£10k to invest? I think these are the best UK shares to buy now

This Fool highlights what he believes are some of the best UK shares on the market right now for investors looking to deploy a lump sum.

| 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.

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.

If you are looking for the best UK shares to buy now, I highly recommend taking a look at the tech sector. The UK is home to the fastest-growing tech sector in Europe. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the best way to profit from this trend may be to buy a diversified basket of related stocks. 

Today, I’m going to take a look at three such companies I think could be worth buying now. 

The best UK shares to buy

Computacenter (LSE: CCC) is one of the fastest-growing domestic technology businesses. Over the past six years, the company has reported annualised earnings growth of 15%. 

The group, which provides the information technology infrastructure services, has seen the demand boom in 2020. City analysts had been expecting the company to report a decline in earnings for this year.

However, according to its latest trading update, management expects trading to be “materially above” initial expectations. 

As such, I think the company qualifies as one of the best UK shares to buy now. With earnings set to jump substantially this year, investors could see high total returns from the stock in the years ahead as it builds on its position in the market.

The stock also supports a dividend yield of 2%, and the payout is covered twice by earnings per share.

Moneysupermarket.com

Moneysupermarket.com (LSE: MONY) is another UK technology leader. The company operates one of the most well-known comparison websites in the country.

This is an asset-light operation. The firm takes a cut of every insurance policy or energy deal it sells.

As a result, the business is highly profitable. Its average operating profit margin for the past six years is 30%. The average margin of all UK shares is 6.4%. During the same time frame, the company has reported average annualised earnings growth of 12%. 

At the time of writing, shares in Moneysupermarket.com are changing hands at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 22. This looks expensive at first, but I think it’s a price worth paying for such a profitable and recognisable business that has cornered the comparison market.

Further, the stock also supports a dividend yield of 3.6%, which only adds to the appeal of the business, in my opinion. The average yield of all UK shares is 3.4%. 

Spirent Communications

One of the best ways to invest in the technology revolution may be to own the nuts and bolts. Or, in this case, telecommunications infrastructure. Spirent Communications (LSE: SPT) is one way to play this theme.  

The company is perfectly positioned to benefit from the world’s transition to 5G technology. It’s widely believed it’s only a matter of time before 5G becomes the mobile standard around the world. Building the infrastructure to hit this milestone will be a challenge. Luckily, Spirent already has the know-how and resources. 

As demand for the company’s services has grown over the past few years, its net income has jumped.

From just $13m in 2015, City analysts believe the company will report net income of $85m for 2020. As the rollout of 5G technology continues, I think it’s highly likely the group can maintain this rate of growth.

Therefore, Spirent could be one of the best UK shares to buy now. 

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.

Rupert Hargreaves owns no share mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Moneysupermarket.com. 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

Here’s how I’d target passive income from FTSE 250 stocks right now

Dividend stocks aren't the only ones we can use to try to build up some long-term income. No, I like…

Read more »

Young mixed-race couple sat on the beach looking out over the sea
Investing Articles

If I put £10k in this FTSE 100 stock, it could pay me a £1,800 second income over the next 2 years

A FTSE 100 stock is carrying a mammoth 10% dividend yield and this writer reckons it could contribute towards an…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 UK shares I’d sell in May… if I owned them

Stephen Wright would be willing to part with a couple of UK shares – but only because others look like…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 FTSE 250 shares investors should consider for a £1,260 passive income in 2024

Investing a lump sum in these FTSE 250 shares could yield a four-figure dividend income this year. Are they too…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

This FTSE share has grown its decade annually for over 30 years. Can it continue?

Christopher Ruane looks at a FTSE 100 share that has raised its dividend annually for decades. He likes the business,…

Read more »

Elevated view over city of London skyline
Investing Articles

Few UK shares grew their dividend by 90% in 4 years. This one did!

Among UK shares, few have the recent track record of annual dividend increases to match this one. Our writer likes…

Read more »

Investing Articles

This FTSE 250 share yields 9.9%. Time to buy?

Christopher Ruane weighs some pros and cons of buying a FTSE 250 share for his portfolio that currently offers a…

Read more »

Affectionate Asian senior mother and daughter using smartphone together at home, smiling joyfully
Investing Articles

As the NatWest share price closes in on a new 5-year high, will it soon be too late to buy?

The NatWest share price has climbed strongly so far in 2024, as the whole bank sector has been enjoying a…

Read more »