The financial impact of Britain’s decision to exit the European Union in the months and years ahead is yet to be fully assessed as the dust settles on last night’s vote.
But in this article I’m looking at four FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE: UKX) stocks that could be set to thrive.
Make smoking returns
The reliable nature of tobacco demand has made cigarette manufacturers like Imperial Brands (LSE: IMB) strongholds for investors seeking dependable earnings growth in turbulent times.
Changing attitudes to smoking on health grounds have seen the sector lose some of its allure as sales have sunk. But Imperial Brands is hurdling the worst of these problems by shutting down scores of local brands and doubling-down on revenue-driving labels like West and Gitanes.
These measures are expected to push earnings 12% and 6% higher in the periods to September 2016 and 2017, respectively, resulting in very decent P/E ratios of 14.9 times and 13.9 times. And dividend yields of 4.4% and 4.9% for this year and next should appeal to income chasers.
Hit the flicks
Britons’ love of a flick and a bag of popcorn is something that never wavers regardless of the broader economic climate. This makes Cineworld (LSE: CINE) a great defensive pick for worried investors, in my opinion.
A steady stream of blockbusters has helped drive box office sales to record levels in recent years. And I expect further batches of flicks from the likes of Marvel to keep cinema-goers glued to the silver screen.
The City expects Cineworld to enjoy earnings growth of 1% and 10% in 2016 and 2017, projections that result in P/E ratings of 17.5 times and 15.7 times. And dividend yields of 3.3% and 3.5% for these years provide handy sweeteners.
Household hero
Like Imperial Brands, household goods giant Reckitt Benckiser (LSE: RB) can fall back on a stable of hugely-popular brands — from Dettol disinfectant to Nurofen painkillers — to keep driving sales higher.
On top of this, Reckitt Benckiser’s huge exposure to foreign markets should help insulate it against the worst of any near-term ripples hitting the UK economy. Indeed, the household goods giant sources almost a third of total revenues from lucrative developing markets alone.
The City expects earnings to keep growing as a result, with rises of 7% expected this year and 9% in 2017.
Subsequent P/E ratings of 23.6 times and 21.6 times may appear heady. But I believe Reckitt Benckiser’s terrific defensive qualities fully deserve such a premium.
Build a fortune
At first glance, tipping housebuilders may appear a daft move in the wake of the Brexit decision. Stock pickers certainly think so, with Persimmon’s (LSE: PSN) share price shedding 20% of its value on Friday, for example.
The impact of today’s poll on the banking sector, and consequent effect on lending activity, is casting a pall over homebuyer demand forecasts for the near term.
But I believe this could provide a prime buying opportunity for the likes of Persimmon. Indeed, a picture of chronic housing shortages is likely to remain a problem for some time to come thanks to insufficient homebuilding activity, at least.
The City currently expects earnings at Persimmon to rise 7% and 10% in 2016 and 2017. And I reckon subsequent P/E ratings of 10.4 times and 9.4 times more than price-in current risks facing the housing sector.
On top of this, chunky dividend yields of 5.7% and 5.8% for these years certainly merit serious attention.