Here’s why I’m buying cheap UK shares ahead of a bull run

Our writer explains why she is adding cheap UK shares to her holdings now during market volatility with a potential bull run pending.

| 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.

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

Image source: Getty Images

I’m buying fallen UK shares now as the market is volatile and many stocks have fallen. My belief is that a bull run could be around the corner, which means my holdings could rise if this were to happen.

What’s happening with UK shares

Global markets have been struggling for many months now due to a number of reasons. Geopolitical tensions due to the war in Ukraine is one major factor. Soaring inflation across the globe is another. Here in the UK, rising interest rates and a cost-of-living crisis have also contributed. The combination of these issues have created major investor pessimism and caution among investors.

With that being said, I believe there is a rare opportunity to pick up quality UK shares to boost my holdings for when the markets turn around. However, I do understand that there is no guarantee of a bull run and no one can see into the future.

I’m increasing my position in a stock I already hold, and I’m adding another business to my holdings. Let me break them down.

Primary Health Properties

I already own Primary Health Properties (LSE: PHP) shares but I’m planning on adding some more.

Primary is a real estate investment trust (REIT). It focuses on properties in the healthcare sector such as doctors surgeries.

Please note that tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. The content in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be, neither does it constitute, any form of tax advice.

From a bullish perspective, Primary is a great stock for passive income. Its dividend yield stands at 7.5% currently. Many of the UK shares I own boost my passive income. However, I do understand that dividends are never guaranteed.

Next, healthcare is a defensive sector, in my opinion, as it is an essential requirement. Furthemore, the demand for primary healthcare in the UK is increasing due to an ageing and rapidly increasing population. This increased demand could boost future earnings and investor returns. It is worth noting that primary healthcare facilities are rented out by the government, which makes the rental income reliable and it usually comes with long-term rental agreements.

One issue I am keeping tabs on is the falling number of NHS staff. Many NHS staff feel underpaid and underappreciated. This has led to many heading abroad for better opportunities. If Primary sees demand for its facilities fall due to inadequate staffing numbers, performance and returns could be impacted.

Primary shares look good value to money right now on a price-to-earnings ratio of 13, hence why I’m adding further shares to my holdings.

Vodafone

Vodafone (LSE: VOD) is one of the largest telecommunications businesses in the world. I’m excited by its fundamentals, as well as growth prospects.

Vodafone shares look dirt-cheap to me right now on a price-to-earnings ratio of just two. In addition to this, a dividend yield of 11% would boost my passive income nicely.

Vodafone shares excite me due to the company’s growth aspirations, especially its foray into the African telecoms market. This is tipped to be a high-growth sector. Vodafone already has a presence here and is looking to consolidate, which could translate into earnings and shareholder returns.

One risk I’m taking into account for Vodafone is its debt-heavy balance sheet. With interest rates rising, debt is harder to service due to increased costs. This debt could impact investor returns and growth plans. It is worth noting that many UK shares are at the mercy of this issue currently.

I’ll be buying Vodafone shares imminently.

Sumayya Mansoor has positions in Primary Health Properties Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Primary Health Properties Plc and Vodafone Group Public. 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

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
US Stock

Down 10% this year, this S&P 500 banking giant looks super-cheap

Jon Smith flags a S&P 500 stock that’s had a rough few months but could start to rally if his…

Read more »

Two business people sitting at cafe working on new project using laptop. Young businesswoman taking notes and businessman working on laptop computer.
Dividend Shares

4 FTSE 250 shares that could generate a 4-figure monthly second income

Jon Smith points out income shares with yields in excess of 7% that he believes could slot in well to…

Read more »

Friends at the bay near the village of Diabaig on the side of Loch Torridon in Wester Ross, Scotland. They are taking a break from their bike ride to relax and chat. They are laughing together.
Investing Articles

As Diageo shares sink, this ‘opposite’ stock in the FTSE 250 is soaring 

Diageo shares are falling due to lower demand for alcohol. But this backdrop is boosting other stocks such as this…

Read more »

Chalkboard representation of risk versus reward on a pair of scales
Investing Articles

Is BAE Systems the FTSE 100’s newest AI stock?

Defence stock BAE Systems has proved a good buy for investors of late, but could it get a further boost…

Read more »

Female Tesco employee holding produce crate
Investing Articles

Under £5 now! Here’s why I think Tesco’s share price should be trading closer to £7

Tesco’s share price looks too cheap to me for a business growing profits, boosting cash flow and undertaking buybacks at…

Read more »

A row of satellite radars at night
Investing Articles

Could the SpaceX IPO make Barclays shares this year’s top FTSE 100 idea?

Barclays is the exclusive regional lead for the UK in the upcoming SpaceX IPO, but its shares still trade at…

Read more »

A young Asian woman holding up her index finger
Investing Articles

This FTSE 100 dividend hero once again tops AJ Bell’s most-bought list

After more than four decades of rewarding shareholders, Legal & General remains one of the most bought FTSE 100 stocks…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

£20,000 invested in BT shares 2 years ago is today worth…

BT shares have doubled in price over two years — yet the valuation still looks low. Here’s why the next…

Read more »