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I think there are a lot of attractive value shares available on the FTSE right now.
Two options investors should consider are buying Centric (LSE: CNA) i Safe store (LSE: SAFE).
This is why!
Centric
The owner of British Gas is a giant company that supplies energy to over 10 million households and businesses.
Centrica’s stock appears to be gaining momentum again after its pointed decline last September. They have risen 14% in 12 months from 120p this time last year to the current level of 137p.
From a bearish point of view, two issues concern me. First, lower wholesale gas prices could negatively impact results and potentially impact future profits. I’ll be watching this.
Then, switching to renewable energy is a costly endeavor. This change could hurt shareholder returns because it will undermine what currently looks like a robust balance sheet. However, the company has already committed money to the upcoming change and appears to be preparing. Preparation is always a good sign for me.
From a bullish point of view, the stock looks very inexpensive to me at the moment with a price-to-earnings ratio of just 2! Average P/E ratio over the entire period FTSE250 the index is closer to 12.
The company then offers a dividend yield of close to 3%. Moreover, an ongoing £1 billion share buyback program softens the investment case. However, I understand that dividends are never guaranteed.
Centrica has the financial strength, brand strength and reach to potentially be a good buy if you ask me. Personally, I would be willing to buy some shares whenever possible.
Safe store
As the largest self-service provider in the UK, Safestore’s dominant market position and excellent track record are some of the main advantages for me personally.
The stock has fallen 14% in 12 months from 979p this time last year to its current level of 889p.
I believe much of this decline is due to current economic pressures. Because interest rates are higher and inflation is high, rent collections and property values ​​have declined. This is the biggest ongoing risk for the company, especially as it is also investing money in an aggressive European expansion plan.
Another risk I’m concerned about is a debt-heavy balance sheet. This debt may be more complex to repay in the current high interest rate environment and harm future growth and profits.
When it comes to expansion, Safestore is currently the second largest company of its kind on the continent. This is an invigorating development. This is where I believe Safestore can reach fresh heights in the future. This is because the European storage market is much less developed and offers good growth opportunities.
Next, the stock looks like value for money to me, given its price-to-earnings ratio of just nine. Additionally, the 3.4% dividend yield is attractive and helps build a passive income stream.
Like Centrica, Safestore is another stock that I would personally be willing to buy when the opportunity arises.