2 cheap stocks that have really caught my eye!

Regardless of your definition, investors are always on the lookout for ‘cheap stocks’. Dr James Fox lists two he’s been keeping a close eye on.

| 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.

Portrait of pensive bearded senior looking on screen of laptop sitting at table with coffee cup.

Image source: Getty Images

Celebrus Technologies (LSE:CLBS) and Yü Group (LSE:YU) are two cheap stocks with very different trajectories. The former’s trading at a five-year low after failing to truly capture the interest of investors. The latter’s surged 1,540% over five years but actually remains flat over the past two months.

However, they’re both constituents of the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and I believe they’re both looking pretty cheap at the moment.

Celebrus is cash-rich

Celebrus appears to offer strong value at current levels. The forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio’s just 8.2 times, and the forward EV-to-EBITDA’s five times, both of which are attractive compared to typical software sector multiples. Notably, net cash represents about half of the company’s market capitalisation, providing a significant margin of safety and financial flexibility.

While the most recent results disappointed on revenue, earnings held up well, demonstrating operational resilience and cost control. This combination of low valuation multiples, a robust balance sheet, and earnings stability — even in the face of softer top-line growth —suggests the market may be undervaluing Celebrus’ long-term potential.

The company’s ability to generate solid EBITDA and maintain profitability, alongside a healthy dividend yield, currently at 2.1%, further supports the view that Celebrus is good value for investors seeking both growth and downside protection.

Risks? Well, the company’s pointed to increasing uncertainty in geopolitics as a reason for slowing sales. This trend will need to reverse in order to regain investor confidence.

More cash at Yü Group

Yü Group potentially has an even more compelling valuation. The forward P/E ratios for 2025 and 2026 are 7.39 times and 6.96 times respectively. That’s well below sector averages.

Dividend per share is forecast to rise from 71.3p in 2024 to 83.6p in 2025, 89.4p in 2026, and 94p in 2027, with yields climbing from 3.3% to 5.1% during the period. This demonstrates a clear commitment to shareholder returns.

Crucially, Yü Group’s net cash position’s exceptional. Net cash is expected to reach £116.5m in 2025, £141.9m in 2026, and £165.3m in 2027. With a market-cap of £261m, it’s worth recognising quite how large these figures are. It also provides some protection against any depreciation.

While the company’s valuation has grown rapidly, the forward EV-to-EBITDA multiple falls from 4.7 times in 2024 to just 3.3 times in 2025 and 2.7 times in 2026, reflecting both earnings growth and the rising cash pile.

Of course, there are risks. This includes the company’s exposure to energy price volatility. While the company employs hedging and derivative instruments to manage this risk, adverse movements or ineffective hedging could impact profitability.

However, strong free cash flow yields and a proven growth trajectory, Yü Group stands out as a high-quality, cash-rich growth stock. It also appears to be trading at a discount to its fundamentals.

Personally, I think both are worthy of consideration. Celebrus is now part of my portfolio. I may look to add Yü Group as well.

James Fox has positions in Celebrus Technologies Plc. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. 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

Young woman working at modern office. Technical price graph and indicator, red and green candlestick chart and stock trading computer screen background.
Investing Articles

Down 23%, consider this FTSE 250 share that’s boosted profit forecasts!

This FTSE 250 tech share's leapt 8% on Wednesday (18 March) after it raised full-year profit forecasts. Is now the…

Read more »

Passive income text with pin graph chart on business table
Investing Articles

How much passive income can you earn by investing £20,000 in a Stocks and Shares ISA?

With dividend yields up to 10%, REITs might be some of the top passive income opportunities for UK investors in…

Read more »

Group of friends meet up in a pub
Investing Articles

Diageo shares are back at 2012 levels. Time to consider buying?

Diageo shares have fallen around 65% from their highs and now trade at levels not seen for well over a…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Softcat: a FTSE 250 tech stock offering growth, dividends and value

Right now, the share price of FTSE 250 IT company Softcat is well off its highs. And at current levels,…

Read more »

Black woman using smartphone at home, watching stock charts.
US Stock

3 huge pieces of news that could impact the Nvidia share price

Jon Smith talks through some key reveals and implications for the Nvidia share price from the company conference taking place…

Read more »

Three signposts pointing in different directions, with 'Buy' 'Sell' and 'Hold' on
Investing For Beginners

This FTSE stock is now trading at the lowest level since the 1990s! Should I buy?

Jon Smith explains why a FTSE share is currently at multi-decade lows and might surprise some with his decision on…

Read more »

Businessman with tablet, waiting at the train station platform
Investing Articles

Down 21% in less than 2 months, this FTSE small-cap stock’s worth a look today

Despite rising 8% yesterday, this 177p growth stock from the FTSE AIM 100 Index is significantly lower than where it…

Read more »

Hand of person putting wood cube block with word VALUE on wooden table
Investing Articles

Down 78% with a P/E of 6.5, is this a rare chance to buy a cheap UK share?

The stock of this FTSE 250 finance provider trades on a multiple of close to six. Does this make it…

Read more »