How to invest in Formula 1 shares

Love Formula 1 and always wondered how you could get some financial skin in the game? After all, it’s a multi-billion dollar industry, thanks to controversial former Formula 1 tycoon Bernie Ecclestone’s success in attracting valuable TV viewing contracts and big name sponsorship for the sport.

It’s not possible to invest directly in Formula 1 teams, of course, and it’s worth remembering that racing is a highly risky investment. However, it is possible to invest indirectly in the sport by buying shares in companies associated with Formula 1.

Liberty Media, run by US billionaire John Malone and part owner of radio company Sirius XM in the US, bought F1’s parent company Delta TopCo in 2017 for $8 billion and the company is publically traded in the US.

Audi and Porsche, owned by Volkswagen, are also set to join Formula 1 as engine suppliers in 2026, although a deal between Porsche, which recently floated, and Red Bull fell through in September.

As with many other areas, good options can also be investing in the so-called ‘picks and shovel’ firms related to the industry rather than the main players themselves.

Remember that it’s never a good idea to invest blindly in something just because you’re a fan. Many football aficionados have been disappointed by investing in their own teams’ shares. It’s important to make sure that the companies you are buying into are good investments in their own right.

Always do your own research before committing your money, because in the worse-case scenario you could wind up losing it all. Here are some stock suggestions:

Liberty Media – F1 in turnaround mode

Through a complex collection of companies, Liberty Media Corporation owns Formula 1, Sirius XM - the broadcasting company famous for outspoken host Howard Stern - and the Braves baseball group. Formula 1 has had a tough time over the past few years due to the worldwide Covid lockdowns. However, things are looking up for the company.

In its first-quarter results, Liberty Media Corp said that the Formula 1 season has started well. “The F1 season is off to a fantastic start, with thrilling races to-date and many more to come on our record 23-race 2023 calendar," said Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 President and CEO.

"The race weekends are drawing huge crowds, with the Australian Grand Prix hosting 445,000 fans and sellouts for the majority of the remaining calendar. The power of our platform continues to draw interest also from commercial partners, with a number of new and expanded sponsors already announced season-to-date.”

However, while Formula 1 operating income rose 6% to $381 million, operating profits remained relatively flat at $35 million in the quarter (from $34m the previous quarter).

The company says that team salaries increased, while the Paddock Club saw increased costs associated with higher hospitality attendance and the $6million in costs from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Nevertheless, Formula 1 is seeing growth across its media rights contracts, subscriptions to its Formula 1 channel and sponsorship revenue, while freight costs have fallen.

The shares are up 18.8% over the year and, while the positive trajectory continues, investors may wish to take some profits.

Ricardo – motorsports and the environment

It isn’t yet possible to invest directly in Formula 1 team McLaren, which is privately held, although there have been rumours of a McLaren IPO. However, UK-quoted Ricardo is an engineering firm, which produces transmission services and components for the McLaren team. The company has a number of ex-Formula 1 engineers working for it and much expertise in motorsport at its specialist centre in Leamington Spa.

Ricardo is not a one-trick pony, however, also providing its consultancy and engineering services across rail, commercial vehicles, government, defence, the environment and many other sectors.

Management says that, due to the implementation of green policies by various governments across the world, it is seeing more and more demand for its climate support services.

In the recent half-year results in March, the company posted a record order book worth more than £410 million – up an impressive 34% - boosted by growth across its environmental and energy-transition portfolio. Meanwhile, Ricardo says its US Department of Defense Programme provides it with “long-term visibility and financial resilience”.

However, issues within its automotive and industrial business, which is being affected by current economic uncertainty, led the company to make a £12.5 million loss for the period, compared to a £4.6 million profit last year.

These issues are being dealt with via the acceleration of a restructuring programme, but are likely to weigh on the shares in the short term. Revenues for the period rose 17% to £212.7 million. Net debt also fell to £31.4million, while cash conversion was strong at 97%.

The shares are up 57% this year to 572p, so investors may wish to take some profits. However, Ricardo is a solid business and likely to continue to benefit from environmental drivers going forward.

Ferrari – the resilience of luxury brands

Italian-based Ferrari, formed by the legendary Enzo Ferrari in 1939 from the Alfa Romeo racing team, is now worth €53.6. billion. While investors can’t put their money directly in the Ferrari Formula 1 team, the world-famous car brand is publically listed on the Milan and New York stock exchanges.

In the first-quarter results posted in May the group saw its order book increase by 9.7% compared to the same period last year, to 3,567 units. Net revenues rose by 20.5% to €1.4 billion, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 27% to €537 million. Industrial free cash flow came in at €269 million.

“Another exceptional quarter for Ferrari,” commented Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari CEO. “Double-digit growth across the main parameters, with EBITDA margin at 37.6% reaching a new high and net profit up to Euro 297 million.

"Our order book already extends into 2025 with an award-winning product portfolio. We have decided to reopen orders for the Purosangue, suspended due to an initial unprecedented demand, and launched the Roma Spider to further enrich our offer. We are on track with our electrification journey on the development of both sports cars and infrastructures in Maranello.”

The shares have had a good run this year and are up 57% to €276.4, so investors may wish to bank some profits.

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