market News</description>
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	<title>Card Factory plc (LSE:CARD) Share Price, History, &amp; News | The Motley Fool UK</title>
	<link>https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-card/</link>
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                                <title>2 bargain-basement income stocks to consider in an ISA</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/04/02/2-bargain-basement-income-stocks-to-consider-in-an-isa/</link>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Royston Wild]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Dividend Shares]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1667426</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Looking for cheap last-minute shares for a Stocks and Shares ISA? These income stocks could be what investors have been searching for.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/04/02/2-bargain-basement-income-stocks-to-consider-in-an-isa/">2 bargain-basement income stocks to consider in an ISA</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p>Looking for dirt cheap dividend stocks to buy this ISA season? If the answer&#8217;s &#8216;yes,&#8217; you&#8217;re in luck. Recent market volatility means many top income stocks now trade on rock-bottom valuations and have sky-high dividend yields.</p>



<p>Here are two I think could be considered for a Stocks and Shares ISA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holding-the-cards">Holding the cards</h2>



<p><strong>Card Factory</strong>&#8216;s (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-card/">LSE:CARD</a>) the first of these dividend shares I think investors should consider. Like any retail share, it&#8217;s exposed to a rapid downturn in consumer spending. With the Middle East crisis escalating, this is a serious risk right now.</p>



<p>But then again, a focus on the value end of the market could stand Card Factory in good stead. After all, people don&#8217;t stop sending birthday cards and celebrating major occasions even when times get tough. The company&#8217;s revenues could remain largely stable if shoppers switch down from more expensive card sellers.</p>



<p>What&#8217;s more, it could be argued that Card Factory&#8217;s shares are already at bargain-basement levels. Its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio sits at 4.8 times, which some say fully reflects the challenges the retailer faces and may limit price downside.</p>



<p>Today, Card Factory shares carry an enormous 8.4% <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/dividend-yield/" id="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/dividend-yield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dividend yield</a> for this financial year (to January 2027). The good news too is that the predicted 5.2p per share annual dividend is covered 2.4 times by anticipated earnings. So even if earnings get blown wildly off course, that expected shareholder payout still looks in good shape.</p>



<p>Besides, management&#8217;s drive to slash costs should help protect profits and <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-shares-are-taxed-2/how-dividends-are-taxed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dividends</a> if sales drop. Over the long term, I think returns here could fly as it expands into higher-margin gifts and celebration accessories, expands into more international markets, and invests in the high-growth online channel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-another-top-income-stock">Another top income stock</h2>



<p>In an age of streaming, it&#8217;s easy to see why <strong>ITV </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-itv/">LSE:ITV</a>) shares might not be everyone&#8217;s cup of tea. Changing viewer habits could see traditional broadcasters like this eventually mowed down by <strong>Netflix</strong> and its peers.</p>



<p>Could these fears be exaggerated? In the case of ITV I think so. This is for two reasons. First of all, the company&#8217;s making its own impressive inroads into the streaming market and even outperforming the US giants. The number of active users on the ITVX platform surged 12% year on year in 2025, reflecting the depth of its popular programming.</p>



<p>The second reason is that, through its ITV Studios arm, the business has excellent sales opportunities as media companies battle it out for content. Last year, external revenues at the production unit rose 10% which it said &#8220;<em>reflected strong demand from global streaming platforms</em>&#8220;.</p>



<p>I&#8217;m a big fan of ITV. And especially when adding the company&#8217;s exceptional value for money into the bargain. Its price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of 0.5 for 2026 sits well inside value territory of 1 or below. The dividend yield&#8217;s a gigantic 6.7% as well, based on an expected 5p payout.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/04/02/2-bargain-basement-income-stocks-to-consider-in-an-isa/">2 bargain-basement income stocks to consider in an ISA</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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                                <title>After a 27% one-day crash, experts see an explosive recovery! Is this one of the best UK shares to buy now?</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/21/after-a-27-one-day-crash-experts-see-an-explosive-recovery-is-this-one-of-the-best-uk-shares-to-buy-now/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 08:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Zaven Boyrazian, CFA]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing For Beginners]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1649288</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>After crashing almost 30% in less than 24 hours, could this once-loved retailer be among the best UK shares to buy in February 2026?</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/21/after-a-27-one-day-crash-experts-see-an-explosive-recovery-is-this-one-of-the-best-uk-shares-to-buy-now/">After a 27% one-day crash, experts see an explosive recovery! Is this one of the best UK shares to buy now?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p>With the stock market reaching new record highs, finding cheap, quality UK shares is becoming tougher. But there are always opportunities for investors to explore. And one stock that some experts have flagged as a potential bargain buy is <strong>Card Factory</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-card/">LSE:CARD</a>).</p>



<p>Last December, the greetings card and gift retailer announced a pretty devastating profit warning, despite only a few months prior saying that the business remained on track. It was a nasty surprise that saw Card Factory shares crash almost 30% in a single day.</p>



<p>Yet since then, optimism from experts seems to be creeping back in with hopes for an incoming recovery. Does that secretly make this business a top UK stock to consider buying right now?</p>



<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Card Factory Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:CARD" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>




<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-card-factory-shares-are-dirt-cheap">Card Factory shares are dirt cheap</h2>



<p>Even after management cut its earnings guidance for its 2026 fiscal year (ending in January), the utter collapse of its share price means that the business is currently being valued at just 5.5 times <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/investment-glossary/what-is-forward-p-e/">forward earnings</a>.</p>



<p>That&#8217;s among the cheapest valuations on the entire <strong>London Stock Exchange</strong>. And it signals exceptionally low expectations coming from investors. But it also means that if management can deliver on even a modest profit improvement, Card Factory shares could be well-positioned for a rapid initial share price recovery.</p>



<p>That seems to be what many institutional experts are betting on.</p>



<p>With most having the opinion that the market has oversold this stock, the latest forecasts from Canaccord Genuity, <strong>UBS</strong>, and Berenberg have placed the <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-the-market/broker-forecasts/">consensus share price target</a> for Card Factory shares at 126p. And compared to where the shares are trading today, that represents a roughly 77% potential recovery gain!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch">What to watch</h2>



<p>As a largely consumer discretionary business, Card Factory&#8217;s performance is strongly tied to consumer spending. A big challenge seen recently has been a decline in footfall to its high-street stores, particularly during peak trading periods like Christmas.</p>



<p>But if the GfK Consumer Sentiment index continues to show steady signs of improvement, the business appears well-positioned to capitalise on this long-term tailwind.</p>



<p>In the meantime, management continues to pursue its online diversification strategy with its recent acquisitions, including Funky Pigeon. Successful integration of these bolt-on businesses could help expand the group&#8217;s e-commerce presence and create new cross-selling opportunities.</p>



<p>Of course, none of this is guaranteed. After all, low barriers to entry have seen some pretty fierce competition emerge over the years. In particular, supermarkets have started selling comparable greetings cards at lower prices as loss-leaders to drive higher footfall to their stores.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bottom-line">The bottom line</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s no denying that Card Factory is operating in a space facing continuous pressure from rivals and weakened macroeconomics. But to management&#8217;s credit, the business hasn&#8217;t been idle, implementing digital transformation to diversify and drive more efficiency, while simultaneously pursuing cost-saving initiatives.</p>



<p>A successful turnaround is far from guaranteed. But with the market pricing Card Factory shares as if it&#8217;s already doomed to fail, the risk-to-reward ratio looks potentially quite favourable. That&#8217;s why I think it may be worth digging a little deeper. But there are also other discounted UK shares on my radar that show even more promise.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/21/after-a-27-one-day-crash-experts-see-an-explosive-recovery-is-this-one-of-the-best-uk-shares-to-buy-now/">After a 27% one-day crash, experts see an explosive recovery! Is this one of the best UK shares to buy now?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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                                <title>Here are 2 cheap stocks that could turn red hot in 2026, according to experts</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/15/here-are-2-cheap-stocks-that-could-turn-red-hot-in-2026-according-to-experts/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 07:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Zaven Boyrazian, CFA]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Value Shares]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1647351</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Investing in quality, cheap stocks can supercharge portfolio returns, and here are two top picks from institutional experts that might double in 2026!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/15/here-are-2-cheap-stocks-that-could-turn-red-hot-in-2026-according-to-experts/">Here are 2 cheap stocks that could turn red hot in 2026, according to experts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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<p>Even as UK shares reach record highs, there are still plenty of cheap stocks for investors to explore. And while cheap stocks are often discounted for a good reason, every once in a while, a rare buying opportunity can emerge, paving the way for some jaw-dropping recovery returns.</p>



<p>Having surged over 1,000% in just three years<strong>, Rolls-Royce</strong> shares serve as a perfect example of the explosive gains investors can potentially earn. So the question now becomes, which company&#8217;s going to be the next Rolls-Royce in 2026?</p>



<p>Well, right now there are two stocks experts have flagged as strong contenders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-jd-sports-fashion">1. JD Sports Fashion</h2>



<p>The last few years have been rough for <strong>JD Sports Fashion</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-jd/">LSE:JD.</a>) shares, having tumbled over 60% from their 2022 peak.</p>



<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="JD Sports Fashion Price" data-ticker="LSE:JD." data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>




<p>Thanks to a product innovation crisis from its key partner, <strong>Nike</strong>, the sports apparel retailer suffered through numerous profit warnings and downgrades. Yet, with these troubles potentially in the rear-view mirror, analysts at Peel Hunt have described JD Sports Fashion as <em>&#8220;chronically undervalued&#8221;</em>, reiterating a 200p <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-the-market/broker-forecasts/">share price target</a>.</p>



<p>That&#8217;s 144% higher than where the stock trades today! While ambitious, Peel Hunt might be onto something.</p>



<p>The firm&#8217;s latest trading update saw its largest market, North America, return to like-for-like growth. As such, management reiterated its target of delivering £400m in <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/the-cash-flow-statement/">free cash flow</a> for its 2026 fiscal year (ending in February). And according to Peel Hunt&#8217;s own estimates, JD Sports&#8217; shares currently trade at just seven times its projected 2027 fiscal year earnings.</p>



<p>Having said that, economic headwinds and growing fears of a recession don&#8217;t bode well for premium consumer discretionary retailers. But even if market conditions prove stronger than expected, JD remains largely dependent on Nike to deliver popular new products – something the sports brand has struggled with lately.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, with impressive recovery potential on the table, JD Sports definitely deserves a closer look, in my opinion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-card-factory">2. Card Factory</h2>



<p>Similar to JD Sports, <strong>Card Factory</strong>&#8216;s (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-card/">LSE:CARD</a>) another retailer analysts have highlighted as a potential big winner. Following a pretty painful profit warning in December, the shares promptly crashed by over 20%. And while the gift and greeting card business has seen a small recovery, the stock remains dirt cheap at a price-to-earnings ratio of just 5.7.</p>



<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Card Factory Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:CARD" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>




<p>So it&#8217;s no surprise <strong>UBS</strong> has issued a 120p share price target while Canaccord Genuity is even more bullish at 150p.</p>



<p>That&#8217;s a potential recovery return of 115% over the next 12 months, driven by self-help initiatives and leveraging its unique vertical integration advantage. And with a recent trading update confirming the group&#8217;s on track to deliver on revised expectations, its recovery story might have just kicked off.</p>



<p>Management&#8217;s strategy to pivot away from low-margin cards to high-margin gifts definitely seems prudent. But it nonetheless comes with significant execution risk. After all, the strategy involves store reconfigurations and the establishing of new supply chains, both of which entail their own set of complexities.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, much like JD Sports, the recovery potential might make these risks worth taking. So in my mind, this is another cheap stock for investors to investigate further. But these aren&#8217;t the only opportunities I&#8217;ve got on my radar.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/15/here-are-2-cheap-stocks-that-could-turn-red-hot-in-2026-according-to-experts/">Here are 2 cheap stocks that could turn red hot in 2026, according to experts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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                                <title>2 UK stocks tipped to grow 50%+ over the next 12 months</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/11/2-uk-stocks-tipped-to-grow-50-over-the-next-12-months/</link>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Beard]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Value Shares]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1647083</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Could these two UK stocks really grow by more than 50% over the next year? James Beard considers whether this forecast is too good to be true.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/11/2-uk-stocks-tipped-to-grow-50-over-the-next-12-months/">2 UK stocks tipped to grow 50%+ over the next 12 months</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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<p>With UK stocks coming back into fashion at the moment, it’s tempting to think that the best opportunities have been missed. But city experts reckon there are two stocks that have huge growth potential over the next year or so.</p>



<p>Unlikely? Let’s try and find out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-gift">A gift?</h2>



<p><strong>Card Factory</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-card/">LSE:CARD</a>) is a common sight on the UK high street. But in December 2025, the card and gift retailer issued a profit warning. Even with the group positioning itself at the value end of the market, it doesn’t seem to have escaped the impact of reduced disposable incomes. Higher employment costs, stubborn inflation and intense competition haven’t helped either.</p>



<p>But analysts reckon the group’s shares are currently (11 February) 57% undervalued. And with a forward <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/pe-ratio/">price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio</a> of just 5.7, I can see why they might hold this view. The stock also offers an attractive dividend. Based on amounts paid over the past 12 months, it’s yielding 6.7%. Of course, given the profit warning, there’s a possibility this might be cut. And the group has a relatively short history of paying dividends, so the past isn’t a good guide here.</p>



<p>To try and capture more profit, the group designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells its cards. It also claims this helps it react more quickly to changing tastes.</p>



<p>But the business feels a little old-fashioned to me. It recently bought Funky Pigeon to boost its online offering but sending cards does feel like a thing of the past.</p>



<p>The stock’s also one of the most volatile around. With a five-year beta of 3.1, it means if the stock market moves up (or down) by 10%, Card Factory’s share price will change, on average, by 31%.</p>



<p>Despite its attractive valuation and the impressive 12-month share price targets, I think there are better opportunities to consider elsewhere, in markets with healthier <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/getting-started-in-investing/foolish-investing-taking-the-long-term-approach/">long-term growth prospects</a>.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Card Factory Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:CARD" data-range="5y" data-start-date="2021-02-11" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-such-as">Such as?</h2>



<p>One example is <strong>Gamma Communications</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-gama/">LSE:GAMA</a>).</p>



<p>With the world moving away from copper phone lines to cloud-based communications, the telephone group’s likely to be one of the biggest beneficiaries. Its Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) offering is currently available in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and Germany.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Gamma Communications Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:GAMA" data-range="5y" data-start-date="2021-02-11" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p>Analysts reckon its shares are 67% undervalued. With a P/E ratio of only 9.6, there’s strong evidence to support this view. And as an added bonus, the group also pays a modest dividend. The stock’s currently yielding 2.3%.</p>



<p>But the group’s profit has been impacted by a lack of economic growth and a loss of confidence among its target customer base of small and medium-sized businesses. Also, there’s plenty of competition out there.</p>



<p>And the UK’s plans to shut down its Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) in early 2027, is a double-edged sword. Some customers are moving to fibre solutions as a cheaper alternative to UCaaS. Although Gamma does provide this service, it earns a lower margin than on its cloud offering.</p>



<p>However, it operates in an industry where the direction of travel is clear. Of course, the PSTN switch-off might be delayed (it has been before) but, eventually, everything will be in the cloud.</p>



<p>I think the recent pullback in the group’s share price – it’s fallen 33% since February 2025 – could be an excellent buying opportunity. I reckon Gamma Communications is a stock to consider.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/11/2-uk-stocks-tipped-to-grow-50-over-the-next-12-months/">2 UK stocks tipped to grow 50%+ over the next 12 months</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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                                <title>A 7.3% dividend yield at a 5.5 P/E! Should I buy this cheap stock?</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/25/a-7-3-dividend-yield-at-a-5-5-p-e-should-i-buy-this-cheap-stock-2/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 08:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Zaven Boyrazian, CFA]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Value Shares]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1637026</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>With a dirt cheap P/E ratio and a surging yield, could this high street retail stock offer impressive long-term growth potential at a massive discount?</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/25/a-7-3-dividend-yield-at-a-5-5-p-e-should-i-buy-this-cheap-stock-2/">A 7.3% dividend yield at a 5.5 P/E! Should I buy this cheap stock?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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<p>While UK shares went on a double-digit rampage last year, there are still plenty of cheap stocks to explore in 2026. And among the cheapest stands <strong>Card Factory</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-card/">LSE:CARD</a>).</p>



<p>Over the last five years, these shares climbed by almost 80%. But in the last 12 months, the gift retailer has seen its market-cap shrink by just over 30%, bringing its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio to a dirt cheap 5.5, while boosting the dividend yield to a tasty-looking 7.3%.</p>



<p>So what’s behind this downturn? And has the volatility created an exceptional buying opportunity for value-focused investors?</p>



<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Card Factory Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:CARD" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>




<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happened">What happened?</h2>



<p>For most of 2025, Card Factory’s stock price was fairly stable. It wasn’t until December came along that a spanner was thrown into the works.</p>



<p>With the UK economic landscape less than ideal, consumers have started cutting back on non-critical discretionary spending. And for a business that specialises in greeting cards, gifts, and celebration products, that’s far from an ideal operating environment.</p>



<p>The result? Shortly before 2025 came to a close, the company issued a profit warning that understandably spooked investors. Instead of delivering pre-tax profit of £70m as previously expected, management revised its guidance down to a range of £55m-£60m. And the stock price plummeted by 27% in a single day.</p>



<p>While this profit warning was the key <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-the-market/what-is-market-volatility/">catalyst for volatility</a>, it likely wasn’t the sole cause. Like many high street retailers, Card Factory’s been coming under pressure from changes in government policy as well.</p>



<p>Increases to the Minimum Wage and National Insurance contributions have taken their toll. And with inflation driving up both raw material and logistical costs, as well as rising competition from supermarkets like <strong>Tesco</strong> and <strong>Sainsbury’s</strong>, <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/the-profit-and-loss-account/">profitability’s been squeezed</a> for most of 2025.</p>



<p>However, with these headwinds now seemingly already baked into its share price, has Card Factory been transformed into a top, cheap stock to buy?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-golden-opportunity">A golden opportunity?</h2>



<p>As of 2026, Card Factory’s currently the only UK brick &amp; mortar greeting card retailer that controls design, printing, and distribution all under one roof.</p>



<p>While this vertical integration does add complexity, it also gives management complete control over every stage of operations. And leadership’s subsequently been using this control to implement its ‘Simplify and Scale’ strategy, unlocking new efficiencies and savings covering everything from redesigning store layouts to automating manufacturing processes.</p>



<p>With benefits expected to emerge in 2027, the current pressure on profit margins may only be temporary. And if the economic environment improves simultaneously, Card Factory could be well-positioned for a rebound in both sales and profits within the next 18-24 months.</p>



<p>So is this a screaming buying opportunity for a quality, cheap stock?</p>



<p>It might be. But it’s important to recognise that a rebound’s far from guaranteed. The company still has to tackle a notable debt burden amid a profit decline. And with the greeting cards market in a secular decline, Card Factory’s growing increasingly dependent on the lower-margin gift side of its product portfolio.</p>



<p>In other words, profitability improvements through efficiencies may ultimately be offset by a secular shift in product mix. Nevertheless, with a P/E of just 5.5, these risks may be worth mulling over.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/25/a-7-3-dividend-yield-at-a-5-5-p-e-should-i-buy-this-cheap-stock-2/">A 7.3% dividend yield at a 5.5 P/E! Should I buy this cheap stock?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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                                <title>3 cheap UK shares tipped to grow 104% (or more) in 2026!</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/23/3-cheap-uk-shares-tipped-to-grow-104-or-more-in-2026/</link>
                                <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 07:04:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Royston Wild]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Value Shares]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1637310</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Looking for brilliant bargains with rebound potential this year? Royston Wild picks out three cheap FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 shares to consider.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/23/3-cheap-uk-shares-tipped-to-grow-104-or-more-in-2026/">3 cheap UK shares tipped to grow 104% (or more) in 2026!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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<p>The <strong>FTSE 100</strong> and<strong> FTSE 250</strong> are still soaring, but the UK is still a great place to buy cheap shares. Some quality names have actually fallen in price, providing scope for a potential share price rebound in 2026.</p>



<p>I&#8217;ve done some research to dig out stocks with the best chances of a recovery this year. My work shows that City analysts think their share prices will <span style="text-decoration: underline">double</span> in value or more during the next 12 months.</p>



<p>I too am optimistic these cheap stocks could rebound. Want to know why I think they&#8217;re worth considering right now?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gamma-communications">Gamma Communications</h2>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Gamma Communications Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:GAMA" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p><strong>Gamma Communications</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-gama/">LSE:GAMA</a>) helps companies switch to cloud-based systems, allowing them to modernise how they handle voice, video and messaging communications. It&#8217;s a hot growth area, but one that’s currently underperforming amid tough economic conditions.</p>



<p>Yet analysts remain overwhelmingly positive on the stock. Of the eight studying the <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-the-market/what-is-the-ftse-250/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FTSE 250</a> firm, seven consider it a Strong Buy, with the remaining one rating it a Buy.</p>



<p>Even the least optimistic of this grouping&#8217;s predicting a sharp price rebound over the next 12 months. They&#8217;re tipping a 21% rise, to £10.80. The most bullish number cruncher, meanwhile, is expecting Gamma shares to reach £18.20, a whopping 104% uplift.</p>



<p>Helped by falling interest rates, demand for its services might rebound strongly as businesses boost IT-related investment. Gamma will also benefit approaching the shutdown of all copper-based phone services in the UK next January.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-card-factory">Card Factory</h2>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Card Factory Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:CARD" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p><strong>Card Factory</strong>&#8216;s (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-card/">LSE:CARD</a>) another FTSE 250 company trending lower over the last year. Not even its focus on the value end of the greetings market has protected its share price. But could it be about to turn higher?</p>



<p>Seven brokers currently have ratings on the retailer. And their views on the company are largely positive &#8212; five class it as a Strong Buy, with two giving it a Hold rating.</p>



<p>This is reflected in their price forecasts for Card Factory shares. One analyst thinks the price will reach 170p during the next year, up 153% from today. Even the least bullish forecasts predicts a healthy 12% increase, to 75p.</p>



<p>A prolonged downturn in the UK economy could hinder any such price recovery. But aided by recent international expansion, I think Card Factory could bounce back strongly this year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jd-sports-fashion">JD Sports Fashion</h2>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="JD Sports Fashion Price" data-ticker="LSE:JD." data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p><strong>JD Sport Fashion </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-jd/">LSE:JD.</a>) is another casualty of tough market conditions. In particular, it&#8217;s struggled to tackle weak consumer spending in its major US region. Fierce competition on main street and online haven&#8217;t helped it either.</p>



<p>City analysts aren&#8217;t overwhelmingly positive in their view of the <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/personal-finance/share-dealing/guides/what-is-the-ftse-100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FTSE 100</a> share. But opinions are undeniably more positive than negative. Out of 17 rating the stock, seven consider it a Strong Buy or Buy. The remainder have a Hold rating, with not a single one giving it a Sell.</p>



<p>The most optimistic JD share price target is 200p, up 146% from today. The most pessimistic is 85p, suggesting a 5% increase.</p>



<p>I think there&#8217;s a good chance of a robust rebound as analysts expect. Conditions are improving in North America &#8212; this week it reported &#8220;<em>improved</em>&#8221; like-for-like sales there. And the broader athleisure fashion segment is tipped for further broad growth.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/23/3-cheap-uk-shares-tipped-to-grow-104-or-more-in-2026/">3 cheap UK shares tipped to grow 104% (or more) in 2026!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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                                <title>Consider these 3 shares to buy before the Christmas boom</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/11/24/consider-these-3-shares-to-buy-before-the-christmas-boom/</link>
                                <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 07:56:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Hartley]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Value Shares]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1607468</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Mark Hartley weighs up three shares to buy that haven’t had the best of times in 2025, but could see their fortunes revived by the Christmas holidays.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/11/24/consider-these-3-shares-to-buy-before-the-christmas-boom/">Consider these 3 shares to buy before the Christmas boom</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p>The festive season is an interesting time for the stock market, presenting unique opportunities for shares to buy while other companies take leave. Naturally, retail and e-commerce businesses see the largest boost, while tourism and luxury-related stocks also tend to benefit.</p>



<p>Here are three stocks that I think are worth considering as Christmas draws closer. All three have historically done well during previous festive periods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marks-and-spencer">Marks and Spencer</h2>



<p><strong>Marks and Spencer</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-mks/">LSE: MKS</a>) is known for its higher-end Christmas food and gifts, with its London flagship store famously lit up during the season. But it&#8217;s been up and down this year ever since the April cyberattack that cost the business an estimated £101.6m.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Marks And Spencer Group Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:MKS" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p>Fortunately, insurance covered much of the loss, and it expects second-half profits to at least match last year’s levels. Online sales have been improving and food sales remain resilient, up 7.8% in the most recent quarterly results.</p>



<p>However, economic uncertainties such as inflation and rising costs could pressure margins. These are compounded by the ongoing fallout from the cyberattack.</p>



<p>To mitigate any further impact, it has implemented cost-saving initiatives and now expects a full recovery by the end of the financial year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-card-factory">Card Factory</h2>



<p>The greetings card and gifts retailer <strong>Card Factory</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-card/">LSE: CARD</a>) is always a popular choice in the run-up to Christmas, due to its proven seasonal performance. During last season, revenue grew 4.7% and like-for-like sales rose 3% &#8212; indicating strong seasonal demand for its products.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Card Factory Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:CARD" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p>But it&#8217;s already had a good year, with H1 2025 revenue up 5.9% to £247.6m and a 74.3% surge in operating cash flow to £30.5m. With that kind of solid operational performance off-season, I expect the second half will be even better.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, recent National Living Wage increases prompted a £14m cost headwind, reducing full-year 2026 expectations. Through efficiency programs, management expects mid-to-high single-digit profit growth, but weakened investor sentiment could still hurt the share price.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, the 5% <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/dividend-yield/">dividend yield</a> is an attractive bonus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-airbnb">Airbnb</h2>



<p>Looking across the pond, <strong>Airbnb </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/nasdaq-abnb/">NASDAQ: ABNB</a>) is another stock likely to see increased demand during this festive season &#8212; for obvious reasons. The company operates one of the largest holiday accommodation rental marketplaces in the world.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Airbnb Price" data-ticker="NASDAQ:ABNB" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p>However, it faces stiff competition from rivals Booking.com and <strong>Expedia</strong>, both of which are after its market share.</p>



<p>In its latest Q3 results, revenues climbed 10% year-on-year to $4.1bn while adjusted <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/what-is-ebitda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EBITDA</a> hit a record high of $2.1bn &#8212; a 50% margin. Due to growing US demand and international expansion in Latin America and Asia Pacific, bookings increased 9% to 133.6m.</p>



<p>Despite this, the share price has declined 13% in 2025, amid delistings and tourist tax penalties in Spain and France. These regulatory pressures pose ongoing risks. Still, for Q4, it expects further revenue growth to approximately $2.7bn, helped by its new &#8216;Reserve Now, Pay Later&#8217; feature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



<p>At <em>The Motley Fool</em>, we promote a long-term investment strategy that typically overlooks seasonal fluctuations. However, for those looking for shares to buy this month, the festive season could provide a welcome boost.</p>



<p>And these are just a few examples of the wide range of retail shares that could benefit this Christmas. Eagled-eyed investors may find even better opportunities on the <strong>FTSE </strong>indexes.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/11/24/consider-these-3-shares-to-buy-before-the-christmas-boom/">Consider these 3 shares to buy before the Christmas boom</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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                                <title>Up to 79% returns! Analysts say these are some of the cheapest UK shares</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/10/29/up-to-79-returns-analysts-say-these-are-some-of-the-cheapest-uk-shares/</link>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:23:38 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. James Fox]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Value Shares]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1595565</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Dr James Fox takes a closer look at some of the UK shares that analysts believe are the most undervalued. They have a good chance of beating the market. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/10/29/up-to-79-returns-analysts-say-these-are-some-of-the-cheapest-uk-shares/">Up to 79% returns! Analysts say these are some of the cheapest UK shares</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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<p>Investing in cheap UK shares is a great way to try and beat the market — achieving &#8216;alpha&#8217; as it&#8217;s known. And let’s face it, we all want to beat the market and see our money grow as fast as possible.</p>



<p>So, today I’m detailing three stocks that analysts believe are massively undervalued. And while analysts can get it wrong, we’re using consensus data which is typically more accurate.</p>



<p>Let’s look at the stocks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-card-factory">Card Factory</h2>



<p>From an operational standpoint, it’s hard to see how <strong>Card Factory </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-card/">LSE:CARD</a>) is a winner. Its business model appears outdated with over 1,000 stores in the UK. The British high street hasn’t performed well for years and its products aren’t exactly high-margin.</p>



<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Card Factory Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:CARD" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>




<p>And that’s where the risk comes in. If the employment and energy costs continue to rise, high street businesses could suffer more.</p>



<p>However, the company keeps chugging along and now has an online card outlet having bought <em>Funky Pigeon</em> from <strong>WH Smith</strong>. Margins are decent, but nothing to shout about. The operating margin is around 13% — above industry norms. </p>



<p>The really interesting part is the value. It trades at 6.8 <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/pe-ratio/">times forward earnings</a> with this figure falling to 6.2 times for 2026. The <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/dividend-yield/">dividend yield</a> is also sizeable at 5.5% rising to nearly 6% in 2026. Coverage — how many times the company can pay the dividend from net income — is excellent at more than 2.5 times.  </p>



<p>Analysts think it’s undervalued by around 61%. It’s certainly worth considering. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jet2">Jet2</h2>



<p>Next up is low-cost airline <strong>Jet2</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-jet2/">LSE:JET2</a>). The really interesting bit here is the balance sheet. Not many airlines have a net cash position but Jet2 has £2.1bn in net cash. That’s only £500m less than the market cap.</p>



<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Jet2 Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:JET2" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>




<p>This statistic skews a lot of the metrics, but it’s an important one. While this net cash figure includes customer deposits, it means that Jet2 is trading at just one-and-a-bit times net income when adjusted for net cash.</p>



<p>Of course, not everything has been going in the company’s favour recently. Employment costs are rising and late booking patterns have damaged visibility leading Jet2 to reduce winter capacity. </p>



<p>However, I believe it’s oversold and worth considering. Analysts suggest it’s undervalued by 47%. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arbuthnot-banking">Arbuthnot Banking</h2>



<p>While well-known high street banks have been surging over the past two years, <strong>Arbuthnot Banking Group </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-arbb/">LSE:ARBB</a>) hasn’t.</p>



<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Arbuthnot Banking Group Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:ARBB" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>




<p>It’s much smaller than its <strong>FTSE 100</strong> peers, and that reflects some of the discount. Banks are perceived to be safer when they’re bigger. Another issue for investors is the spread between the buying and selling price. </p>



<p>However, there’s a lot to like. The stock trades at eight time forward earnings — falling to less than six times through to 2027. The dividend yield is 6% and the payments look set to rise in the coming years. The price-to-book ratio is roughly half of some of its larger peers. </p>



<p>The share price target is an incredible 79% above the current price. Like the analysts, I certainly believe it’s worth considering. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/10/29/up-to-79-returns-analysts-say-these-are-some-of-the-cheapest-uk-shares/">Up to 79% returns! Analysts say these are some of the cheapest UK shares</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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                                <title>2 FTSE shares that I regret selling too soon</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/09/23/2-ftse-shares-that-i-regret-selling-too-soon/</link>
                                <pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Hartley]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Growth Shares]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1579778</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Mark Hartley looks back on his past decisions to rebalance his portfolio and highlights two FTSE shares he wishes he hadn't sold.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/09/23/2-ftse-shares-that-i-regret-selling-too-soon/">2 FTSE shares that I regret selling too soon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p>I typically aim to hold <strong>FTSE</strong> shares for long periods of time, often several decades. However, every so often, I need to rebalance my portfolio and that can mean parting ways with stocks I’d rather keep. Usually, the idea is to sell shares that I expect will underperform over the long run, freeing up capital for stronger opportunities.</p>



<p>Of course, no one can predict the future perfectly. Even with a detailed analysis, there are still times when a decision doesn’t age well. Here are two shares I sold in recent years that, in hindsight, I regret letting go.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barclays">Barclays</h2>



<p><strong>Barclays</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-barc/">LSE: BARC</a>) is the second-largest of the UK’s high street banks. I sold my shares just over a year ago because my portfolio was too heavily weighted towards financials. Faced with a choice, I kept <strong>HSBC</strong> and let Barclays go, thinking it was the safer long-term bet.</p>



<p>Looking back, that decision may have cost me. Barclays shares are up 317% in five years and over 90% since I sold, while HSBC is closer to 60%. Even including dividends, Barclays has comfortably outperformed.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="Tradingview.com"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="973" height="563" src="https://www.fool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/barc-vs-hsbc.png" alt="FTSE shares comparison BARC vs HSBA" class="wp-image-1579785" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Created on <a href="https://Tradingview.com">Tradingview.com</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>While HSBC offers a higher yield of around 4.7%, its dividend coverage is thinner, leaving more risk of a future reduction. Both have been paying dividends consistently for decades and raised payouts each of the last four years.</p>



<p>Valuation is another factor. Barclays currently trades on a forward <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/pe-ratio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price-to-earnings</a> (P/E) ratio of about 9, which looks undemanding compared to forecasts for earnings growth. That suggests investors could still think about it as an appealing entry point, even after the rally.</p>



<p>Of course, the risks are clear. Banking is a cyclical industry, and profitability can swing sharply during downturns. With interest rates easing both in the UK and globally, margins could come under pressure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, if I were rebalancing today, I think Barclays is a bank stock investors might want to consider.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-card-factory">Card Factory</h2>



<p><strong>Card Factory </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-card/">LSE: CARD</a>) was another difficult decision. I sold my stake six months ago while trimming back retail exposure. The choice came down to <strong>JD Sports</strong> versus Card Factory, and I decided JD offered more long-term growth potential through global expansion. Since then, JD is down about 8% while Card Factory has surged nearly 30%. That hurts to admit.</p>



<p>The long-term comparison is even starker. Over the past five years, JD’s strong performance has faltered, whereas Card Factory has pushed through the pandemic challenges and emerged stronger. It also offers a <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/dividend-yield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dividend yield</a> of around 4.4% compared to JD’s modest 1.1%. For income investors, that’s a big difference.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="973" height="563" src="https://www.fool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/card-vs-JD.png" alt="FTSE shares analysis CARD vs JD" class="wp-image-1579786" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Created on <a href="https://Tradingview.com">Tradingview.com</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Still, Card Factory isn’t risk-free. Retail is vulnerable to inflation, supply chain issues and shifts in consumer habits. If discretionary spending falls, sales of greetings cards and gifts could suffer.</p>



<p>While I’ve chosen to stick with JD for now, the numbers suggest Card Factory is one to check out for investors weighing up retail stocks today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



<p>These are just two examples where, in hindsight, I wish I’d held my shares rather than selling too soon. It reinforces the old investing adage that time in the market often beats timing the market.</p>



<p>Even the best-laid strategies can feel flawed in the short run, but for long-term investors, the key is consistency, patience and learning from past decisions.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/09/23/2-ftse-shares-that-i-regret-selling-too-soon/">2 FTSE shares that I regret selling too soon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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                                <title>What’s going on with the Card Factory share price?</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/08/02/whats-going-on-with-the-card-factory-share-price/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sat, 02 Aug 2025 05:04:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. James Fox]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Value Shares]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1554585</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Card Factory share price surged earlier in the week following the announcement it had acquired Funky Pigeon from WH Smith. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/08/02/whats-going-on-with-the-card-factory-share-price/">What’s going on with the Card Factory share price?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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<p>On several occasions, I&#8217;ve suggested that the <strong>Card Factory </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-card/">LSE:CARD</a>) share price was depressed or beaten down because the market didn’t like its limited online presence.</p>



<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Card Factory Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:CARD" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>




<p>However, that’s now changing with the acquisition of Funky Pigeon from <strong>WH Smith</strong>. The £24m purchase marks a major strategic shift, addressing long-standing concerns over its minimal online presence. </p>



<p>Funky Pigeon will deliver a mature digital platform, experienced technology teams, and established direct-to-recipient gifting capabilities, enhancing Card Factory’s digital proposition. </p>



<p>The former WH Smith brand has been operating a successful business with average annual revenues around £32m and EBITDA of around £5m over the last two years. </p>



<p>Cross-selling opportunities, operational efficiencies, and access to richer customer data should follow. Ultimately, this move positions Card Factory to become a top omni-channel player, uniting over 1,000 stores with a competitive online offer. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shares-surge">Shares surge</h2>



<p>The share price surged after the acquisition was announced. Clearly, investors were happy to see the business make more progress in expanding its digital presence.</p>



<p>However, the stock’s valuation certainly isn’t too demanding. The company&#8217;s now trading at 6.1 times forward earnings and it’s expected to have a net debt position of around £116m by the end of the year.</p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/pe-ratio/">forward price-to-earnings (P/E)</a> ratio&#8217;s expected to fall to 5.4 times by 2027. In fact, earnings may even accelerate faster than this, given the Funky Pigeon takeover. Remember, analysts don’t always update their forecasts immediately.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/dividend-yield/">dividend yield</a> remains sizeable despite the rise — share prices and dividend yields are inversely correlated. The forward yield currently sits at 6% and is expected to rise to around 7% by 2027. That’s based on today’s share price and the dividend forecast.</p>



<p>It’s also worth noting that dividend coverage is strong at almost three times. This suggests the payments are sustainable even if the business falls on hard times. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bottom-line">The bottom line</h2>



<p>Card Factory, for now, remains a traditional retailer with a distinct brand and deep ties to celebrations and everyday moments. This is a quality that helps it weather shifts in consumer sentiment. </p>



<p>The business has shown agility, adapting products and store formats to remain relevant on high streets across the UK. Seemingly, customer loyalty remains strong due to its value proposition and broad selection. </p>



<p>While the acquisition of Funky Pigeon offers new digital potential, Card Factory’s core challenge remains revitalising its high street presence and ensuring that physical stores complement, rather than compete with, its growing online channels. </p>



<p>After all, it’s not easy to get excited about a company that sells relatively-low-cost products from 1,000 expensive locations around the country. I say that noting the increasing cost of energy and hiring staff, especially under the current administration.</p>



<p>However, with solid brand equity and strong valuation, Card Factory&#8217;s one I’m watching closely. I believe it deserves attention from investors.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/08/02/whats-going-on-with-the-card-factory-share-price/">What’s going on with the Card Factory share price?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
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