10 Most Popular Shares in Q1

These 10 companies topped the list of most searched for stocks on Morningstar.co.uk in the first quarter of 2013

Holly Cook 8 April, 2013 | 4:26PM
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In the first three months of the year, investors who use Morningstar.co.uk to generate investment ideas and monitor their portfolios have watched the FTSE 100 index rise almost 10% in that quarter alone.

As they review their holdings and explore potential new ones, these investors have largely sought out reliable UK companies that deliver steady growth and a consistent dividend. Vodafone and GlaxoSmithKline are two such examples.

But it’s not only the slow and steady stocks that our investors have been researching on Morningstar.co.uk. Since the start of the year Thomas Cook Group has also been among the most searched for companies on our website. The travel operator saw shares slump in 2011 as unrest in the Middle East and North Africa hurt its Egypt and Tunisia operations, and has struggled to recover since amid the global travel sector downturn and its own personal high debt levels. However, in the first quarter of 2013 the shares have rallied 120%, bolstered in recent weeks by the firm’s new strategy announcement. For investors who had the courage to buy in at the trough a year ago, their holding will be up in excess of 400% now. For those who already held Thomas Cook before its difficulties became apparent, shares worth £1 apiece today will offer little comfort compared to the £2.70 price tag three years ago.

Of these ten most searched for companies on Morningstar.co.uk, eight are considered to be fairly value by Morningstar equity analysts—hardly surprising since we see the market as broadly fairly valued—but one company, BG Group, is considered to be marginally undervalued by the market versus our analyst’s fair value estimate.

10 Most Searched For Stocks in Q1

Vodafone (VOD)
3 Stars

Aviva (AV.)
3 Stars

Thomas Cook Group (TCG)
Not rated

Tesco (TSCO)
3 Stars

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
3 Stars

Barclays (BARC)
3 Stars

Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY)
3 Stars

BG Group (BG.)
4 Stars

BT Group (BT.A)
3 Stars

BP (BP.)
3 Stars

Star Ratings for Stocks indicate whether the stock is over- or under-valued compared to our analyst's fair value estimate. Morningstar Equity Research is available to Premium subscribers. Not a Premium member? Get instant access when you take a free 14-day trial.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
Aviva PLC485.70 GBX0.39Rating
Barclays PLC257.20 GBX-2.08Rating
BP PLC392.70 GBX1.06Rating
BT Group PLC151.25 GBX2.40Rating
GSK PLC1,342.00 GBX2.48Rating
Lloyds Banking Group PLC54.42 GBX-1.09Rating
Tesco PLC353.40 GBX0.71Rating
Vodafone Group PLC70.08 GBX1.74Rating

About Author

Holly Cook

Holly Cook  is Manager, Morningstar EMEA Websites

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