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.

Just released: 5 stocks every Brit should own in 2024 [PREMIUM PICKS]

Our yearly list of “Starter Stocks” is our attempt to answer a simple question: “Where do I go first?”

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We think our Starter Stocks could be ideal building blocks to form the foundation of a portfolio for new and experienced investors alike.

We encourage investors to own at least three of these companies on their way to a portfolio of 15 shares or more.

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Starter Stocks are businesses that are emblematic of our investment philosophy here at Share Advisor. They embody the qualities we like to look for in long-term investments. So we’re looking for some (or all) of the following:

  • an impressive track record;
  • a dominant market position;
  • a business that is easy to understand and simple to follow;
  • a strong management team;
  • an admirable company culture; and
  • less volatility (hopefully) than the wider market.

These are companies we believe in for the long term, and where we think their management, business practices and financial characteristics could make them attractive bets for many years to come.

Share Advisor “Starter Stock” Pick #1:

Britvic (LSE:BVIC)

Britvic (LSE: BVIC) is the second largest producer of soft drinks in the UK, thanks to its strong relationship with PepsiCo. Its brands include Fruit Shoot, J2O, Robinson’s and Tango.

The combination of predictable dividends in a low yield world and the potential for acquisition activity has made the consumer staples sector even more expensive than it usually is. But there are still pockets of value and we believe Britvic represents one of those opportunities, and that its growth opportunities are as good or better than competitors that fetch higher multiples. Britvic can expand at home with new product launches and it is busy expanding distribution internationally, too.

Britvic is also improving its efficiency, which should give it increased distribution with lower costs per unit and more flexibility to expand in the future. Those watching the financial statements should see this translate into a higher operating margin over the next few years, which is an area where management has already been making consistent improvement.

Share Advisor “Starter Stock” Pick #2:


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The Motley Fool UK has recommended Britvic Plc. 

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