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.

Forget the National Lottery and Premium Bonds! I’d invest in these 2 FTSE 100 stocks today

I think these two FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE:UKX) shares could offer improving return prospects.

| 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.

While winning £1m+ on the Lottery or Premium Bonds is likely to appeal to most people, the chances of doing so are extremely slim. In fact, there is a one in 45m chance of winning the lottery, while the average return on Premium Bonds is 1.4% at the present time.

Therefore, buying a range of FTSE 100 shares could be a better idea. They may offer good value for money in many cases at the present time, while their growth prospects could be attractive.

XXX

With that in mind, here are two large-cap shares that could deliver high returns in the long run as they implement their current strategies.

Reckitt Benckiser

The disappointing third-quarter update recently released by Reckitt Benckiser (LSE: RB) may have dissuaded some investors from buying shares in the consumer goods company. After all, it faces an uncertain near-term outlook due to a change in CEO and challenges in some of its key markets.

However, a difficult quarter could present a buying opportunity for long-term investors. The stock now trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 17.7, which is below the ratings of many of its global consumer goods peers. Furthermore, it is undergoing a restructuring that could produce a more efficient business that is better able to adapt to changing consumer tastes.

Reckitt Benckiser is focusing its resources on improving its operational performance in the short run. This could strengthen its near-term prospects, while the investment it is making in areas such as innovation and e-commerce may lead to a growing top and bottom line in the long run. As such, now could be an opportunity to buy a high-quality business at a fair price.

Mondi

Another FTSE 100 company that has experienced a challenging operating environment of late is Mondi (LSE: MNDI). The packaging business reported softer market conditions in its most recent quarterly update, with selling prices being down on the same period from the prior year. This contributed to a fall in its quarterly profit, which may cause investors to factor in a wider margin of safety in the short run.

However, the company continues to implement measures that are designed to reduce its costs and improve its profitability. As part of this, it is reorganising its structure so that it can more easily deliver on its customers’ demands.

Looking ahead, Mondi is forecast to post a decline in its bottom line in the current year. However, its forward P/E ratio of 11.2 suggests that its share price includes a discount to its intrinsic value that could present a buying opportunity.

Although the stock could continue to be relatively unpopular among investors in the short run, in the long run it appears to have a solid growth strategy. As such, it may be an appealing company for long-term value investors.

Peter Stephens owns shares of Reckitt Benckiser. 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

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 »