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Highlights
- FTSE 100 manages to trade in green in the Tuesday afternoon trade compared to the US markets, which declined yesterday.
- The UK’s blue-chip index was not impacted much as the index has less exposure towards the technology stocks.
FTSE 100 manages to trade in green in the Tuesday afternoon trade compared to the US markets, which declined yesterday following the worldwide crash of Facebook apps. Facebook’s stock was down over 4% on Monday closing, while the technology heavy Nasdaq index was down by over 2%.
FTSE 100 has a total of four companies listed from the technology sector with a combined weightage of 1.07%, that’s why there is not much impact on the domestic index. FTSE 100 index year to date (YTD) total return stands at 13.1% as of 30 September 2021.
Let us look at FTSE listed stocks that are in focus and can be considered as good investment opportunities:
Darktrace Plc (LON: DARK)
The company offers cyber security solutions to businesses. It uses machine learning and artificial intelligence technology to detect and neutralise cyber threats.
The company is a global leader in AI-based cyber security solutions. It got listed on the London Stock Exchange in May 2021, raising gross proceeds of £171.0 million.
It reported revenue of USD 281,341, a rise of 41.3% compared to the same period last year, while its adjusted EBITDA stands at USD 29,724 during the financial year ended 30 June 2021. The company operates in the under-penetrated market and is continuously evolving to offer innovative products to its clients. Also, the company is doing research and development work to explore the application of the company’s AI technology in other fields.
Darktrace Plc shares trade at GBX 830.50, up by 5.06% on 5 October at 12:45 pm GMT+1 with a market cap of £5,514 million.
AJ Bell Plc (LON: AJB)
FTSE250 listed company operates in the financial service segment offering one of the largest investment platforms in the UK. It provides multiple products like online tools, investment solutions, and services to help clients make better investment decisions.
The company operates through two segments: advised and direct to consumer (D2C). It reported a rise of 30% in consumer base at 368,033 compared to last year. Advised customers were up by 15% at 122,757, while the D2C customers base was up by 42% at 230,542 during the third quarter ended 30 June 2021. Total assets under management also saw a rise of 30% at £70.4 billion.
The company has shown strong organic growth in both D2C and advised markets mainly due to strong demand for its easy to use and low cost online platform.
AJ Bell Plc shares trade at GBX 388.60, up by 0.99% on 5 October at 12:45 pm GMT+1 with a market cap of £1,579 million.
Kier Group Plc (LON: KIE)
The company is one of the leading companies operating in the infrastructure segment that focuses on public infrastructures like roads, bridges, and tunnels. Along with construction, it also offers maintenance and facilities management services.
The company’s total order book stands at £7.7 billion as of 30 June 2021. It reported total group revenue of £3,261 million, while its profit from operation was £43.7 million during the financial year ended 30 June 2021.
Backed by its robust order book and continuous flow of new orders from the UK government, the company is expecting to deliver high growth and profitability. As a result, the company has kept a revenue target of £4 to 4.5 billion, with an operating profit margin of 3.5% for the next financial year.
Kier Group Plc shares traded at GBX 188.80 on 5 October at 12:45 pm GMT+1 with a market cap of £530.05 million.
