4 dirt-cheap growth shares to consider for 2026!

Discover four top growth shares that could take off in the New Year — and why our writer Royston Wild thinks they’re too cheap to ignore.

| 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.

Night Takeoff Of The American Space Shuttle

Image source: Getty Images

I’m searching for the best growth shares to buy in 2026. And I think I’ve come up with some terrific ideas.

Greatland Resources, Babcock International, Ibstock, and Allianz Technology Trust (LSE:ATT) are four top growth contenders that deserve serious consideration. With each of them also trading at rock-bottom prices, I think there’s scope for them to soar in value in the New Year.

Want to know why? Read on.

Gold-plated bargain

Greatland Resources shares have surged in 2025, reflecting another strong year for gold. The business digs for the yellow metal (along with copper) from the Telfer mine in Australia.

Gold is broadly tipped for further robust gains next year, reflecting ongoing economic and political uncertainties. And so Greatland’s earnings are expected to soar 54% this financial year (to June 2026).

This leaves the company on a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.6 times.

Looking further ahead, Greatland’s profits could soar from 2027 as its Havieron project in Oz cranks into life. Be mindful though that development setbacks could threaten its prospects.

FTSE 100 star

Babcock is a top-tier defence stock with significant scale, expertise across technologies, and a robust relationship with the UK government. You wouldn’t know that just by looking at the company’s valuation, however.

At 21.6 times, its forward P/E ratio is significantly behind the broader European defence sector’s 35. This makes it a brilliant bargain in my eyes.

Despite supply chain challenges, the FTSE 100 company is thriving as global arms budgets climb. Revenues were up 7% in the six months to September, latest financials showed.

City analysts expect earnings to rise 10% this financial year (to March 2026), and 11% the following year.

45% growth

With the housing market in steady recovery, brick volumes are expected to pick up sharply from next year. Ibstock’s well placed to capitalise on this — it accounts for roughly 40% of the entire UK brick market.

Accordingly, City analysts think the FTSE 250 firm’s earnings will surge 45% in 2026. This leaves a P/E-to-growth (PEG) ratio of 0.4.

Any sub-1 reading shows a company trading at a discount.

There are risks here as the domestic economy struggles and unemployment rises. Yet with interest rates falling and mortgage rates becoming more competitive, I think profits might indeed take off.

Big discount

Allianz Technology Trust’s another FTSE 250 bargain that’s caught my eye. At 535p per share, it trades at a chubby 12% discount to its net asset value (NAV) per share.

As its name implies, this investment trust is focused on high-growth tech shares. More specifically, we’re talking about US heavy hitters including Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple.

In total, the trust holds shares in 50 different companies. This provides exposure to a multitude of white-hot growth trends — including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and robotics — without being overly concentrated in one area. This reduces, if not totally eliminates, the threat of a potential AI bubble on its holdings

I think Allianz’s trust could gain momentum next year as market confidence improves. According to eToro, 83% of investors think the seven largest US tech stocks will keep pace with or beat the market in 2026.

Royston Wild has positions in Ibstock Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Apple, Ibstock Plc, Microsoft, and Nvidia. 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

Calendar showing the date of 5th April on desk in a house
Investing Articles

Just 1 year’s Stocks and Shares ISA allowance could generate a £1,900 annual passive income. Here’s how!

Fretting about the upcoming Stocks and Shares ISA contribution deadline? Our writer has an upbeat approach, focusing on ongoing passive…

Read more »

Passive and Active: text from letters of the wooden alphabet on a green chalk board
Investing Articles

As global markets dip, British passive income stocks offer higher yields at cheaper prices

Mark Hartley takes a look at some higher-yielding FTSE stocks that have taken a hard hit in the past month.…

Read more »

Mindful young woman breathing out with closed eyes, calming down in stressful situation, working on computer in modern kitchen.
Investing Articles

2 ‘overpriced’ FTSE 100 shares I’ve got my eye on if the stock market crashes

Never one to miss an opportunity, our writer is putting cash aside to buy quality FTSE 100 stocks in the…

Read more »

Young mixed-race woman looking out of the window with a look of consternation on her face
Investing Articles

With stock market risks emerging, is now the time to consider the 60/40 portfolio?

The stock market could be in for a period of turbulence. Here’s a simple strategy that can help long-term investors…

Read more »

Bus waiting in front of the London Stock Exchange on a sunny day.
Investing Articles

Is a stock market crash coming? It’s not too late to get ready!

Christopher Ruane sees reasons to fear a coming stock market crash. Rather than tying to time it, he's hoping to…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Down 4% in 2026, is now the time to consider buying Nvidia shares

Has Nvidia become too big to keep growing? Or is the stock’s decline this year a chance to think about…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is the party finally over for Rolls-Royce shares?

Rolls-Royce shares have made investors rich but momentum is slowing and the Iran conflict isn't helping. How worried should we…

Read more »

Asian man looking concerned while studying paperwork at his desk in an office
Investing Articles

7.8% dividend yield! A dirt-cheap UK income share to buy today?

I’m on the hunt for lucrative passive income opportunities, and this under-the-radar FTSE stock currently offers a whopping 7.8% dividend…

Read more »