Three winning stocks for a post-pandemic world
Professional investor Dan Lane of Freetrade selects three stocks that he thinks will keep their relevance in a changing world.
Speculating about the timing and magnitude of the British economic recovery this year is pointless – not because it doesn’t matter but because we have no control over it. Investors should bear in mind that the best companies are those using this time to ensure they can survive and even thrive despite the highly uncertain outlook for their businesses.
Managing liquidity and ensuring their relevance in a changing world will be important regardless of the scale of recovery. Here are some examples of the firms we think are eager to control their own destinies.
Unilever: an evolving leader
A real danger in 2021 is that we see the so-called post-2008 “expensive defensives” as backward-looking relics amid the scramble for technology stocks. Arguably, once the headline tech story starts to fade, the next question will be which firms can sustainably integrate tech into their models to boost their success or, at the very least, keep up with rivals and the wider market.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Unilever’s (LSE: ULVR) e-commerce revenues grew by 76% year-on-year in the last three months of 2020, according to its latest results. That means online sales made up 10% of total revenues. And while some firms are struggling to shift their whole proposition online (just ask the high-street fashion retailers) no-one is expecting digital Domestos. So the company might not be judged initially on its adoption of tech but it definitely knows its brands have to stay relevant in an online world. As long as it innovates and meets its consumers where and how they prefer, potential rivals should struggle to take market share from the Anglo-Dutch consumer-goods giant.
Games Workshop: shrugging off the pandemic
The pre-pandemic growth story at miniature-wargames manufacturer Games Workshop (LSE: GAW) is still intact. Lockdowns have encouraged people to take up new hobbies and given players plenty of time to paint their figurines. The firm has paid very close attention to its cash balances and, despite over 500 stores being closed, it has managed to keep up the trajectory shareholders have grown used to. A straightforward business model, committed user base, clear financials and a high return on capital employed (a key gauge of profitability) mean Games Workshop is still attractive to cautious long-term investors.
There’s a temptation to ignore stocks with higher valuations, such as Unilever or Games Workshop. But when a firm sets a promising course and takes its future into its own hands, what’s to stop it becoming even more expensive? Draw a line over Games Workshop’s V-shaped recovery and it’s as though the pandemic never happened.
Ascent Resources: an oil company worth exploring
The turnstile has stopped spinning and new management is in place at oil and gas explorer Ascent Resources (Aim: AST). A revised strategy and a higher-quality shareholder register in late 2020 could release significant value. The group became a basket case under the previous managers, not least thanks to a stand-off with the Slovenian government, but the new team has used 2020 to diversify and ensure the firm’s longevity doesn’t depend on just one project. Few rivals can boast assets like Ascent’s. With its Cuban operations in the pipeline and a more level-headed approach to negotiations with the Slovenian authorities, it’s worth another look.
Dan Lane is a senior analyst at investment platform Freetrade
-
Barclays warns of significant rise in social media investment scams
Investment scam victims are losing an average £14k, with 61% of those falling for one over social media. Here's how to spot one and keep your money safe
By Oojal Dhanjal Published
-
Over a thousand savings accounts now offer inflation-busting rates – how long will they stick around?
The rate of UK inflation slowed again in March, boosting the opportunity for savers to earn real returns on cash in the bank. But you will need to act fast to secure the best deals.
By Katie Williams Published
-
The industry at the heart of global technology
The semiconductor industry powers key trends such as artificial intelligence, says Rupert Hargreaves
By Rupert Hargreaves Published
-
Three emerging Asian markets to invest in
Professional investor Chetan Sehgal of Templeton Emerging Markets Investment Trust tells us where he’d put his money
By Chetan Sehgal Published
-
What to consider before investing in small-cap indexes
Small-cap index trackers show why your choice of benchmark can make a large difference to long-term returns
By Cris Sholto Heaton Published
-
Why space investments are the way to go for investors
Space investments will change our world beyond recognition, UK investors should take note
By Merryn Somerset Webb Published
-
Time to tap into Africa’s mobile money boom
Favourable demographics have put Africa on the path to growth when it comes to mobile money and digital banking
By Rupert Hargreaves Published
-
M&S is back in fashion: but how long can this success last?
M&S has exceeded expectations in the past few years, but can it keep up the momentum?
By Rupert Hargreaves Published
-
The end of China’s boom
Like the US, China too got fat on fake money. Now, China's doom is not far away.
By Bill Bonner Published
-
Magic mushrooms — an investment boom or doom?
Investing in these promising medical developments might see you embark on the trip of a lifetime.
By Bruce Packard Published