Stocks to watch amid train strike fears

Train drivers have been planning strikes recently in the UK as the dispute over pay has been there for a long time, and it’s far from getting over. Another 24-hour strike has been announced for later this month.

Aslef announced on Thursday the next train strike, which will take place on 26 November. On the day, train drivers at 12 operators would be on strike, significantly impacting the services for those seeking to travel.

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While inflation reached double-digits, drivers were being asked to take pay cuts in the real term, said Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary. He reportedly apologised for the inconvenience which would be caused to travellers on the strike day. However, with no deal from the industry, he said that strike was the only alternative.

In Aslef’s fifth major strike action this year on 26 November, some operators that would be impacted include Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, West Midlands Trains, Greater Anglia, and London Overground etc.

Discussions between Network Rail and the RMT and TSSA unions are in place following the cancellation of the three days of strike action planned over last week. The withdrawal happened way too late for restoring several services, and thus many of the lines stayed disrupted until Tuesday.

Amid these disruptions, UK investors can keep an eye on the following road & rail stocks trading on the London Stock Exchange.

FirstGroup plc (LON: FGP)

The market capitalisation of the prominent FTSE250-listed transport operating a business in the UK and North America, FirstGroup plc, stood at £701.86 million as the market opened on Friday at around 8:00 AM (GMT). At the time of writing, FGP shares were witnessing a hike of 0.48%, or 0.45 points, and were trading at GBX 94.00. The group has given returns of -5.59% and -6.50% on a yearly and YTD (year to date) basis as of 11 November, respectively. Having an EPS (earning per share) of 0.60, the group’s turnover lies at £12,533.27.

Redde Northgate plc (LON: REDD)

The market capitalisation of one of the UK’s top integrated mobility services providers, Redde Northgate plc, stood at £837.40 million as the market opened on Friday at around 8:00 AM (GMT). At the time of writing, REDD shares were trading at GBX 361.50. The FTSE250-listed group has given returns of -10.30% and -17.18% on yearly and YTD basis as of 11 November, respectively. Having an EPS of 0.41, the group’s P/E ratio lies at 8.95.

National Express Group plc (LON: NEX)

The market capitalisation of the FTSE250-listed public transportation business, National Express Group plc, stood at £1,075.27 as the market opened on Friday at around 8:00 AM (GMT). At the time of writing, NEX shares witnessed a fall of 0.11%, or 0.20 points, and were trading at GBX 174.90. The group has given returns of -25.19% and -31.42% on a yearly and YTD basis as of 11 November, respectively. Having an EPS of -0.17, the group’s P/E ratio lies at 10.13.