FTSE 100 shares I’d buy with £5k

Rupert Hargreaves takes a look at three FTSE 100 stocks he believes are deeply undervalued compared to their potential.

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.

Elevated view over city of London skyline

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.

I think there are many attractive investment opportunities in the FTSE 100 index right now.

Global geopolitical uncertainty has had a substantial impact on the valuations of many different businesses. Some of these companies may be able to escape the economic uncertainty that is emerging as a result of the crisis.

As such, I would capitalise on the volatility and buy these FTSE 100 companies with £5k for my portfolio today while they look cheap compared to their growth potential.

Property market growth

I think Rightmove is one of the most attractive businesses in the blue-chip index. The company owns the online property platform which carries its own name. This is one of the most visited websites in the UK, and it has a substantial competitive advantage over its peers.

Estate agents have to list their properties on the site or they could be missing a massive market opportunity. That being said, it has faced increasing competition, with rivals attempting to nibble away at its market share.

This is the biggest challenge the group is likely to face as we advance. Despite this headwind, I would buy the stock for my FTSE 100 portfolio today.

I am also attracted to the qualities of online car marketplace Autotrader. This company has a similar competitive advantage to Rightmove.

It owns and operates one of the most visited websites for cars in the UK, which means it is usually the first port of call for consumers. With demand for second-hand vehicles in the UK booming, the business is on-track to report rising sales and profits this year. 

Once again, it does face competition. The biggest challenge the corporation faces is dealing with this competition and trying to provide something consumers cannot get elsewhere.

Nevertheless, until this point, the company has managed to fend off those rivals. As such, I would be happy to buy the tech stock for my portfolio today.

Market leader 

I would also require FTSE 100 distribution group Bunzl for my portfolio. This company’s main competitive advantage is its size. Distribution is a very low margin business.

Economies of scale are fundamentally important for success in the long run. And that is exactly what Bunzl has and it grows by acquiring smaller peers.

Still, even though the business does have an advantage over the rest of the industry, it is still at risk from uncertainty. Its thin profit margins could vanish if costs rise significantly across the enterprise.

Such a development would limit the group’s ability to compete effectively and find attractive bolt-on acquisitions. Even after taking this risk into account, I think the FTSE 100 company has fantastic potential over the next couple of years and I would buy the stock for its competitive advantages today.

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 has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Auto Trader, Bunzl, and Rightmove. 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

Happy couple showing relief at news
Investing Articles

£5,000 in savings? Here’s how I’d try and turn that into a £308 monthly passive income

It's possible to create a lifelong passive income stream from a well-chosen portfolio of dividend shares. Here's how I'd invest…

Read more »

Concept of two young professional men looking at a screen in a technological data centre
Value Shares

This £3 value stock could soar in the AI boom

This under-the-radar value stock could do well on the back of the huge global build-out of data centres in the…

Read more »

Growth Shares

Should I invest in Darktrace shares as they rocket towards £6?

Darktrace shares are up nearly 75% in 2024 as the cybersecurity sector rallied, but is it too late to invest?…

Read more »

Front view photo of a woman using digital tablet in London
Investing Articles

Up 33% in 3 months but Lloyds shares still look undervalued to me

Lloyds shares are finally in demand after a tough few years. While they're more expensive than they were, Harvey Jones…

Read more »

British flag, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and British flag composition
Investing Articles

The ‘dinosaur’ FTSE 100 index is starting to roar

The FTSE 100 index has often been derided in recent years, but UK large-cap stocks are beginning to show encouraging…

Read more »

Investing Articles

I’d consider buying these FTSE 100 growth stocks for 2024 and beyond

I've been looking for growth stocks with low PEG valuations, and I'm finding plenty. But they're not at all where…

Read more »

Businesswoman calculating finances in an office
Investing Articles

Minimal savings? Here’s how I’d start investing with a Stocks and Shares ISA

A Stocks and Shares ISA is an ideal way for investors to get the most out of their hard-earned money…

Read more »

Young Caucasian woman with pink her studying from her laptop screen
Investing Articles

The Rolls-Royce share price frenzy is finally over. Is now the perfect time to buy?

Harvey Jones thinks the Rolls-Royce share price has risen too far, too fast. As investors start to calm down, a…

Read more »