Here are 2 cheap FTSE 100 stocks to consider buying in July

Our writer takes a closer look at the valuation metrics and growth potential of two FTSE 100 stocks that look cheap as we head into July.

| 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.

Smiling young man sitting in cafe and checking messages, with his laptop in front of him.

Image source: Getty Images

The FTSE 100 has enjoyed a solid run in 2025 so far, with investor sentiment buoyed by easing inflation and the prospect of lower interest rates. But despite the broader rally, there are still pockets of value hiding in plain sight. Some stocks continue to trade on modest valuations, even as their financials and share prices show signs of recovery.

By focusing on classic valuation metrics like the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, price-to-sales (P/S) ratio, and price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio, investors can identify quality companies trading below their perceived worth. 

Here are two cheap FTSE 100 stocks that I believe investors should consider as we head into the second half of 2025.

BT Group

As the UK’s largest telecommunications firm, BT Group (LSE: BT.A) needs no introduction. It’s provided analogue and digital communication services across the country for almost 180 years. After a long period of underperformance, the shares have staged a comeback in 2025, rising 34% this year to around 190p, bringing the company’s market-cap to £18.78bn.

Yet despite the rally, the shares still look inexpensive. The P/E ratio stands at 17.9, while the PEG ratio’s just 0.7, suggesting that earnings growth may be underappreciated by the market. Meanwhile, a P/S ratio of 0.94 implies that investors are paying less than £1 for every £1 of revenue — an encouraging sign for value seekers.

BT’s also proving attractive for income investors, with a dividend yield of 4.2% and a sustainable payout ratio of 75.7%. Operationally, the company’s on solid ground, posting an operating margin of 16.3% and a return on equity (ROE) of 8.3%.

Still, investors shouldn’t ignore the risks. Its debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio’s a high 1.81, which leaves BT exposed to rising financing costs. There are also challenges from regulatory price controls and the massive capital expenditure required for full-fibre broadband rollouts. These factors may limit how much shareholder value it can return in the near term.

Still, for value investors, I feel it’s one of the most promising-looking stocks on the Footsie right now.

Centrica

Centrica (LSE: CNA), the parent company of British Gas, operates in energy supply, trading and storage. Shares have risen 13% in 2025, currently trading at 165p, with a market-cap of £7.8bn. Unlike many peers, Centrica has emerged from the energy crisis with leaner operations and a sharper focus on profitability.

Valuation-wise, the stock appears undeniably cheap. The P/E ratio’s just 6.67, the P/S ratio’s 0.42, and the price-to-free cash flow ratio stands at 7.37. These figures suggest the market has yet to fully price in Centrica’s improved fundamentals.

It also boasts an excellent operating margin of 28.3% and a superb ROE of 32.1%. The dividend yield’s modest at 2.7% but the payout ratio’s just 17.8%, leaving significant room for future increases. Debt’s also well under control, with a D/E ratio of 0.78.

As always, risks remain. Centrica’s exposed to volatile energy markets, political scrutiny over pricing and the transition to renewable energy, which may require large-scale investment in the years ahead.

Overall, I think both stocks are currently undervalued, with a good chance of ending this year higher.

Mark Hartley has no position in any of the shares mentioned. 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

Two employees sat at desk welcoming customer to a Tesla car showroom
Investing Articles

Tesla stock’s down 19% this year. Time to buy?

Tesla stock has tumbled almost a fifth in less than three months. But the company has proven its mettle before.…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Dividend Shares

How to turn a stock market correction into a £10k passive income

Jon Smith points out why the stock market correction could provide a great opportunity to start building a dividend portfolio,…

Read more »

Smiling white woman holding iPhone with Airpods in ear
Investing Articles

These legendary growth stocks are down 40% or more. Time to consider buying?

History shows that buying high-quality growth stocks when they’re well off their highs can be financially rewarding in the long…

Read more »

Portrait Of Senior Couple Climbing Hill On Hike Through Countryside In Lake District UK Together
Investing Articles

Is it worth investing in a SIPP in 2026?

Ben McPoland highlights a high-quality FTSE 100 stock that he thinks is worth considering as part of a SIPP portfolio…

Read more »

A rear view of a female in a bright yellow coat walking along the historic street known as The Shambles in York, UK which is a popular tourist destination in this Yorkshire city.
Investing Articles

£5,000 invested in Greggs shares 10 days ago is now worth…

After falling yet again in March, are Greggs shares really worth the hassle today? Ben McPoland takes a look at…

Read more »

Rear view image depicting a senior man in his 70s sitting on a bench leading down to the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs on the coastline of East Sussex, UK. The man is wearing casual clothing - blue denim jeans, a red checked shirt, navy blue gilet. The man is having a rest from hiking and his hiking pole is leaning up against the bench.
Investing Articles

With a spare £380, here’s how someone could start investing before April!

Can someone start investing fast with a spare few hundred pounds? Our writer explains how they could -- and some…

Read more »

Renewable energies concept collage
Investing Articles

Here’s a top dividend share to consider buying for your ISA right now

Looking for dividend shares to tuck away in a long-term Stocks and Shares ISA? This trust is offering one of…

Read more »

Close-up of British bank notes
Investing Articles

Is this a once-in-a-decade chance to buy this top passive income stock cheaply?

When's the best time to consider buying passive income stocks? When share prices are down and dividend yields are up,…

Read more »