3 of the best cheap UK stocks to buy today!

I’m on the lookout for great UK shares to add to my Stocks and Shares ISA. Here are, in my opinion, three of the best stocks to buy today.

| 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.

Lady researching stocks

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.

Here are three of the best cheap UK stocks I’d happily buy for my Stocks and Shares ISA today.

A FTSE 100 star

DS Smith (LSE: SMDS) is a UK share that already sits proudly in my shares portfolio. And, at current prices, I’m thinking of buying more, especially as the boxbuilder trades on a forward price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of just 0.6. A reading below 1 suggests a stock might be undervalued.

I think DS Smith is one of the best stocks to buy to ride the e-commerce phenomenon. Its packaging is essential in getting goods from businesses to customers in good shape. And it’s a sector of the market in which the FTSE 100 firm is expanding to boost future profits growth.

Furthermore, I also like DS Smith’s important role in the rapidly-expanding, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market. The FMCG and e-tail markets collectively make up around 85% of DS Smith’s total turnover. I think the Footsie company’s a great buy despite the threat posed by rising paper prices right now, not to mention a shortage of raw materials due to the e-tail explosion.

One of the best retail stocks to buy?

The problem with penny stocks is that they can be prone to moments of extreme share price volatility. As a long-term investor though, this isn’t something that worries me when I’m searching for stocks to buy. In fact, a lot of UK penny stocks are underpriced gems that the market hasn’t noticed, giving eagle-eyed investors a chance to nab a bargain (or two).

A pile of British one penny coins on a white background.

N Brown (LSE: BWNG) is one of these that’s grabbed my attention, a clothing retailer that trades on a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 8 times. This sits inside the widely-accepted bargain benchmark of 10 times and below.

It’s true the fashion retail segment is immensely competitive, posing a risk to N Brown’s future profits. There’s also a risk that its fashion offer could fail to match consumers’ tastes. But I’m confident the company’s focus on the plus-size and older consumer segments, as well as its e-tail-only model, should still underpin strong profits growth in the years ahead.

Animal magic

I also think Pets at Home (LSE: PETS) is one of the best stocks to buy to ride the surge in animalcare-related spending. I own shares in veterinary care specialist CVS Group to ride this trend. But I think buying this FTSE 250 company is similarly good idea.

Competition in Pets at Home’s core categories is high. It’s easy enough to nip out to any major supermarket and grab dog food, cat litter, edible treats or whatever else your animal companion wants or needs. But, as the one-stop shop for everything furry-friend related, I think this retailer has what it takes to retain a large share in the growing animalcare market.

Today, this UK retail share trades on a forward PEG ratio of 0.9 and this makes it a great ISA buy, in my opinion.

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.

Royston Wild owns shares of DS Smith. The Motley Fool UK has recommended DS Smith. 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

Here’s how I’d aim for a ton of passive income from £20k in an ISA

To get the best passive income from an ISA, I think we need to balance risk with the potential rewards.…

Read more »

Abstract bull climbing indicators on stock chart
Investing Articles

2 FTSE 100 stocks I’d buy as the blue-chip index hits record highs

This Fool takes a look at a pair of quality FTSE 100 stocks that appear well-positioned for future gains, despite…

Read more »

Satellite on planet background
Small-Cap Shares

Here’s why AIM stock Filtronic is up 44% today

The share price of AIM stock Filtronic has surged on the back of some big news in relation to its…

Read more »

Bus waiting in front of the London Stock Exchange on a sunny day.
Investing Articles

At a record high, there can still be bargain FTSE 100 shares to buy!

The FTSE 100 closed at a new all-time high this week. Our writer explains why there might still be bargain…

Read more »

Asian man looking concerned while studying paperwork at his desk in an office
Investing Articles

After profits plunge 28%, should investors consider buying Lloyds shares?

Lloyds has seen its shares wobble following the release of its latest results. But is this a chance for investors…

Read more »

Abstract bull climbing indicators on stock chart
Investing Articles

Something’s changed in a good way for Reckitt in Q1, and the share price may be about to take off

With the Reckitt share price near 4,475p, is this a no-brainer stock? This long-time Fool takes a closer look at…

Read more »

Investor looking at stock graph on a tablet with their finger hovering over the Buy button
Investing Articles

This new boost in assets might just get the abrdn share price moving again

The abrdn share price has lost half its value in the past five years. But with investor confidence returning, are…

Read more »

Young Black man sat in front of laptop while wearing headphones
Investing Articles

As revenues rise 8%, is the Croda International share price set to bounce back?

The latest update from Croda International indicates that sales are starting to recover from the end of 2023, so is…

Read more »