Maynard became a full-time investor at the start of 2015 and then published a blog documenting his portfolio at maynardpaton.com until the end of 2025. Before that he wrote investment articles for The Motley Fool UK between 1999 and 2014. Maynard has written articles for ShareScope since 2018.
I’ve developed my investing approach after years of learning about the stock market and experiencing what actually works for me. Important influences on my style include the strategies of Warren Buffett, Peter Lynch and Jim Slater. I look to invest in respectable smaller companies run by capable managers that trade at modest valuations and to hold them for the long term.
ME Group issued a profit warning the other week and its shares now trade close to their 52-week low. Maynard Paton reviews the photobooth operator’s diversification into washing machines, its family-run boardroom and some slapdash financial reporting. Shares trading close to their 52-week lows can often provide lucrative buying opportunities for contrarian investors. In particular,
Recruitment agency SThree surprises Maynard Paton by appearing in a screen that hunts for asset-backed bargains. A notable cash position and a huge debtor book are the key deep-value attractions. I am once again looking for ‘value bargains’ and revisiting a screen that identifies companies trading at less than book value. Importantly, this screen attempts
The lead executives at Alfa Financial Software were paid just £29k last year to match the London Living Wage. Maynard Paton links the commendable remuneration to the run of eleven special dividends declared by this high-margin, high-ROE business. Can you imagine company directors working for £14.80 an hour? If not, then say hello to Andrew
Marketing specialist Brave Bison undertook five acquisitions last year and recently purchased 28% of System1. Maynard Paton wonders if the acquisitions are creating value and whether he should join System1’s founder as a Brave Bison. Oh dear. This ShareScope report has not turned out as I first hoped. I had wondered whether Brave Bison —
Screening again for high margins and high ROEs pinpoints the super accounts of AJ Bell. Maynard Paton studies the investing platform’s impressive business that has attracted 681,000 customers – including himself. Last month I revisited a ShareScope screen that applied two ratios favoured by ‘quality’ investors — operating margin and return on equity (ROE). The
A screen for high margins and high ROEs perhaps surprisingly identifies Hollywood Bowl. Maynard Paton studies the bowling group’s growth history, lease accounting, hefty capex and commendable leadership. Today I have revisited a ShareScope screen that applies two ratios favoured by ‘quality’ investors — operating margin and return on equity (ROE). The exact criteria I
A screen for high insider ownership identifies GlobalData boss Michael Danson and his £500m shareholding. Maynard Paton delves into Mr Danson’s impeccable track record of creating, buying and selling data businesses. I can’t be the only investor who likes to see directors aligned with ordinary shareholders by owning lots of stock. Hence this revisit to
Earlier this year, Science Group bagged a 74% gain within five months following an acrimonious activist campaign. Maynard Paton studies the consultancy group’s low-profile boss, who is refreshingly prepared to instigate changes at underperforming investments. I love activists. The investors who roll up their sleeves and: Buy large stakes in underperforming companies; Engage with boardrooms
MP Evans boasts a very reliable dividend and profits surging beyond $100m suggests further income growth to come. Maynard Paton assesses the group’s palm-oil KPIs, high-margin accounts, intriguing board and record-high share price. I can’t be the only investor who likes to collect a reliable dividend. Hence this revisit to an old screen that pinpoints
Churchill China’s shares have plunged to below book value as the struggling hospitality industry cuts back on new cups and plates. Maynard Paton weighs up whether the crockery manufacturer is a value bargain or a value trap. I am once again looking for ‘value bargains’ and revisiting a screen that identifies companies trading at less
Bumper contracts leading to rapid profit growth have prompted MS International to multi-bag during the last five years. Maynard Paton assesses the defence group’s sudden resurgence, fluctuating cash flow, old-school board and 13x P/E. This month I have gone ‘back to basics’ by employing an old screen that identifies companies with strong balance sheets, robust
Camellia has enjoyed incredible long-term NAV growth but recent years have not been very kind to earnings and the share price. Maynard Paton assesses the agricultural group’s eclectic assets, ‘value enhancement’ plan, revamped board and lowly valuation. “I stress the long-term advisedly, because our entire emphasis is towards the development of a worldwide group of