PUNT OF THE WEEK: International research group YouGov

PUNT OF THE WEEK: International research group YouGov is branching into sports research

What is it?

An international research group that gathers data on opinions and is best known for its political surveys and polling figures. 

An AIM 100 stock, it was founded in 2000 by two former aides to Jeffrey Archer, and is now worth around £800million.

What’s the latest?

Last month it completed a takeover of sports research agency SMG Insight, which it had been invested in since 2010.

The division has been rebranded You Gov Sport and, according to the company, is delivering good results ahead of schedule.

Who backs it?

Liontrust Asset Management is the largest backer with a 16.5 per cent stake. Co-founder and chief executive Stephan Shakespeare is a top-ten investor, with 7 per cent of shares.

Other big names holding the stock include Aberdeen Standard Investments, T Rowe Price, Investec and Charles Stanley.

Why should you invest?

It is a trusted, heavyweight brand and analysts expect its core operations to grow without boosts from acquisitions in the coming years.

Of the three brokers following it, two have it rated as ‘buy’ and one as ‘strong buy’.

And why you shouldn’t

It is not a very liquid stock, which could make it hard to sell at a good price at short notice.

 

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