Hidden alpha in 'ahead of expectations', and relief in the UK motor finance saga?


Jan 24 2025 41 mins   10

In this week’s episode, Lawrence is joined by Stockopedia CEO Ed Croft and Daily Stock Market Report writers Graham Neary and Roland head. They discuss:

  • New research from Stockopedia, highlighting the potential hidden alpha when companies issue “ahead of expectations” trading updates. Ed reveals how much stocks tend to drift upwards after these announcements, how long the effect lasts, and how you can implement these findings into your own process.
  • Yu group (#YU) and its latest update. This stock is featured in two of Stockopedia’s model portfolios, and the team give their thoughts on its current direction compared with its fundamental strength. Is it going to be sold from either of the portfolios?
  • The UK motor finance saga. With the Treasury announcing an intervention, possibly to avoid another PPI-style scandal, is there a light at the end of the tunnel for motor finance lenders? The market seemed to think so this week, but what’s the investment case here?

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Stocks we mention

06:44 - Frontier Developments (#FDEV)

07:53 - SRT Marine (#SRT)

08:32 - CMC Markets (#CMCX)

09:01 - Reach (#RCH), McBride (#MCB)

17:12 - Watkin Jones (#WJG), Evoke (#EVOK)

18:27 - Vistry (#VTY)

22:17 - Yu Group (#YU.)

31:54 - Secure Trust Bank (#STB), Close Brothers (#CBG), S&U (#SUS), Lloyds (#LLOY)

Extra Stockopedia content we mention:

The Jump - what to do when share prices react to Trading Statements (subscriber-only): https://www.stockopedia.com/content/the-jump-what-to-do-when-share-prices-react-to-trading-statements-1021030/

The Strategy Map - How To Pick Your Stock Market Strategy: https://www.stockopedia.com/academy/articles/introduction-to-strategy-map/

Host: Lawrence Judd

Analysts: Ed Croft, Graham Neary, Roland Head

Let us know what you thought of this episode - email [email protected] or tweet us @Stockopedia.

Disclosures: At the time of recording, presenters own shares in Evoke and Yu Group.

Disclaimer: We do not provide personalised financial advice. None of our content constitutes or should be understood as constituting a recommendation to enter in any securities transactions or to engage in any investment strategies discussed in our content. We do not provide personalised recommendations or views as to whether a stock or investment approach is suited to the financial needs of a specific individual. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment based on your own personal circumstances.