Looking for UK stocks to buy? I’d start with these FTSE 100 shares

These UK stocks are some of the best companies in the world in their respective fields and could make a great addition to any portfolio 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.

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.

Investors looking for UK stocks to buy today have plenty of options. Some of the biggest and best companies in the world are listed on the London market. These stocks, like the two firms profiled below, may produce high returns for investors in the years ahead. 

UK stocks to buy right now 

Hikma Pharmaceuticals (LSE: HIK) is one of the best pharmaceutical businesses in the world. The company’s prominence in the global sector makes it one of the best UK stocks for long-term investors. 

The business specialises in producing and developing low-cost treatments. These so-called generic versions of popular drugs are increasingly in demand because they cost significantly less than branded versions.

In a world where demand for healthcare is only growing, the cost of providing treatment is becoming an increasingly important consideration for many healthcare providers. 

This growing demand, coupled with Hikma’s treatment pipeline, should help the business grow for many years to come. This suggests that it may be one of the most secure UK stocks to buy today. It has also become an income champion.

Over the past six years, the company has doubled its annual dividend. The current yield stands at 1.6%. If payout growth continues, as it has done for the past six years, investors buying the stock today could see a yield on their investment of 4.8% by 2025, and 11% by 2030.

As such, if you’re looking for the best growth and income UK stocks to buy today, it may be worth considering Hikma for your portfolio. 

Sage Group

Sage Group (LSE: SGE) also stands out as one of the best UK stocks to buy right now. The company is fast becoming a global leader in accountancy software.

It has invested significant amounts of money in providing services through the cloud, which has increased the group’s customer base. This also gives the company a steady monthly income stream from customer subscriptions.

Sage is one of the few UK stocks that offers a straightforward way to invest in the tech scene. It’s highly cash generative with a diversified global customer base, and room for some significant expansion in the years ahead. 

Even though the company is competing with several other providers in the sector, Sage is one of the most established. This should give the group a strong competitive advantage.

As it can be quite costly if accounts are filed incorrectly, customers are unlikely to go with an untrusted provider just to keep costs low. That’s where Sage excels against the competition. 

Therefore, the company may be one of the best UK stocks to buy today. It’s a world leader with a long runway for growth in front of it. What’s more, shares in the tech group currently support a dividend yield of 2.5%.

That implies investors will be paid a steady income as Sage’s operations grow.

Rupert Hargreaves owns no share mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Hikma Pharmaceuticals and Sage Group. 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

British flag, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and British flag composition
Investing Articles

Back above 10,000! Is the FTSE 100 index on track again?

The FTSE 100 index has been yo-yoing up and down with the latest news headlines around the oil crisis. Where…

Read more »

Finger clicking a button marked 'Buy' on a keyboard
Investing Articles

Stock market correction: Is there still time to buy UK shares cheap?

Long-term investors can do well to stay calm through stock market corrections, and even crashes, and pick up shares when…

Read more »

Warm summer evening outside waterfront pubs and restaurants at the popular seaside resort town of Weymouth, Dorset.
Investing Articles

2 FTSE 100 blue-chips to consider for a new £20k Stocks and Shares ISA

Ben McPoland highlights a pair of high-quality FTSE 100 stocks that have strong momentum on their side yet are trading…

Read more »

Young Caucasian woman with pink her studying from her laptop screen
Investing Articles

Are depressed Lloyds shares just too tempting to miss now?

Lloyds shares are coming under renewed pressure as conflict in the Middle East threatens the fragile global economic recovery.

Read more »

Female student sitting at the steps and using laptop
Investing Articles

7 FTSE 100 shares that look cheap after the 2026 stock market correction

Falling stock markets often present bargain opportunities. Let's take a look at some of the cheapest FTSE 100 shares at…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
US Stock

Up 59% this year, this S&P 500 stock is smashing the index!

Jon Smith points out a stock from the S&P 500 that's flying right now as part of a transformation plan,…

Read more »

Businessman hand stacking money coins with virtual percentage icons
Investing Articles

Stock market correction: a rare second income opportunity?

Falling share prices are pushing dividend yields higher. That makes it a good time for investors looking for chances to…

Read more »

Finger clicking a button marked 'Buy' on a keyboard
Dividend Shares

I just discovered this REIT with a juicy 9% dividend yield

Jon Smith points out a REIT that just came on his radar due to the high yield, but comes with…

Read more »