The boom times are back! At the end of last month, it was revealed that thenumber ofUK consumerswilling tospendmoney has climbed to a nine-year high.
Whats more, another survey showed that household finances were improving across the country. According to the survey, during April families had on average17 per week in their pockets to spend on luxuries.
And retailersNEXT(LSE: NXT),Marks and Spencer(LSE: MKS),Boohoo.Com(LSE: BOO),ASOS(LSE: ASC) andSports Direct(LSE: SPD) are all set to benefit from rising consumer confidence as well as consumers increasing disposable income.
Looking after investors
If youre looking for a great play on improving consumer sentiment across the UK, you cant go wrong with NEXT.
NEXT is one of the UKs greatest success stories, and the company is focused on looking after its shareholders.
Through a well-thought-out blend of business investment and share repurchases, NEXTs operating profits have expanded by 350% over the past 15 years. Over the same period, the companys earnings per share have jumped by a staggering 1000%.
Unfortunately, City analysts expect NEXTs growth to slow over the next three years. EPS growth of approximately4% per annum is penciled in through to the end of 2017.
Still, NEXT is committed to returning excess cash to investors through special dividends. Analysts believe that NEXT will yield 4.2% this year. The company currently trades at a forward P/E of 18.4.
Explosive growth
Much of NEXTs growth is now behind the company, but according to City analysts, the growth story at Sports Direct is only just getting started.
Sports Directs EPS have jumped by 91% over the past five years and the next three years, EPS are predicted to growth another 54%.
At present, the company currently trades at a premium forward P/E of 18.4, which looks expensive.
However, after factoring in the groups projected growth rate over the next few years, Sports Direct is trading at a 2017 P/E of 14.4 not an overly demanding valuation.
Going upmarket
At the end of last month,Marks and Spencer announced an impressive set of full-year results.
The group reported that duringthe 13 weeks to 28 March, clothing and homeware sales at established stores rose by 0.7%, bringing to an end years of falling sales. Moreover, for the year ending 28 March the company reported a 0.6% increase in like-for-like food sales.
Still, Marks shares dont come cheap.
The company currently trades at a 2016P/E of 17.7. Analysts believe that Marks EPS will tick higher by 7% during 2016, giving a PEG ratio of 2.5. At present, Marks supports a dividend yield of 3.1%.
Paying a premium
Due to their wide profit margins and cash generative natures, Boohoo and Asos are my two final plays on improving UK consumer sentiment.
Unfortunately, the market has placed a premium valuation on these companies, which leaves plenty of room for error if the companies fail to meet lofty forecasts for growth.
Specifically, Asos is trading at a forward P/E of 86.3. EPS are set to fall by 5% this year before rebounding by 26% during 2016. Asos trades at a 2016 P/E of 67.2.
Boohoo currently trades at a forward P/E of 23.6, although the company EPS are set to jump by 43% this year.
Looking for income?
These five picks are all great plays on the UK’s growing consumer confidence, but in most cases, their dividend yields leave a lot to be desired.
Ifyou’re interested in seeking out the market’s top income stocks, then why not check out The Motley Fool’sfree income report double pack.
For a limited time only,we’ve bundled together our top income report,”How To Create Dividends For Life“, with a report entitled,”My 5 Golden Rules for Building a Dividend Portfolio”.
Together, the two reports teach youeverything you need to know to build a buy and forget dividend portfolio.
Justclick hereto download thefree report double pack today!
Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Sports Direct International and owns shares in ASOS. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
