One FTSE 250 inventory that caught my eye lately is TP ICAP Group (LSE: TCAP).

Right here’s why I consider traders ought to take into account snapping up some shares.

Various enterprise

TP ICAP is a broking, knowledge, and analytics enterprise which serves a few of the largest sectors on this planet. These embody monetary providers, vitality, and commodities.

I can see that the shares have been on a improbable run prior to now 12 months. They’re up 43% from 166p at the moment final yr, to present ranges of 238p.

The funding case damaged down

Beginning with the bull case, on the floor of issues, TP ICAP’s fundamentals look good. For instance, the shares look respectable worth for cash at current on a price-to-earnings ratio of eight. Plus, primarily based on forecasts, the ahead trying P/E ratio of 10 nonetheless signifies worth forward too. Nonetheless, I do perceive that forecasts don’t at all times come to fruition.

Along with this, a dividend yield of 6.2% is engaging. Nonetheless, I’m aware that dividends are by no means assured. Along with this, the enterprise confirmed a share buyback scheme value £30m earlier this month too, which is optimistic. It’s the third of its sort prior to now 12 months.

Trying to the longer term, analysts anticipate earnings to extend by near 70% subsequent yr. I’ll take these projections with a pinch of salt, in fact. However, it reveals confidence on the very least.

As a substitute, I’d slightly give attention to TP’s most up-to-date outcomes. A half-year report launched earlier this month made for good studying, for my part. Among the key takeaways for me have been that group income and EBITDA elevated by 3% and seven%. Plus, earnings earlier than tax and earnings per share rose by 10% and eight%.

Lastly, I’m buoyed by TP’s knowledge analytics enterprise arm, Parameta Options. I reckon that is the place the inventory might see earnings development and returns come from. The enterprise is even contemplating a separate US itemizing, however I’ll control developments carefully. Because the world continues alongside the digital revolution, there may very well be some thrilling occasions forward.

Dangers and my verdict

From a bearish standpoint, it’s value noting that the agency’s broking enterprise could turn into out of date sooner or later. This is because of modifications in expertise, and the actual fact individuals could transfer away from executing trades over the telephone in favour of smarter methods of working. This might impression investor sentiment and returns. Nonetheless, at current, the enterprise continues to churn out respectable earnings from this facet of the enterprise.

Subsequent, from an earnings perspective, it’s laborious to disregard the agency’s monitor document and steadiness sheet. It has had a chequered historical past of payouts, and debt ranges at current are one thing I’ll control. These money owed might hinder returns, in addition to development initiatives.

General, there’s so much to love in regards to the enterprise, for my part, together with a good valuation, in addition to a passive earnings alternative to kick issues off. The ace up its sleeve is the info facet of the enterprise, which might have great potential transferring ahead, and catapult the enterprise to new heights.