We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become The Twelfth Magpie -- an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. This site is our new home, and there will be extra tweaks made across the coming few days as we settle in. So if anything looks a little off, please bear with us!

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.

Should You Buy These Two Small Caps: BowLeven PLC And Wincanton plc?

Is now the right time to add these 2 smaller companies to your portfolio? BowLeven PLC (LON: BLVN) and Wincanton plc (LON: WIN)

| More on:

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.

BowLeven

This could prove to be an interesting period for investors in BowLeven (LSE: BLVN), with the West Africa focused oil and gas company set to commence drilling onshore Cameroon for the first time later this month. Previously, of course, it has focused its efforts offshore and, with the transfer of assets as part of its farm-out deal at the Etinde oil and gas permit in Cameroon progressing in line with expectations, investor sentiment could pick up in the short to medium term.

Clearly, BowLeven’s share price is highly correlated to the wider oil price and, as a result, it has been weak in recent months and has fallen by 16% in the last year. However, with the possibility of more positive news flow, as well as a balance sheet that contains around $20m in cash and no debt, BowLeven could prove to be a relatively strong performer moving forward.

XXX

Certainly, it remains a high-risk resources play that is likely to deliver high volatility but, looking ahead, it could see sentiment pick up and push its share price higher.

Wincanton

Supply chains solutions provider Wincanton (LSE: WIN) has been a strong performer during the last year, with its share price rising by 21%. While impressive, there could be even better performance to come, since Wincanton continues to offer a potent mix of growth and value.

For example, it is expected to increase its bottom line by 7% next year, followed by 12% the year after. That’s a very respectable rate of growth and shows that, after a period of disappointment, Wincanton looks set to deliver a number of years of upbeat earnings numbers.

Despite this, it continues to trade at a very appealing price level, with Wincanton currently having a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of just 9.9. This highlights that there is considerable upward rerating potential available and, when combined with its above average earnings forecasts, equates to a price to earnings growth (PEG) ratio of just 0.7. This indicates that Wincanton offer growth at a reasonable price and, as a result, could make share price gains moving forward.

In addition, Wincanton is also expected to pay a dividend in financial year 2017 for the first time since 2011. Although it only yields 1.4%, the forecast payment of a dividend shows that Wincanton is becoming financially stronger, which should provide investors in the company with more confidence regarding its long term future. As such, it could be worth buying at the present time.

Peter Stephens has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Friends and sisters exploring the outdoors together in Cornwall. They are standing with their arms around each other at the coast.
Investing Articles

£503 buys 14 shares in this FTSE 250 stock that returned 23.9% annually for the last 15 years

This FTSE 250 stock has averaged a huge return for 15 years. At today's price, £503 buys 14 shares. But…

Read more »

Black woman using loudspeaker to be heard
Investing Articles

£1,000 buys 25 shares in this FTSE 100 stock that’s returned 29.2% annually for the last 10 years

This FTSE 100 mining stock has returned close to 30% a year for a decade. At 3,995p, £1,000 buys 25…

Read more »

Female student sitting at the steps and using laptop
Investing Articles

Down 47%, is this growth stock finally worth buying in May?

With a £288m order book and a hidden pipeline of defence and nuclear contracts, is this growth stock now too…

Read more »

House models and one with REIT - standing for real estate investment trust - written on it.
Investing Articles

2 REITs yielding 7%+ to consider for passive income in 2026

A REIT backed by the NHS and another backed by Tesco and Sainsbury's with both yielding 7%+. Here's why I'm…

Read more »

Woman riding her old fashioned bicycle along the Beach Esplanade at Aberdeen, Scotland.
Investing Articles

Just 97 shares of this UK dividend stock generate £238 in passive income

A 5.7% yield, £238 in passive income from just 97 shares, and one of the most divisive dividend stocks on…

Read more »

ISA coins
Investing Articles

£10,000 in an ISA generates a second income of…

The London Stock Exchange is home to some of the world's most generous dividends. But how big a second income…

Read more »

Shot of a senior man drinking coffee and looking thoughtfully out of a window
Investing Articles

Expert recommendations: 2 top income stocks yielding 7%+!

With yields of 7.2% and 7.8% respectively, these two income stocks are catching the eyes of institutional analysts. Should investors…

Read more »

Illustration of flames over a black background
Investing Articles

3 top income-focused stocks to buy in May 2026, according to experts

Looking for a stock to buy for income in May 2026? Experts have flagged these three UK dividend shares as…

Read more »