1 under-the-radar value stock I’m eyeing up for returns and growth

This Fool is looking for quality stocks at bargain prices and reckons this potentially overlooked value stock could be a shrewd buy for her.

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In some instances, a value stock can be simple to find. One way I’ve done this previously is to identify a cheap valuation, and more importantly, a ground-breaking product or service with great future prospects.

However, not all stocks fit this bracket. With that in mind, one established business that I reckon falls into the value category is Barclays (LSE: BARC).

Here’s why I’d be willing to buy some of its shares when I next can, to bolster my holdings.

Should you invest £1,000 in Barclays right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Barclays made the list?

See the 6 stocks

On a good run

As one of the so-called ‘big four’ banks in the UK, the business doesn’t really need an introduction.

The financial services sector as a whole has experienced mixed fortunes in the past 18 months or so. Rising inflation and higher interest rates have presented a double-edged sword if ever I’ve seen one. The potential to make more money through higher rates is great, and Barclays has capitalised. However, the risk of defaults and credit impairments is also heightened, which could hurt earnings and returns.

Over a 12-month period, the shares are up 33% from 153p at this time last year, to current levels of 205p.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Barclays Plc PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.co.uk

Value stock or value trap?

It must be noted that the FTSE 100 has been edging upwards in recent months, and this will have helped stocks like Barclays also rise. Inflation has come down, and murmurings of interest rate cuts have boosted investor confidence.

It’s worth noting that inflation could still rise, and there’s no guarantee that the Bank of England (BoE) will cut rates. Plus, we have a general election to manoeuvre very soon, which could have an impact on investor sentiment towards banks and other stocks too. I’ll keep an eye on these risks.

From a valuation perspective, Barclays shares look like a steal to me on a price-to-earnings ratio of close to 9. This is expected to drop close to 5 in the next fiscal year if forecasts come to fruition. However, I do understand there’s no guarantee of this, and things could change. It’s worth noting that the FTSE 100 average P/E ratio is close to 12.

Next, the business has been undergoing some transition. A big part of this is cost-cutting and efficiencies, as well as rewarding shareholders. The former should make Barclays a leaner, more focused business. The latter is always music to my ears as a potential investor looking to build wealth. To be specific, the business has committed to returning £10bn to shareholders between 2024 and 2026.

A dividend yield of just under 4% at present is also tempting. However, I do understand that dividends are never guaranteed.

Risks and final thoughts

The biggest issue that could potentially hurt Barclays from an investor sentiment view, as well as returns, is economic movement. Again, to be specific, if interest rates do come down, income and margins could be squeezed. This could have a material impact on how much the business could return to shareholders moving forward. I’ll keep an eye on this.

Despite the potential pitfalls mentioned, Barclays looks like a savvy buy for my holdings. An enticing valuation, exciting returns policy, and its vital position in the UK’s banking ecosystem shape my conclusion.

Should you invest £1,000 in Barclays right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets.

And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Barclays made the list?

See the 6 stocks

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.

Sumayya Mansoor has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Barclays Plc. 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.

Like buying £1 for 51p

This seems ridiculous, but we almost never see shares looking this cheap. Yet this recent ‘Best Buy Now’ has a price/book ratio of 0.51. In plain English, this means that investors effectively get in on a business that holds £1 of assets for every 51p they invest!

Of course, this is the stock market where money is always at risk — these valuations can change and there are no guarantees. But some risks are a LOT more interesting than others, and at The Motley Fool we believe this company is amongst them.

What’s more, it currently boasts a stellar dividend yield of around 8.5%, and right now it’s possible for investors to jump aboard at near-historic lows. Want to get the name for yourself?

See the full investment case

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