This UK growth share hit a new high yesterday

Shares in this UK growth share have hit new heights, but Christopher Ruane still sees a buying opportunity for his portfolio. Here’s why.

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While the overall market picture may have been mixed in recent weeks, some shares are on fire. One of them is a UK growth share that has almost doubled in the past year, adding 93% to its price. Its share price hit a new all-time high in yesterday’s trading session. But I would still consider buying more of it today. Here’s why.

Strong growth ambition

The company in question is digital marketing network S4 Capital (LSE: SFOR), which owns agencies such as MediaMonks and MightyHive. The London-based group has been able to build up a roster of clients in the US, while expanding its global reach through a series of acquisitions. Last week, for example, it announced that it is combining with Australian-based agency Destined.

S4 Capital is a digital-only agency involved in the production and placement of marketing. That is a growing business as ad spending continues to move online from traditional channels such as print and TV. But the company’s growth surpasses that of the digital marketing space overall. That reflects its sharp focus, experienced management and ambitious growth plans. It is targeting 30% organic revenue and profit growth this year. That is before adding growth from acquisitions.

Is S4 Capital a UK growth share to buy?

The market has noticed the strong growth story at S4, which helps explain why its share price has performed so well. Still, I continue to see it as a growth share to buy. Here are three reasons why.

First, the company’s talent pool is strong. Founder Sir Martin Sorrell built up WPP and he has been using a similar playbook at S4. But there is a lot more talent in this company of almost 6,000 staff than just Sir Martin. That bodes well for S4’s ability to win, service and retain client accounts.

Secondly, the digital focus means that unlike some traditional advertising agency holding groups, S4 Capital is focused squarely on high-growth-potential areas. Not only can that help revenue growth, it should also allow the company to choose profitable areas in which to work.

Thirdly, the company can continue growing through acquisitions. It announced last month that it has tapped the debt markets to increase its financial firepower. That should help fund mergers that can boost organic growth rates.

UK growth share risks

Moving fast can always accelerate success – but it also risks exacerbating mistakes.

One risk with S4 Capital is that its breakneck increase in size could lead to inconsistent output quality. If that happens, it could hurt revenues. The company is also heavily exposed to the tech sector. While I think its client list of tech giants is a sign of S4 Capital’s professional appeal, it also means that any downturn in the tech sector could hurt S4 Capital revenues.

Overall, I see S4 Capital as one of the growth shares to buy more of today for my portfolio. Since I picked it last December as my top share for 2021, it has added 37%. Even as the S4 Capital share price continues to move to new territory, I remain bullish.

RISK WARNING: should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice. The Motley Fool believes in building wealth through long-term investing and so we do not promote or encourage high-risk activities including day trading, CFDs, spread betting, cryptocurrencies, and forex. Where we promote an affiliate partner’s brokerage products, these are focused on the trading of readily releasable securities.

Christopher Ruane owns shares in S4 Capital. 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.

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