2 FTSE 100 penny stocks I’d buy as the market falls

Jon Smith takes a look at the recent fall in the FTSE 100, and notes two penny stocks that appeal to him to buy right now.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Young woman working at modern office. Technical price graph and indicator, red and green candlestick chart and stock trading computer screen background.

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

The FTSE 100 is currently on track for the fifth consecutive week of losses. However, falling markets give me an opportunity to scout out potentially oversold stocks to buy. Some might have fallen below 100p, making them penny stocks. Here are two FTSE 100 penny stocks that I think I’m going to buy.

Not changing channel

The first one is ITV (LSE:ITV). The share price dropped below 100p back in February, and currently trades at 67p. Over a one-year period, this marks it down by 46%. It’s quite a fall for the British media company.

The main driver behind this move was the release of full-year results earlier this year. Even though total revenue was up 28% year-on-year to £1.76bn, the share price fell sharply due to concerns around investment. Part of this spending is on ITVX, the streaming platform that the business says will double the amount of streaming viewing.

Should you invest £1,000 in ITV right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if ITV made the list?

See the 6 stocks

However, with such tough competition in this area already, investors were clearly concerned that this could be an expensive mistake, hence the share price fall. I think this is the main risk for the penny stock over the next year.

Despite this slump, I think ITV is a buy right now. Streaming viewing hours were up 22%, with the family share of viewing also increasing slightly. This highlights that the business is growing market share. It also has a wide range of media, ranging from shows like Love Island, to sporting events and dramas like Line of Duty. This means a wide range of appeal to all kinds of advertisers, helping to boost revenue.

A penny stock with pedigree

The second penny stock I like now is Lloyds Banking Group (LSE:LLOY). The share price is down 9% over the past year, and has taken a 19% hit in the past three months alone.

I recently wrote a more in-depth piece on the bank, saying why I think the next move could be higher for the stock. Its £4bn investment over the next few years in the strategy refresh could be just what it needs to start outperforming again. A push towards digital and simplifying the customer experience should boost retention of existing clients but also attract new ones.

Higher interest rates are also helping the group. With rates now at 1%, the margin it can make in the process of lending out money versus paying interest on deposits is much larger.

There’s a risk that the firm could suffer if the UK returns to a recession, as hinted at by the Bank of England late last week. The cost of living crisis could dry up spending by many retail account customers, potentially leading to loan defaults.

I’m going to take advantage of the fall in both penny stocks by adding them to my portfolio.

Should you buy ITV now?

Don’t make any big decisions yet.

Because Mark Rogers — The Motley Fool UK’s Director of Investing — has revealed 5 Shares for the Future of Energy.

And he believes they could bring spectacular returns over the next decade.

Since the war in Ukraine, nations everywhere are scrambling for energy independence, he says. Meanwhile, they’re hellbent on achieving net zero emissions. No guarantees, but history shows...

When such enormous changes hit a big industry, informed investors can potentially get rich.

So, with his new report, Mark’s aiming to put more investors in this enviable position.

Click the button below to find out how you can get your hands on the full report now, and as a thank you for your interest, we’ll send you one of the five picks — absolutely free!

Grab your FREE Energy recommendation now

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Jon Smith has no position in any share mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended ITV and Lloyds Banking Group. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

Could Aston Martin’s share price explode over the next 12 months? These analysts think so!

Is it possible that Aston Martin's crumbling share price could be set for a stunning turnaround? City brokers think so,…

Read more »

Middle-aged white man wearing glasses, staring into space over the top of his laptop in a coffee shop
Investing Articles

2 dividend shares to consider in what could be a bumpy April!

Searching for solid passive income stocks in uncertain times? Here are two rock-solid dividend shares to consider this month.

Read more »

Smartly dressed middle-aged black gentleman working at his desk
Investing Articles

2 rock-solid growth shares to consider as economic storm clouds gather!

These cheap growth shares could be great safe havens in the current economic and geopolitical climate. Here's why.

Read more »

Stack of British pound coins falling on list of share prices
Investing Articles

Here’s why the IAG share price fell 26% in March

The International Consolidated Airlines (IAG) share price was soaring up to the end of February. But the party seems to…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As the stock market wobbles, here are 2 shares I’ve got my eye on

These two companies are at very different stages in their development, but each looks interesting to me after the recent…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is buying gold stocks the best way to capitalise on bullion’s bull run?

Forget about gold bars, coins, and funds for a moment. Here's why considering gold stocks could be the best option…

Read more »

Investing Articles

These 3 dividend shares may be better buys than FTSE 100 income stocks!

Looking for great dividend stocks to buy in April? Scouring the FTSE 100 is not the only option when it…

Read more »

Investing For Beginners

Want to invest in an ISA but scared of a stock market crash? Consider this

A stock market crash or dip can be a great time to buy FTSE 100 stocks at reduced prices. Harvey…

Read more »