2 ‘high-yield’ FTSE 250 stocks I’d buy for an ISA now

The ISA deadline is today and Rupert Hargreaves has two FTSE 250 (INDEXFTSE:MCX) stocks you might be interested in if you’re stuck for ideas.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

If you are looking for high yield dividend stocks to include in your ISA today, I highly recommend considering Crest Nicholson (LSE: CRST) and Sabre Insurance (LSE: SBRE).

Undervalued 

These two companies are both specialists in their own respective industries and have adopted a policy of returning as much as possible to investors, which is great news for income seekers. 

On top of their attractive income credentials, both companies trade at discount valuations. Crest, for example, is currently dealing at a forward P/E of 7.8. Meanwhile, shares in Sabre are changing hands at a forward P/E of 13.8. This might look expensive at first glance, but considering the fact the company reported an operating profit margin of just under 32% last year, I think the company is undervalued. 

Indeed, Sabre’s insurance peer Admiral, which last year reported an operating profit margin around the same level, is currently changing hands at a forward P/E of approximately 16.

Specialist businesses

As mentioned above, both Crest and Sabre operate relatively unique businesses in their own industries. 

While most of the listed homebuilders are concentrating on supplying the affordable end of the housing market, where property prices range between £150,000 to £300,000, Crest’s focus is on the middle section of the market. The group sold just over 3,020 homes last year at an average selling price of £393,000. Of these, 637 homes qualify as affordable, which drags down the average slightly.

Sabre is also targeting a premium market. In the highly competitive UK motor insurance market, its business is “biased toward the specialist, higher premium segments,” which has translated into strong growth for the company over the past five years.

The fact that both Crest and Sabre target premium segments of their respective markets is, in my opinion, great news for income investors. Premium segments of any market tend to be less susceptible to recessions and economic downturn, implying these companies should continue to generate steady profits even in the most uncertain times. That’s great news for income-seeking investors.

At the same time, both companies are reporting above-average profit margins. As I noted earlier, Sabre’s profit margins are some of the highest in the UK insurance market. Crest’s five-year average operating profit margin is approximately 19.5%, according to my calculations, which is nearly double the current homebuilding industry average of 9.2%.

Best income stocks 

Both companies’ market-leading profit margins should mean that their market-beating dividend yields are here to stay for the foreseeable future. At the time of writing, shares in Crest support a dividend yield of 8.3% and shares in Sabre yield 6.9%. Additionally, both companies have a positive net cash balance, giving them headroom to sustain the payout, or even increase it if the going gets tough.

So overall, these two companies have market-beating dividend yields, attractive valuations, and sector-leading profit margins. Combined, all of these factors tell me they’re great high-yield stocks to include in your ISA. I don’t think they’ll let you down.

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.

Rupert Hargreaves owns no share 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.

More on Investing Articles

UK money in a Jar on a background
Investing Articles

This UK dividend aristocrat looks like a passive income machine

After a 14% fall in the company’s share price, Spectris is a stock that should be on the radar of…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As the Rolls-Royce share price stalls, investors should consider buying

The super-fast growth of the Rolls-Royce share price has come to an end for now, but Stephen wright thinks there…

Read more »

Tanker coming in to dock in calm waters and a clear sunset
Investing Articles

Could mining shares be a smart buy for my SIPP?

As a long-term investor, should this writer buy mining shares for his SIPP? Here, he weighs some pros and cons…

Read more »

Mature Caucasian woman sat at a table with coffee and laptop while making notes on paper
Investing Articles

I’d build a second income for £3 a day. Here’s how!

Our writer thinks a few pounds a day could form the foundation of a growing second income. Here's how he'd…

Read more »

Investing Articles

How I’d invest my first £9,000 today to target £36,400 a year in passive income

This writer reckons one cheap FTSE 100 dividend stock with good growth prospects could be a solid choice for a…

Read more »

Concept of two young professional men looking at a screen in a technological data centre
Investing Articles

Betting on the future: 2 exciting growth stocks I’ve been buying for my portfolio

Edward Sheldon believes that these two growth stocks have the potential to generate huge returns for his portfolio over the…

Read more »

Group of young friends toasting each other with beers in a pub
Investing Articles

5 amazing investments for a megabucks second income!

We'd all love a second income, but some of us just don't know where to look. Dr James Fox details…

Read more »

Young mixed-race couple sat on the beach looking out over the sea
Investing Articles

Here’s how I’d aim for £190 in weekly income from a Stocks and Shares ISA

Christopher Ruane explains the approach he’d take trying to earn almost a couple of hundred pounds a week from his…

Read more »