3 heavily discounted UK shares to consider buying in February

While the Footsie is near all-time highs, there are still opportunities for British value investors. Here’s a look at three UK shares that are dirt cheap.

| More on:
British flag, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and British flag composition

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.

While the FTSE 100 has been making new all-time highs recently, there are still plenty of cheap UK shares around. Last week, I screened the UK market for stocks that are at least 15% off their 52-week highs and currently have price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios under 10. I got around 200 results!

Here, I’m going to highlight three shares that came up on my screen. I think these stocks could be worth considering as value plays in February.

A huge fall

Let’s start with JD Sports Fashion (LSE: JD.) because this stock has experienced a huge fall recently. Currently, it’s around 50% off its 52-week high.

Now, the company is experiencing some consumer demand challenges at present and these could persist in the months ahead. However, for patient long-term investors, I reckon there could be an opportunity here.

In the coming years, JD Sports Fashion is planning to roll out lots of slick new stores across the world in an effort to be a leading global retailer of athletic footwear and apparel. So, there’s potential for revenue and profit growth in the long run.

This stock currently trades on a forward-looking P/E ratio of just 6.3, so it looks dirt cheap. However, I’m using the earnings per share forecast for FY2026 (the year ending 31 January 2026) here and this could come down.

One person who clearly sees value though is CEO Regis Schultz – earlier this month, he bought £99k worth of stock.

Down but not out

Another stock that has tanked and looks cheap right now is insurer Prudential (LSE: PRU). Currently, it’s about 25% off its 52-week highs and trading on a P/E ratio of about eight.

The main problem for this stock has been China and its weak economy. Today, Prudential is heavily focused on Asia, and China represents a key part of its long-term growth strategy.

I expect economic conditions in China to pick up at some stage in the future. And when they do, Prudential’s earnings and share price should get a lift.

Of course, US/China trade wars are a risk now that Donald Trump is US President. These could hurt the company’s prospects.

On the plus side, Prudential has been buying back a ton of shares recently (it announced a $2m buyback last year). This move – which indicates that management sees the stock as cheap – should help to boost earnings over time.

A Trump play?

Speaking of Donald Trump, one UK stock that could potentially do well while he’s in power is Keller Group (LSE: KLR). It specialises in building foundation technology.

Over the next four years, the US is likely to see a huge amount of construction activity (data centres, semiconductor plants, infrastructure, etc.) as Trump aims to ‘make America great again’. Given that Keller has significant exposure to the US, it’s well placed to capitalise.

Like the other two stocks I’ve highlighted, this one is well off its 52-week highs (about 19%) and looks cheap. Currently, it trades on a P/E ratio of about 7.3 so it appears to offer a lot of value.

I will point out that Keller is a global company. So, weakness in other geographic regions is a risk.

Given the low valuation, however, I like the risk/reward setup. I reckon this stock can do well in the years ahead.

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.

Edward Sheldon has positions in JD Sports Fashion and Prudential Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Prudential 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.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

Would Warren Buffett buy BP shares, as oil excitement grows?

Warren Buffett is a big investor in the oil business, and BP's performance has been attracting investor attention in results…

Read more »

Cropped shot of an affectionate young couple posing with a bunch of flowers in their kitchen on their anniversary
Investing Articles

Here’s how long-term loyalty to UK shares can lead to dazzling returns!

The most successful UK and US share investors buy shares to hold for the long term, as this report shows.

Read more »

Investing Articles

NatWest has just smashed brokers’ dividend forecasts!

After NatWest delivered a Valentine’s Day surprise to investors, our writer thinks the experts may have to raise their dividend…

Read more »

Investing Articles

The NatWest share price slips in early trading despite positive FY 2024 results. What’s the deal?

The NatWest share price is down slightly this morning after the bank released its final results for 2024. Our writer…

Read more »

Young Asian man drinking coffee at home and looking at his phone
Investing Articles

My Legal & General shares have climbed just 7% — so how come I’m sitting on a 20% gain?

Harvey Jones' trading account is showing only a modest return on his Legal & General Shares, but on drilling down…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Prediction: the BP share price could rise in 2025 (or it might fall!)

Following this week’s release of the energy giant’s 2024 results, our writer reviews the prospects for the BP (LSE:BP.) share…

Read more »

many happy international football fans watching tv
Investing Articles

What’s gone wrong with the FTSE 100’s ‘King of Trainers’?

Feeling the pain of a 28% drop in the JD Sports share price over the past three months, our writer…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is it too late for investors to consider buying these outstanding FTSE 100 shares?

Stephen Wright wonders whether now's the time to consider buying shares in the FTSE 100’s outstanding companies, despite some high…

Read more »