As the sunlight pours through my window I write this article still feeling, after all the drama of the past week, optimistic. Despite all the political ructions, the British are continuing their everyday lives. The stock market, after initially taking a dive, has been pushing ahead, buoyed by a weak pound and the prospect of looser monetary policy.
With such dramatic change taking place, commentators like myself are having to re-assess the investing potential of the stocks we write about. In this article I’ll examine in detail the merits of a consumer goods company, an insurer and a betting firm.
Reckitt Benckiser
Consumer goods businesses like Reckitt Benckiser (LSE: RB.) are particularly well-positioned after the referendum vote as they export from the UK to the rest of the world and a falling pound will boost profits. What’s more, in crisis times like these, the defensive qualities of such companies appeal to investors.
More relevant than Brexit to these businesses is the emerging global consumer boom that will boost Reckitt Benckiser and Unilever along with it. And that won’t be affected by Brexit.
The only thing that would hamper companies like this is if there was no eventual deal for a single European market and trade barriers were erected across the continent. But I’m confident common sense will prevail and an agreement for free trade within Europe will be agreed rapidly. Failure to reach such an agreement would be hugely damaging.
Aviva
Insurer Aviva (LSE: AV) provides financial services to customers in the UK, Europe, North America and across Asia. Although it doesn’t manufacture goods like Reckitt Benckiser, it’s also a consumer business.
The fact that it makes most of its sales overseas means it’s largely insulated from Britain’s exit from the EU. And this is another firm that’s set to do well as the boom in emerging markets rolls on, and the middle class in countries such as China, India and Chile develop an appetite for financial services.
A current P/E ratio of 14, and a dividend yield of 4.71%, mean that Aviva is very reasonably priced at the moment. Yet this is a growing company and the dividend yield, well covered by profits, adds to its appeal.
GVC
After a recent takeover, the newly enlarged betting business GVC (LSE: GVC) owns well-known brands such as Foxy Bingo, and is set to be promoted from the small-cap AIM index to the FTSE 250. As it makes this move, interest from investors is rising in this fast-growing online firm.
I first picked this company in 2014, and since then the share price has continued its rise. A P/E ratio of 20.4 may look expensive, but it’s justified by the prospects for growth, and there’s a juicy 6.84% dividend yield.
The betting industry is unlikely to be greatly affected by Britain leaving Europe so I still make GVC my top betting company pick.