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An unbelievable 19 FTSE 250 shares have been takeover targets this 12 months, in response to analysis from AJ Bell.
Of those, 9 offers accomplished, together with Centamin, Redrow and Virgin Cash, whereas one other six are in progress, notably Britvic and Direct Line. Throughout the FTSE 350, takeover exercise tripled in comparison with 2023.
AJ Bell funding analyst Dan Coatsworth mentioned many targets had been beforehand “unloved or underappreciated”, and patrons couldn’t resist their low share costs. Love Island and Downton Abbey maker ITV (LSE: ITV) could also be subsequent.
The share value makes compulsive viewing
Takeover rumours have swirled across the TV broadcaster for years, however Coatsworth thinks latest hypothesis could possibly be credible: “Private equity, a rival broadcaster or even a streaming platform could show interest.”
That’s definitely the best way traders are betting. The ITV share value surged on 25 November, following stories that potential suitors are in early discussions with the board. We don’t know the way critical this curiosity is, or whether or not the ITV board welcomes it.
ITV has laboured as Hollywood strikes disrupted TV and movie productions, whereas promoting earnings has been bumpy.
Coatsworth describes ITV’s Studios content material arm as a hidden gem, doubtlessly price greater than the market worth of the complete group: “Someone like Netflix could gobble up ITV for a fraction of its annual content spend and access its rich library of programmes.”
He says the ITVX streaming platform has crushed expectations and supplies beneficial insights into person viewing habits, which permits huge manufacturers to focus on prospects. ITV may even be damaged up and offered individually, Studios going to at least one bidder, it’s broadcasting arm and ITVX to a different.
2025 may see a string of UK inventory acquisitions
As a rule, I don’t purchase on takeover speak, which so typically involves nothing. But many traders do, with the ITV share value leaping nearly 18% within the final month. This flatters latest efficiency figures, because the shares at the moment are up practically 16% over one 12 months. They’re down a brutal 53% over 5 years, which provides a clearer image of its troubles.
Consequently ITV look filth low-cost buying and selling at 9.53 occasions trailing earnings, whereas the trailing yield is a bumper 6.8%.
Regardless of my sniffy resistance to purchasing shares on market rumours, there are arguments for doing so. Many UK shares look undervalued proper now, which suggests bidders are prepared to pay a premium value and drive up valuations.
Current bid exercise has acted as a wake-up name for traders, persuading them to re-appraise the corporate in query. That is very true if the board rejects bids, and even a number of bids. It makes traders surprise in the event that they’re lacking one thing. Coatsworth notes that shares in Anglo American, Rightmove and Currys have all revived after the boards fought off patrons reasonably than taking the cash.
ITV shares have idled in latest days as takeover information dries up. I don’t want the short-term uncertainty, so I received’t purchase them myself. Those that do proceed to contemplate it could discover the inventory onerous to withstand. ITV definitely seems low-cost and has an enormous yield.
