Despite the stock market's recent woes (or perhaps, because of them), now is still the perfect time to buy shares.
Although 2014 has been a year to forget, 2015 could hold enormous returns for investors who resist the temptation to sell, and particularly for those who bravely buy while shares are cheap.
Earlier this week, my colleague Sean O'Neill penned an excellent article naming his four most compelling stocks to buy in the lead up to Christmas. While each of the stocks he selected represent fine businesses, everyone's Christmas stocking is different, so I thought I would also share which companies I believe are the most compelling buys right now.
1. Nearmap Ltd (ASX:NEA)
Right now, Nearmap is amongst my favourite stocks to buy. The small-cap phenomenon is a provider of ultra-high resolution aerial photographs and its products are quickly gaining popularity (and profitability) in Australia. Better yet, it has recently laid out its growth plans for the much larger U.S. market which could be an enormous opportunity for Nearmap.
The stock's recent price fall is simply the cherry on top. Now at 56.5 cents per unit, the stock is trading at a 32% discount to its record-high price just last month. I already own shares in the stock and am very tempted to buy even more.
2. Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL)
Shares of Australia's largest beverage manufacturer have taken a beating over the last two years, but that could soon change as modifications are made throughout the business. Costs will be reduced dramatically, productivity and efficiency measures will be improved and a greater focus will be applied to marketing and product development.
With a strong management team steering the ship, Coca-Cola Amatil is shaping up as a fantastic buy for long-term investors at $8.85 per unit.
3. Greencross Limited (ASX: GXL)
At its current price, Greencross also appears to be a fantastic bet for new money. Australia's leading provider of veterinary services is targeting a 20% share of the Australian market, up from its current level of 7.5%, highlighting the significant runway of growth ahead.
Despite the absence of any bad news, the stock has endured a 30% decline since late August to be trading at $7.50. While it still might not appear that cheap, trading on a projected P/E ratio of 20.8x earnings, the stock could deliver market-smashing returns over the coming years as it capitalises on its growth opportunities.
4. Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW)
There's no better way to say this other than shareholders in Woolworths have had a year from hell. What has for so long been one of Australia's most reliable companies has plunged 25% since April to be trading near a two-year low. On the plus side, it now has a spectacular 5% fully franked dividend, which equates to a 7.1% yield when grossed up.
Granted, its Masters Home Improvement chain has been disappointing until now, but Woolworths has a strong track record for building businesses over the long term and there's no reason to suggest this one won't be the same. At $29.14, Woolworths is amongst my top stocks to buy right now.
