<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
     xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/"
     xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
     xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
     xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
     xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
     xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
     xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
    xmlns:company="http:/purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/company" xmlns:fool="http://fool.com/rss/extensions"     >

    <channel>
        <title>Future Plc (LSE:FUTR) Share Price, History, &amp; News | The Motley Fool UK</title>
        <atom:link href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/</link>
        <description>The Motley Fool UK: Share Tips, Investing and Stock Market News</description>
        <lastBuildDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:59:00 +0000</lastBuildDate>
        <language>en-GB</language>
                <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
                <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
        <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4</generator>

<image>
	<url>https://www.fool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cropped-cap-icon-freesite-32x32.png</url>
	<title>Future Plc (LSE:FUTR) Share Price, History, &amp; News | The Motley Fool UK</title>
	<link>https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/</link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
            <item>
                                <title>I&#8217;m considering 2 stocks to buy while they&#8217;re trading at 50% below fair value</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/03/01/im-considering-2-stocks-to-buy-while-theyre-trading-at-50-below-fair-value/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 07:19:00 +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=1654483</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Mark Hartley breaks down his reasons for considering two British stocks to buy while they're trading at less than half their fair value.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/03/01/im-considering-2-stocks-to-buy-while-theyre-trading-at-50-below-fair-value/">I&#8217;m considering 2 stocks to buy while they&#8217;re trading at 50% below fair value</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>When hunting for cheap stocks to buy, you should always factor in how much cash a business might make over time. A discounted cash flow (DCF) model does just this &#8212; analysts use the model to estimate future cash flows and then ask: “<em>What’s it worth in today’s money</em>”?</p>



<p>If the answer is much higher than the current share price, the stock might be trading below fair value.</p>



<p>Essentially, it calculates the cash a company is expected to generate each year, then &#8216;discounts&#8217; it back using a required return, say 10%-12%. </p>



<p>Think of it like asking how much you’d pay today for £1,000 a year from now. If the market price is way below that present value, either the market’s too gloomy or the model’s too optimistic.</p>



<p>In many cases, it’s a mix of both &#8212; which is why you need a margin of safety. But how does that look in practice?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-example-1-pharos-energy">Example 1: Pharos Energy</h2>


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



<p><strong>Pharos Energy</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-phar/">LSE: PHAR</a>) is a small oil &amp; gas producer operating in Vietnam and Egypt. Some DCF estimates suggest the shares trade around 61% below fair value, with the average 12-month price target eyeing a 111% gain.</p>



<p>Other valuation metrics back this assessment. It has 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 5.27 and EV/EBITDA of 1.51 (both well below average).</p>



<p>Income-wise, Pharos offers a dividend yield of around 5% backed by strong cash flows. However, volatile oil price swings mean the payout ratio has bounced around over the years.</p>



<p>Analysts expect earnings to grow significantly, with some forecasts expecting 50% a year as production and pricing improve.</p>



<p>The catch is obvious: profits depend heavily on commodity prices and stable operations in places like Egypt and Vietnam, so there’s both geopolitical and oil-price risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-example-2-future">Example 2: Future</h2>


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



<p><strong>Future</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/">LSE:FUTR</a>) is a digital media group behind online magazines and specialist brands across tech, gaming, finance and more. The share price has been hammered due to AI&#8217;s effect on digital ads, now down roughly 80% from its peak over five years.</p>



<p>Yet the business still brings in decent cash. In 2025, it reported revenue down about 6% to roughly £739m. However, it kept an EBITDA margin around 30% and generated close to 100% free cash flow conversion.</p>



<p>Debt looks manageable at about 1.1 times <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/what-is-ebitda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EBITDA</a>, and the firm has been able to raise its dividend and run buybacks. Companies don&#8217;t do that unless cash flow is solid.</p>



<p>Using a DCF model, analysts reckon the shares could be trading at 78% below fair value.</p>



<p>Still, there is a genuine risk from AI. If the company can&#8217;t adapt to meet the changing landscape, that strong cash flow might soon dry up. In other words, it’s cheap partly because the future is uncertain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-these-might-appeal-to-uk-investors">Why these might appeal to UK investors</h2>



<p>For UK value investors willing to stomach the bumps, Pharos and Future are worth considering at these cheap prices. They exhibit how DCF-based undervaluation can flag opportunities where sentiment looks too gloomy versus long-term cash flow power.</p>



<p>But just because a share’s cheap today, there’s no guarantee the price will go up in the future. Building a diversified portfolio of growth, income and value shares can help reduce risk of losses in one area.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/03/01/im-considering-2-stocks-to-buy-while-theyre-trading-at-50-below-fair-value/">I&#8217;m considering 2 stocks to buy while they&#8217;re trading at 50% below fair value</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    </item>
                            <item>
                                <title>2 compelling FTSE 250 stocks tipped to grow 100% (or more) in the coming year</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/05/2-compelling-ftse-250-stocks-tipped-to-grow-100-or-more-in-the-coming-year/</link>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:38:00 +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=1643554</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Our writer considers two opportunities on the UK’s mid-cap FTSE 250 index that are forecast to double within 12 months. But is that realistic?</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/05/2-compelling-ftse-250-stocks-tipped-to-grow-100-or-more-in-the-coming-year/">2 compelling FTSE 250 stocks tipped to grow 100% (or more) in the coming year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>In today&#8217;s turbulent economic climate, domestically-focused <strong>FTSE 250</strong> stocks are looking more appealing than ever. With 10%-25% US tariffs threatening exporters and geopolitical conflicts rattling global supply chains, foreign business is at risk.</p>



<p>But stocks on the UK&#8217;s mid-cap index typically serve more UK consumers in sterling, partly shielding them from currency swings and trade wars. While <strong>FTSE 100</strong> blue-chips grab headlines, the FTSE 250 offers significant growth potential for patient investors.</p>



<p>Currently, two stocks stand out, with analysts predicting growth of over 100% in the coming year. They are <strong>Future</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/">LSE: FUTR</a>) and <strong>Syncona</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-sync/">LSE: SYNC</a>).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="684" height="137" src="https://www.fool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-04-11.36.01-AM.png" alt="FTSE 250 price targets" class="wp-image-1643556" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Screenshot from <a href="https://TradingView.com">TradingView.com</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>But what&#8217;s the chance that these forecasts come true?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future">Future</h2>



<p>Future publishes special-interest magazines and websites like <em>PC Gamer</em> and <em>Cycling Weekly</em>, earning revenue from digital subscriptions. After a challenging 2025 that saw AI impact e-commerce growth, it&#8217;s now trading at a low valuation. Now, eight out of nine analysts studying the stock give it a Buy rating, with an average price target of 1,148p &#8212; a 118.7% gain.</p>


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



<p>The recent acquisition of SheerLuxe helps strengthen its luxury lifestyle portfolio, targeting affluent UK audiences with cash to spare. With largely domestically-derived revenue, it&#8217;s better shielded from foreign upsets. Earnings per share (EPS) are forecast to reach £1.33 in 2026, up from £1.23 last year. But the core attraction here is the dividend story. With a 3.2% yield that&#8217;s well-covered by cash earnings, it offers a rare mix of growth and income potential.</p>



<p>However, the ongoing threat of AI can&#8217;t be ignored. Even though Future has done well to implement cost discipline and buyback initiatives, AI remains a persistent risk to the company&#8217;s core ad-driven revenue stream. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-syncona">Syncona</h2>



<p>Syncona invests in early-to-mid-stage biotech, with over £1bn in assets like gene therapies and oncology platforms. Despite a net loss of £25.4m in H1 2025, analysts remain bullish. The average 12-month price target implies a 104% increase, supported by asset growth, successful clinical trials, and lucrative partnerships.</p>


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



<p>Its <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/the-balance-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balance sheet</a> looks healthy, with minimal debt and £30m in free cash flow helping fund late-stage investments amid biotech recovery. Still, it&#8217;s a speculative and evolving industry, leaving significant risk of losses if things go south. Upcoming venture capital firms are notoriously volatile, so investors should keep this in mind.</p>



<p>On the plus side, its UK-focused portfolio helps avoid tariff threats and thrives on global M&amp;A waves. Although unprofitable for now, sales of assets like Freeline could unlock billions. It&#8217;s your typical high-risk/high-reward pick, so an ideal allocation shouldn&#8217;t exceed 5% of a portfolio.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-realistic-targets">Realistic targets?</h2>



<p>Analysts update targets regularly, so no forecast at one point in time can be taken as a guarantee.</p>



<p>Future&#8217;s 118.7% target feels achievable if digital subs rebound, but with ad cyclicality, a 70-80% gain may be more rational. Syncona&#8217;s growth hinges on several biotech catalysts coming together, but VC-style losses threaten <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-the-market/what-is-market-volatility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volatility</a>. A 100%+ gain requires flawless execution in an already turbulent market.</p>



<p>For income-growth balance, Future looks worthy of consideration albeit as a small allocation. Syncona, on the other hand, should only be considered by investors with a high risk tolerance. As always, a diversified portfolio including a mix of stocks adds necessary defensiveness against economic shocks.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/02/05/2-compelling-ftse-250-stocks-tipped-to-grow-100-or-more-in-the-coming-year/">2 compelling FTSE 250 stocks tipped to grow 100% (or more) in the coming year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    </item>
                            <item>
                                <title>3 UK stocks tipped to grow 100% (or more) in 2026</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/14/3-uk-stocks-tipped-to-grow-100-or-more-in-2026/</link>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:13:12 +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=1632038</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Mark Hartley breaks down the investment case behind three UK stocks that have been forecast to double in value this year. Too good to be true?</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/14/3-uk-stocks-tipped-to-grow-100-or-more-in-2026/">3 UK stocks tipped to grow 100% (or more) in 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>The <strong>FTSE 100</strong> may have soared to new highs but that doesn&#8217;t mean all UK stocks look overvalued. Some smaller-caps have suffered heavy losses in the past six months.</p>



<p>In some cases, the losses are justified, but in others, they&#8217;re simply the result of weak market sentiment. During my research, I&#8217;ve uncovered three beaten-down shares forecast to double in price this year.</p>



<p>But the question is: are the forecasts accurate, or optimistic?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future">Future</h2>



<p><strong>Future</strong>&#8216;s (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/">LSE: FUTR</a>) a tech firm that makes money from ads, affiliate links and subscriptions. In recent years, AI&#8217;s decimated its ad revenue model, dragging the shares down 72% in five years.</p>



<p>But that hasn&#8217;t deterred analysts. Out of eight rating the stock, six give it a Strong Buy, one a Buy and one a Hold. The most optimistic target is 1,875p, a 260% gain, and the most pessimistic, 733p &#8212; a 40% gain.</p>



<p>While that&#8217;s promising, whether it recovers depends on one of two things: either AI&#8217;s reeled in and ad markets stabilise, or the business implements an entirely new revenue strategy.</p>



<p>Encouragingly, the company converts a large chunk of its profits into free cash flow and carries manageable net debt, so the balance sheet looks solid. But whether it can turn its fortunes around remains to be seen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tullow-oil">Tullow Oil</h2>



<p><strong>Tullow Oil</strong>&#8216;s an Africa‑focused oil producer with key assets in Ghana, Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire. The shares have been crushed to record lows after weak production updates, meaning any positive surprise on output, oil prices, or refinancing could move the price sharply.</p>



<p>If it hits targets and repairs its <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/the-balance-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balance sheet</a>, the shares are highly leveraged to better news. But debt of $1.2bn is a lot for a small company, so it risks needing to dilute shareholders if it doesn&#8217;t refinance successfully.</p>



<p>For me, the chance of a huge recovery here seems highly speculative &#8212; and comes with a lot of risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essentra">Essentra</h2>



<p><strong>Essentra</strong>&#8216;s (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-esnt/">LSE: ESNT</a>) a specialist manufacturer of plastic and metal components that go into everyday industrial products. It might sound boring but it&#8217;s the kind of under-the radar business that has its fingers in many pies.</p>


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



<p>All six analysts I reviewed give it a Strong Buy, with even the most pessimistic forecast expecting a 61% gain. This optimism follows a restructuring that saw it exit non-core divisions, improving margins and cash flow.</p>



<p>As earnings improve, its <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 29 is expected to fall to around 13. Debt looks manageable, with leverage forecast around 1.4x EBITDA and improving, and the dividend slowly growing from a low base.</p>



<p>Even if it doesn&#8217;t double this year, it looks like a solid company that&#8217;s worth considering for long-term compounding. Still, it faces cyclical demand risk from its exposure to volatile end-markets like automotive, packaging, and consumer goods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-my-verdict">My verdict</h2>



<p>For now, I think Future is a bit too uncertain to call, and Tullow Oil risks going in either direction. Of the three, Essentra looks like a solid option to consider. Even if it doesn’t make a 100% gain this year, I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if it gets there in 2027.</p>



<p>The take away? Broker forecasts aren&#8217;t always based in reality. Always do a full assessment before diving into any stock &#8212; no matter the hype.</p>



<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/14/3-uk-stocks-tipped-to-grow-100-or-more-in-2026/">3 UK stocks tipped to grow 100% (or more) in 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    </item>
                            <item>
                                <title>These FTSE 250 stocks look unbelievably cheap! What’s the catch?</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/11/these-ftse-250-stocks-look-unbelievably-cheap-whats-the-catch/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +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=1630786</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>After years of mega-cap mania, the UK-centric FTSE 250 looks deeply undervalued. Our writer examines two mid-caps that seem highly appealing.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/11/these-ftse-250-stocks-look-unbelievably-cheap-whats-the-catch/">These FTSE 250 stocks look unbelievably cheap! What’s the catch?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>One thing I like about the <strong>FTSE 250</strong> is its focus on &#8216;everyday economy&#8217; UK businesses, rather than the big global giants in the <strong>FTSE 100</strong>. Over the long term, UK mid‑caps have actually delivered higher total returns than large-caps, thanks to faster growth and more takeovers.</p>



<p>So why isn&#8217;t everybody buying mid-cap stocks?</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="1200" height="528" src="https://www.fool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FTSE100-vs-MCX-1200x528.png" alt="FTSE 100 vs FTSE 250 performance" class="wp-image-1630787" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Created on <a href="https://TradingView.com">TradingView.com</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Over the last few years, domestic shares have fallen out of favour as investors worried about UK politics, inflation and interest rates.</p>



<p>Now, the mid-cap index looks unusually cheap, even though many of the businesses in it are still making solid profits and growing. For long‑term investors with a 10-20 year view, that mismatch between prices and earnings can be a real opportunity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For those hunting quality stocks at a low price, I think <strong>Currys</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-cury/">LSE: CURY</a>) and <strong>Future</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/">LSE: FUTR</a>) are two I think are worth considering right now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-beaten-down-retailer-on-a-low-multiple">A beaten‑down retailer on a low multiple</h2>



<p>Currys is a familiar high street electronics retailer, selling everything from TVs and laptops to fridges and washing machines. It&#8217;s had a few tough years, with supply chain issues, squeezed consumers and intense competition. Subsequently, its valuation’s dropped to a level where the market’s pricing it quite pessimistically.</p>


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



<p>With 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 under 10, it&#8217;s well below many global retail peers. More so, its enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio’s 4.2, a level often associated with recovery situations rather than growth stories. Plus, its price‑to‑book (P/B) ratio sits well below 1, meaning the market value’s lower than the accounting value of its net assets.</p>



<p>But that doesn&#8217;t mean it&#8217;s a no-brainer buy. With roughly £899m of debt versus £287m of cash, it lacks a significant short-term financial buffer. Debt‑to‑EBITDA above 2 also tells you there’s some leverage risk if trading worsens.</p>



<p>Basically, it&#8217;s cheap because the market’s worried about retail challenges, competition and debt. But if it can stabilise profits and gradually reduce leverage, the current valuation makes it highly attractive and worth further research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-digital-media-stock-on-a-single-digit-p-e">The digital media stock on a single‑digit P/E</h2>



<p>Future’s a digital media and magazine publisher that owns specialist brands and websites across tech, gaming and hobbies. It makes its money from advertising, e‑commerce links and subscriptions. The business benefited massively from the pandemic shift online but has since seen its share price fall as growth normalised and digital advertising became more volatile.</p>


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



<p>The <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/the-balance-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balance sheet</a> looks acceptable for now but it still faces significant risk from its cyclical exposure to advertising revenue. AI‘s hurt digital ad revenues and may continue to do so, so investors should keep an eye on developments in this area.</p>



<p>Even so, the current numbers show a business that is still profitable and cash‑generative. Its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the 2025 financial year is around 123p, with strong free‑cash‑flow conversion of about £114m.</p>



<p>On recent prices, that gives the stock a forward P/E of around 4 &#8212; extremely low for a digital platform business. With an EV/EBITDA of roughly 4–5 and EV/FCF near 7, the whole business looks to be valued at only a fraction of its earnings and cash flow.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s one stock I&#8217;ll be eyeing closely, with an aim to buy if AI&#8217;s negative impact on advertising improves.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/11/these-ftse-250-stocks-look-unbelievably-cheap-whats-the-catch/">These FTSE 250 stocks look unbelievably cheap! What’s the catch?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    </item>
                            <item>
                                <title>3 FTSE shares forecast to grow more than 60% in the coming year</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/10/07/3-ftse-shares-forecast-to-grow-more-than-60-in-the-coming-year/</link>
                                <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:28:00 +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=1585377</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Mark Hartley takes a closer look at three beaten-down FTSE shares that are forecast to rally more than 60% in the coming 12 months. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/10/07/3-ftse-shares-forecast-to-grow-more-than-60-in-the-coming-year/">3 FTSE shares forecast to grow more than 60% in the coming year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>It’s been a rollercoaster year for the FTSE, and many investors are searching for bargains hiding in plain sight. While some sectors have bounced back sharply, others remain firmly out of favour – and that’s often where value hides.</p>



<p>Analysts are currently eyeing a handful of beaten-down names with serious recovery potential. Three in particular are forecast to grow more than 60% over the next 12 months, each with low forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios of between five and six times.</p>



<p>I decided to weigh up whether the forecasts are accurate or if analysts are being overly optimistic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future">Future</h2>



<p>With shares down 29% to 660p, publishing company <strong>Future </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/">LSE: FUTR</a>) has had a tough year, hit with declining ad revenues amid a tougher digital landscape.</p>


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



<p>Yet analysts remain optimistic. The average 12-month forecast sits at 1,324p – implying a potential gain of 100%. Of the seven analysts covering the stock, six rate it a Strong Buy, highlighting confidence in its diversified portfolio and strong cash generation. Its dividend’s minimal but the balance sheet’s healthy with debt well covered.</p>



<p>Future’s risk lies in its reliance on online traffic and advertising demand. If the broader digital ad market continues to slow, revenue growth could remain under pressure.</p>



<p>But with management focused on operational efficiency and subscription-based income, I think the stock looks interesting for investors to consider as a recovery play in 2025 and beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversified-energy-company">Diversified Energy Company</h2>



<p><strong>Diversified Energy Company</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-dec/">LSE: DEC</a>) is a natural gas and crude oil producer with assets spread across the Appalachian Basin in the US. Its shares have slumped 24.4% this year to 1,020p, but analysts expect a rebound to 1,713p — a forecast rise of 68%. Ten analysts track the stock, with eight calling it a Strong Buy.</p>


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



<p>Revenue is up a solid 56.2% year on year, and the dividend yield stands at a lofty 8.76%, comfortably covered by cash flow.</p>



<p>However, this isn’t a risk-free option. DEC recently reported a £106m loss and its <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/return-on-equity-and-return-on-capital-employed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">return on equity</a> (ROE) is currently -22.3%. That means profits haven’t followed revenue higher, raising concerns about cost control and debt servicing. Commodity price volatility and regulatory changes in the US energy sector could also weigh on future results.</p>



<p>Still, for investors seeking income and willing to stomach some risk, DEC might be worth keeping an eye on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rhi-magnesita">RHI Magnesita</h2>



<p>Finally, <strong>RHI Magnesita</strong> is an Austrian materials firm supplying refractory products and services to industries such as steel, cement and glass. It has seen its share price fall 38% to 2,110p this year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Analysts expect a rebound to 3,500p, suggesting a 65.7% increase. Seven analysts follow the stock, with four giving it a Strong Buy rating. Despite revenue and earnings dropping 5.7% and 75% respectively year on year, the company’s 7.43% <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/dividend-yield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dividend yield</a> remains well supported by cash flows.</p>



<p>Risks here include cyclical exposure to the steel and construction sectors, both of which are sensitive to global demand swings. I think its recovery potential is only moderate but for income investors, the yield‘s still worth considering.</p>



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



<p>Overall, these three <strong>FTSE 250</strong> stocks have been battered, but market forecasts suggest optimism regarding a recovery.</p>



<p>While I believe each has potential, in my opinion, Future deserves the strongest consideration. As always, investors should weigh the risks as carefully as the rewards.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/10/07/3-ftse-shares-forecast-to-grow-more-than-60-in-the-coming-year/">3 FTSE shares forecast to grow more than 60% in the coming year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    </item>
                            <item>
                                <title>2 FTSE 250 stocks with new CEOs who could spark a big change</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/08/28/2-ftse-250-stocks-with-new-ceos-who-could-spark-a-big-change/</link>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:55:18 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jon Smith]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Growth Shares]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1567008</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Jon Smith points out a couple of FTSE 250 shares that have taken on new leaders this year that could help to improve profitability in the near future.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/08/28/2-ftse-250-stocks-with-new-ceos-who-could-spark-a-big-change/">2 FTSE 250 stocks with new CEOs who could spark a big change</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Any change at the top of a business is a big deal. When the company is a <strong>FTSE 250</strong> constituent with a significant <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/getting-started-in-investing/what-is-market-cap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">market-cap</a>, it&#8217;s even more important. A new CEO can signal a change in direction that could help the stock outperform in the coming years. Here are two companies that could slot in this category.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-to-the-future">Looking to the future</h2>



<p>First up is <strong>Future</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/">LSE:FUTR</a>), a specialist media company operating a global platform of over 200 brands across content verticals. The group delivers content via websites, email newsletters, magazines, and live events. It mainly makes money from selling advertising space, subscriptions and via affiliate partners.</p>



<p>Over the past year, the stock is down 27%. Some of the reasons for the move lower are macroeconomic headwinds, advertising softness, and competitive pressures from larger US media peers.</p>



<p>The underperformance is one reason why Kevin Li Ying officially assumed the role of CEO at the beginning of April this year. A 20-year veteran of Future, he has served as the executive vice president of the company’s business-to-consumer division before getting the promotion.</p>



<p>The move could help to spark a turnaround for Future and the stock price. He&#8217;s helping to push the growth acceleration strategy, which revolves around focusing on growing audience engagement, optimising the brand portfolio, and boosting revenue per user. Further, he&#8217;s pushing investment in US digital advertising and the use of AI. This could help to win back market share in the region.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s still too early to tell whether the new CEO will make a big difference, but the early signs are positive from my view.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-multipleseries" data-title="Future Plc + Halfords Group Plc Price" data-tickers="LSE:FUTR LSE:HFD" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-lick-of-paint">A new lick of paint</h2>



<p>Another company with a new CEO is <strong>Halfords</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-hfd/">LSE:HFD</a>). Henry Birch took over in April, bringing turnaround experience from his previous posts.</p>



<p>The stock might be up 1% in the last year. However, his experience is needed, given that Halfords is still trying to break out from a traditional cycling and motoring retailer into a much broader services provider. I think the strategy makes sense, as it provides a more diversified revenue source for the company in the future. At the same time, <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the latest results</a> show that motoring services now account for 80% of the company&#8217;s sales!</p>



<p>Based on recent comments, Birch is expected to drive further growth by enhancing Halfords&#8217; digital capabilities. This should allow it to scale faster but in a more efficient way. Further, he&#8217;s looking to expand its service offerings even more. I think this is smart, but it needs to be careful that the business doesn&#8217;t go to the other extreme in offering everything and not really specialising in anything.</p>



<p>One risk from now on is higher labour costs, fuelled by higher inflation. The company has already warned about experiencing higher costs in this area. With a large workforce, rising UK inflation could pose a challenge for Birch as he aims to boost profits in the coming year.</p>



<p>Overall, I think both FTSE 250 stocks are worth investors considering.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/08/28/2-ftse-250-stocks-with-new-ceos-who-could-spark-a-big-change/">2 FTSE 250 stocks with new CEOs who could spark a big change</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    </item>
                            <item>
                                <title>Investing £100 a month for 10 years could generate a second income of&#8230;</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/04/13/investing-100-a-month-for-10-years-could-generate-a-second-income-of/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sun, 13 Apr 2025 06:41:00 +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=1499409</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Even small investors can unlock a large second income from the stock market. Zaven Boyrazian demonstrates how much wealth just £100 a month can generate.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/04/13/investing-100-a-month-for-10-years-could-generate-a-second-income-of/">Investing £100 a month for 10 years could generate a second income of&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Using the stock market to earn a second income is a powerful wealth-building tactic. And despite popular belief, investors don&#8217;t need to be rich to leverage this tool.</p>



<p>In fact, investing just £100 a month over the long run can make an enormous difference – that&#8217;s less than the median £180 monthly savings of British households. But how big of a second income could investors unlock with this modest monthly capital?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-wealth-100-at-a-time">Building wealth £100 at a time</h2>



<p>Over the period of 10 years, putting aside £100 each month builds to £12,000 in total savings. However, the stock market also offers compounding returns from both dividends and capital gains. On average, UK shares have delivered a long-term average annualised gain of around 10% when looking at the <strong>FTSE 250</strong>. For reference, this figure’s closer to 8% for the <strong>FTSE 100</strong>.</p>



<p>At a 10% annual return, investing £100 every month for a decade yields a portfolio worth £20,485 when starting from scratch. Following the 4% rule, that translates into a second income of £820.</p>



<p>Obviously, that&#8217;s not a life-changing sum. But patience can go a long way along an investing journey. What if an investor continues to invest for 20 years? Well, then the portfolio grows to £75,940, or £3,038 passive income.</p>



<p>What about 30 years? That translates into a £226,050 portfolio from just £36,000 of savings, generating an extra £9,042 passive income each year. And for those able to wait a full 40 years, an investor&#8217;s nest egg could reach £632,408, generating a retirement income of £25,296 that would continue to grow, year after year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earning-10">Earning 10%</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/isas-and-investment-funds/tracker-funds-and-index-trackers/">Index funds</a> are a terrific way to grow a portfolio on autopilot. However lately, the <strong>FTSE 250</strong> hasn&#8217;t been keeping up with its historical average. In fact, over the last 15 years, returns have been lagging even the FTSE 100 at just shy of 6%. For reference, 40 years of compounding at 6% only yields a £200,000 portfolio – a third of what an extra 4% in annual gains can deliver over the long run.</p>



<p>This is where <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-invest-in-shares/finding-companies-to-invest-in/">stock picking</a> offers a solution. Building a custom portfolio comes with greater risk and involvement. But it opens the door to higher, potentially market-beating gains.</p>



<p>Take <strong>Future</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/">LSE:FUTR</a>) as an example. The media giant has had some rocky times of late with an initially underperforming expansion into the US market. Nevertheless, despite its recent woes, the value creation for shareholders has been exquisite, with an average total annualised gain of 17% over the last decade.</p>



<p>Given that its market capitalisation is only slightly over £700m, there&#8217;s still ample room for growth. And this is also backed up by management&#8217;s ambitions to capture more market share in America, which could see its audience sizes for its Fashion &amp; Beauty, Homes, and Wealth verticles surge.</p>



<p>Of course, there are never any guarantees. And as shareholders have recently seen, a failure to deliver on ambitious targets is a big reason why the Future share price is still down over 80% from its 2021 highs. This goes to show that even with a strong business, investments can underperform if bought at the wrong price. As such, stock picking may fail to deliver the expected results.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, the business does appear to be getting on track to hit its 2026 organic growth targets. Although with a recent change in leadership, Future might be best left on an investor&#8217;s watchlist. At least for now. </p>



<p>Regardless, with prudent decision-making, robust diversification, and consistent monthly saving, even a small investor can potentially earn a substantial second income in the long run.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2025/04/13/investing-100-a-month-for-10-years-could-generate-a-second-income-of/">Investing £100 a month for 10 years could generate a second income of&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    </item>
                            <item>
                                <title>Is there an opportunity in this recovering FTSE 250 media company? Barclays thinks so!</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2024/12/13/is-there-an-opportunity-in-this-recovering-ftse-250-media-company-barclays-thinks-so/</link>
                                <pubDate>Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:23:00 +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=1431143</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Barclays put in an Overweight rating on Future stock after the FTSE 250 company posted positive full-year results last month. I’m taking a look.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2024/12/13/is-there-an-opportunity-in-this-recovering-ftse-250-media-company-barclays-thinks-so/">Is there an opportunity in this recovering FTSE 250 media company? Barclays thinks so!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>I haven’t been closely following the recent developments of <strong>FTSE 250</strong> media company <strong>Future </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/">LSE: FUTR</a>). It’s something of an under-the-radar stock that occasionally pops up on broker forecasts but seldom makes big news.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, it became harder to ignore after closing up 10% last week following a positive set of full-year 2024 results. Print media&#8217;s been a dying industry for some time and online advertising revenue seems to be dominated by <strong>Google</strong>.</p>



<p>Yet Future seems to be finding new ways to capitalise on the market and may still emerge as a force to be reckoned with. Don’t just take my word for it. Brokers are taking note too. On 6 December, <strong>Barclays </strong>went Overweight and Berenberg put in a Buy rating on the stock.</p>



<p>I&#8217;m digging deep to see if the fuss is justified and if the stock&#8217;s worth considering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-recovery">Signs of recovery</h2>



<p>Future&#8217;s the parent company of over 200 media brands, including magazines, websites and events. Its biggest brands include <em>TechRadar</em>, <em>GoCompare</em>, <em>Marie Claire</em> and <em>The Week</em>.</p>



<p>The key news from its latest results was a return to revenue growth in the second half of the year. This was driven largely by a 40% boost in voucher revenue and a 28% increase from GoCompare.</p>



<p>Interestingly, off-platform users rose to 250m while online monthly users decreased 6%. Adjusted operating profit fell 13% with the margin narrowing from 32% to 28%.</p>



<p>Earnings per share declined 29% to 66.8p compared to 94p in 2023. Cash also decreased by 5%.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="1200" height="574" src="https://www.fool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Future-revenue-and-earnings-1200x574.png" alt="FTSE 250 stock LSE: FUTR" class="wp-image-1431153" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Screenshot from TradingView.com</figcaption></figure>



<p>On the face of things, it doesn&#8217;t immediately appear to be a very positive result. However, it exhibits early signs of success in the company&#8217;s Growth Acceleration Strategy (GAS).</p>



<p>After a bumpy period of audience declines and technical challenges, the initiative seems to be gaining some momentum.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-business-developments">Business developments</h2>



<p>In October, the price dipped 11% following the resignation of CEO John Steinberg. After only two years in the role, he has decided to return home to the US to be with his family. Naturally, the departure has concerned investors who may question the true motivation behind the move. If unresolved issues exist within management, it could lead to further problems down the line.</p>



<p>Although a new CEO has yet to be named, chair Richard Huntingford remains optimistic, praising the new GAS initiative for yielding “good strategic and financial progress”.</p>



<p>A recent partnership with OpenAI suggests the company plans to start using artificial intelligence (AI). However, specific details haven&#8217;t been announced and it&#8217;s unclear yet if this will boost profitability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuation">Valuation</h2>



<p>Valuation-wise, the stock still looks cheap, trading around 14 times <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/pe-ratio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forward earnings</a>. It&#8217;s slightly above the industry average but still attractive for a company generating cash and innovating through partnerships.</p>



<p>Using a <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/discounted-cash-flow-dcf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discounted cash flow</a> model, the shares are estimated to be trading at 61.2% below fair value. The average 12-month price target&#8217;s £14.30, a 32% increase from today&#8217;s price. </p>



<p>But with profit margins down to 9.7% from 14.4% last year, it may be too early to call a recovery yet. As such, I’ll keep an eye on the stock but I don’t plan to buy the shares today.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2024/12/13/is-there-an-opportunity-in-this-recovering-ftse-250-media-company-barclays-thinks-so/">Is there an opportunity in this recovering FTSE 250 media company? Barclays thinks so!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    </item>
                            <item>
                                <title>I’d drip-feed £458 a month into a Stocks and Shares ISA to try for a million</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2024/09/15/id-drip-feed-458-a-month-into-a-stocks-and-shares-isa-to-try-for-a-million/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sun, 15 Sep 2024 06:01:00 +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=1384320</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>How long would it take to make a million by investing £458 each month? With a brand-new Stocks and Shares ISA, it could be no more than 28 years.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2024/09/15/id-drip-feed-458-a-month-into-a-stocks-and-shares-isa-to-try-for-a-million/">I’d drip-feed £458 a month into a Stocks and Shares ISA to try for a million</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>As of 2024, there are over 4,000 ISA millionaires in the UK, most using a Stocks and Shares ISA to build their seven-figure fortunes. It’s not a case of wealthy individuals throwing fortunes into the tax-efficient account. After all, ISAs are restricted to a maximum deposit of £20,000 a year, which would take 50 years to reach £1m.</p>



<p>Instead, it’s a feat primarily achieved by regularly investing capital into markets and letting compounding work its magic. In fact, investors don’t even need to maximise their annual allowance to reach millionaire territory. All it would take is £458 a month when starting from scratch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drip-feeding-my-cash">Drip-feeding my cash</h2>



<p>The stock market’s a vast and diverse arena of opportunities. And depending on where capital’s deployed, investors can achieve a wide range of returns. Looking at the UK’s flagship indices, the <strong>FTSE 100</strong> and <strong>FTSE 250</strong> have demonstrated two distinct pathways for investors.</p>



<p>The FTSE 100’s historically delivered an average of around 8% in total gains each year over the long term. By comparison, the FTSE 250 sits closer to 11%. But this extra 3% comes at the cost of considerably higher levels of <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-the-market/what-is-market-volatility/">volatility</a>. That may seem like an unfair price to pay. But when compounded over decades, 3% makes an enormous difference.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Time</strong></td><td><strong>FTSE 100 (8%)</strong></td><td><strong>FTSE 250 (11%)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>5 Years</td><td>£33,652</td><td>£36,419</td></tr><tr><td>10 Years</td><td>£83,789</td><td>£99,385</td></tr><tr><td>20 Years</td><td>£269,771</td><td>£396,462</td></tr><tr><td>30 Years</td><td>£682,584</td><td>£1,284,470</td></tr><tr><td>40 Years</td><td>£1,598,881</td><td>£3,938,858</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p>It’s clear from the table how much of an impact an extra 3% can make. The time required to surpass the £1m threshold’s 28 years instead of 35. And after four decades, investors have more than double the wealth to enjoy a luxurious retirement. For reference, a 3% interest-paying Cash ISA would take just under 63 years to reach £1m.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-returns-even-higher">Pushing returns even higher</h2>



<p>Twenty-eight years is still a long time to wait. And investors may be forced to be even more patient since there’s no guarantee that either index will continue to deliver the same level of historical returns. In fact, over the last decade, both indices have notably lagged their historical average.</p>



<p>Fortunately, for investors comfortable with taking on more risk, it’s possible to seek higher returns by picking individual stocks. In the last six months, shareholders of FTSE media giant <strong>Future</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/">LSE:FUTR</a>) have reaped almost eight years’ worth of FTSE 250 gains as the shares have climbed more than 80%.</p>


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



<p>The company’s currently bouncing back from a botched international expansion. And now that economic conditions are improving, so is the group’s cash flow and financial position. Management’s refocusing its capital allocation strategy around its core brands like <em>Go Compare</em> and <em>Livingetc</em> to respark growth.</p>



<p>So far, paired with better economic conditions in the US, this seems to be doing the trick. However, there’s still a long way to go before the business returns to its former status. And if it can’t keep up with the shifting landscape of consumer interests, this upward momentum may potentially reverse.</p>



<p>In other words, <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-invest-in-shares/finding-companies-to-invest-in/">stock picking</a> can provide tremendous returns when executed successfully, accelerating the journey to becoming a Stocks and Shares ISA millionaire. But it comes with extra risks that need to be well managed.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2024/09/15/id-drip-feed-458-a-month-into-a-stocks-and-shares-isa-to-try-for-a-million/">I’d drip-feed £458 a month into a Stocks and Shares ISA to try for a million</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    </item>
                            <item>
                                <title>1 of my favourite UK stocks still looks undervalued</title>
                <link>https://www.fool.co.uk/2024/09/14/1-of-my-favourite-uk-stocks-still-looks-undervalued/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sat, 14 Sep 2024 08:07:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gordon]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Value Shares]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.fool.co.uk/?p=1384984</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>This Fool is always on the hunt for UK stocks with plenty of potential. One of my favourites is still looking undervalued, so what's next? </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2024/09/14/1-of-my-favourite-uk-stocks-still-looks-undervalued/">1 of my favourite UK stocks still looks undervalued</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>In the fast-paced world of media and publishing, one company has been quietly rewriting the rulebook: <strong>Future </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://www.fool.co.uk/tickers/lse-futr/">LSE: FUTR</a>). This <strong>FTSE 250 </strong>dynamo has seen its share price soar by an impressive 43.5% over the past year. As a long-time admirer of the firm&#8217;s strategy, I believe this UK stock continues to offer compelling value for the discerning investor. Let&#8217;s take a closer look.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Future Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:FUTR" data-range="5y" data-start-date="2019-09-01" data-end-date="2024-09-30" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-digital-transformation-success">A digital transformation success </h2>



<p>Future has successfully pivoted from traditional print media to become a digital content powerhouse. Its portfolio spans a diverse range of sectors, including technology, gaming, fashion, and finance. This diversification has not only broadened its revenue streams, but also insulated it from the volatility often associated with niche markets.</p>



<p>The numbers tell a compelling story. The company boasts a market capitalisation of £1.18bn, with a <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/pe-ratio/">price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio</a> of 13.8 times. A discounted cash flow (DCF) also suggests the shares are about 58% undervalued, although this is far from guaranteed over the near term. Management appears to back this undervaluation up, with a buyback program for 26m shares underway.</p>



<p>Management forecasts annual earnings growth at 9.4% over each of the next three years, with EPS expected to increase by a healthy 11.2% per annum. Although not spectacular, after growing earnings by 36% since last year, these projections portray a company with steady growth prospects. This is especially true considering the challenging economic environment many UK businesses currently face.</p>



<p>Admittedly, future revenue growth of 2.7% for the next three years might seem fairly disappointing at first glance, but it&#8217;s important to view this in the context of strategic acquisitions and an ongoing digital transformation. The company has demonstrated a knack for successfully integrating new brands and monetising its expanding digital audience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-challenges">Navigating challenges </h2>



<p>Of course, the business faces its share of challenges. The media landscape is notoriously competitive and fast-changing, requiring constant innovation and adaptation. With debts of £320m, the debt-to-equity ratio of 29.3% is worth monitoring, although it&#8217;s not alarmingly high for a company in a growth phase. More worryingly, however, this is up from 23.8% last year.</p>



<p>I&#8217;m also slightly disappointed that recent <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/annual-reports-and-accounts/">earnings</a> showed a slight dip, with EPS for the first half of 2024 coming in at £0.29, down from £0.47 in the same period last year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ticks-all-my-boxes">Ticks all my boxes</h2>



<p>Despite its impressive run, Future still appears undervalued when considering its growth prospects and market position. The company&#8217;s successful transition to digital, coupled with its diverse portfolio of brands, positions it well to capitalise on evolving media consumption trends.</p>



<p>To me, the firm offers an attractive blend of growth potential and relative stability. The company&#8217;s track record of successful acquisitions and ability to monetise digital content across various platforms provide multiple avenues for future growth.</p>



<p>In conclusion, Future remains one of my favourite UK stocks. Its digital-first approach, diverse brand portfolio, and solid growth projections make it an intriguing proposition for investors looking to capitalise on the ongoing digital media revolution.</p>



<p>Clearly, the world of digital media is ever-changing, but the firm seems well-positioned to not just adapt, but thrive in this dynamic environment. I&#8217;ll be holding onto my shares for the foreseeable. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk/2024/09/14/1-of-my-favourite-uk-stocks-still-looks-undervalued/">1 of my favourite UK stocks still looks undervalued</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.fool.co.uk">The Motley Fool UK</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
                                                                                                                    </item>
                    </channel>
</rss>
