Last weeks first-quarter update gave an extra boost to this years surge at Marks & Spencer (LSE: MKS), taking the share price up 4.5% on the day M&S shares are now up 28% over 12 months, to 574p. For once, all parts of the business saw sales growth, including like-for-like figures, with online sales showing a 14% lift. After three years of stagnation, dividends are on the rise again at M&S, and the company is looking like its back to reasonable health.
Admiral
Insurer Admiral (LSE: ADM) plunged towards the end of last year, but in 2015 its made back the losses and then some, with the price up to 1,591p as I write. The insurance sector as a whole is resurgent, but Admirals super dividend is pushing it ahead of the pack. Payments are expected to be ramped up this year, with a dividend yield of 5.8% currently forecast, followed by 6.2% in 2016. Those levels may not be sustainable long-term, but it would be a great return in just two years.
Talk Talk
Anything telecom-related has been doing well this year too, and that includes Talk Talk Telecom (LSE: TALK), whose shares are up 34% since mid-October to 355p. After a couple of years of falling earnings, Q3 figures suggest well be back to growth this year. Analysts are forecasting a 45% jump in EPS for the year just ended in March, with two more strong years predicted to bring the P/E down to 15 with a 5% dividend yield. At the moment Talk Talk is priced as a growth stock, but growth does indeed look likely.
Bovis
What can you say about Britains housebuilders? If youd bought in at any time over the past few years youd have done well, yet youd still be holding shares that look very cheap. Bovis Homes (LSE: BVS) shares have trebled since mid-2011, yet forecasts put them on a forward P/E of a meagre 10 for this year, dropping to 8 for 2016 and there are nice dividends yielding well above 4% expected too.
Reckitt Benckiser
We dont usually expect household products companies to lead the FTSE, but Reckitt Benckiser (LSE: RB) shares are up 28% over 12 months to 6,066p after a surge since mid-December. Results for 2014 show a modest return to earnings growth, but the shares are now on a forward P/E of 25 with a below-average 2.2% dividend yield. Investors are clearly prepared to pay high prices for safety, it seems.
Finally, if you’re looking for a genuinely exciting investment, how does a great new e-commerce opportunity that’s set to take many people by surprise grab you?
We have a brand new report for you, detailing 3 Hidden Factors Behind This Daring E-commerce Play, which could help set you on the road to riches if you’re smart enough to take up the opportunity while you can.
If you want to get in on one of the potentially most lucrative investments of 2015, you can find out more by clicking here now.
Alan Oscroft has no position in any 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.