When it comes to filling a Stocks and Shares ISA, one big-cap company in the FTSE 100 index looks appealing.
Melrose Industries (LSE: MRO) released an upbeat trading statement earlier today, 16 November.
The company said it experienced strong growth and higher profit margins in the four months to 31 October.
The directors uttered those magic words, “trading ahead of expectations”. And they upgraded profit guidance for the full 2023 trading year.
Focused on aerospace
That’s just what investors want to see from any business. Although at 533p, the share price didn’t move much on the day. But that could be because positive expectations were already in place after September’s half-year report.
These days, Melrose is an aerospace business. The directors said higher aftermarket demand and pricing drove the margin gains along with operational improvements.
My assumption is that the business is in good hands with the current management team. The company used to buy, improve and sell businesses. So, it has form when it comes to getting the best out of operations.
The directors declared a change in strategy in the Autumn. The statement of intent was, “Melrose is now a long-term aerospace group with exceptional organic growth prospects”. With the new strategic direction, the chief executive and chief financial officer (CFO) declared their intention to step down from their roles on 7 March 2024.
The chief operating officer, Peter Dilnot, will take the top job. And Matthew Gregory will take the finance role. He was previously CFO of GKN Aerospace. Melrose Industries acquired GKN in 2018.
The moves look set to deliver good management continuity from people steeped in the culture of the organisation. On top of that, change at the top of a business is often a good thing. It can bring new determination and ideas to help drive operations forward.
Strong progress expected ahead
Soon-to-retire chief executive Simon Peckham said: “It is a pleasure to hand over Melrose so well positioned for the future.” He thinks 2024 will be another year of robust progress under the new leadership.
City analysts agree. They’ve pencilled in increases in excess of 50% for earnings and shareholder dividends. Set against those expectations, the forward-looking earnings multiple is around 21. And the anticipated yield is around 1.3%.
That’s quite a full-looking valuation and it adds some risk for shareholders. The stock has risen around 97% over the past year, reflecting a dramatic recovery in earnings.
Part of that move could have occurred because Melrose operates in both the defence and civil aerospace sub-sectors. Investors have been tuned in to the theme of defence for some time and buying up related stocks.
If the defence theme falls back out of favour in the future, Melrose could suffer from a valuation derating taking the share price lower.
Nevertheless, on balance, the business is trading and growing well and looks worth further research and consideration for a diversified Stocks and Shares ISA.
The post 1 big-cap company to consider now for a Stocks and Shares ISA appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.
Like buying £1 for 51p
This seems ridiculous, but we almost never see shares looking this cheap. Yet this recent ‘Best Buy Now’ has a price/book ratio of 0.51. In plain English, this means that investors effectively get in on a business that holds £1 of assets for every 51p they invest!
Of course, this is the stock market where money is always at risk — these valuations can change and there are no guarantees. But some risks are a LOT more interesting than others, and at The Motley Fool we believe this company is amongst them.
What’s more, it currently boasts a stellar dividend yield of around 8.5%, and right now it’s possible for investors to jump aboard at near-historic lows. Want to get the name for yourself?
See the full investment case
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With the Melrose share price up 90%+ in a year, is there still time to buy?
Kevin Godbold has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
