2 cheap UK shares I’d buy in an ISA today

These two cheap UK shares could offer long-term recovery potential, in Peter Stephens’ view. They could be worth buying and holding in an ISA today.

| 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.

Buying cheap UK shares today could lead to high returns in the long run. The stock market has a long history of delivering recoveries after its bear markets. Therefore, buying FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 shares when they trade at low prices could be a means of maximising your returns.

With that in mind, here are two British shares that appear to offer good value for money. They could catalyse your ISA returns as they deliver on their strategies and enjoy improving operating conditions.

Recovery potential relative to other cheap UK shares

Aviva’s (LSE: AV) 20% stock price fall in 2020 could make it a relatively attractive value investing opportunity compared to other cheap UK shares. The company recently announced changes to its strategy under a refreshed management team that could improve its financial prospects.

For example, the business will focus on a more limited geographical area where it has its greatest competitive advantages. It will also invest in delivering higher service levels to customers, while using greater innovation to reduce costs where possible.

Aviva’s share price fall means it currently trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 6. This suggests it offers a wide margin of safety relative to other UK shares. It’s expected to post a 9% rise in net profit next year, which could lead to improving investor sentiment.

Clearly, the company faces an uncertain future that could negatively impact on its financial prospects in the near term. The economic outlook remains challenging in many of its key markets. However, it seems to offer good value for money and could be worth buying in an ISA alongside a diverse range of other cheap UK shares.

Growth at a reasonable price

Auto Trader (LSE: AUTO) is another FTSE 100 stock that appears to offer good value for money relative to other cheap UK shares. That’s despite its recent share price recovery that means it’s now in positive territory in the current calendar year.

It’s forecast to post a 40% rise in net profit next year, as the UK’s economic prospects improve. This puts it on a price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of just 0.4, which suggests it offers capital growth potential.

Certainly, the company’s forecasts are subject to change, depending on how factors such as Brexit and coronavirus progress. However, its recent updates have shown it’s adapting to a changing operating environment through innovative customer offerings. They could strengthen its competitive position and allow it to maintain its status as a dominant operator within the online automotive marketplace.

Therefore, now could be the right time to buy a slice of Auto Trader while it trades at an attractive price level. It could deliver impressive returns as part of a diverse ISA portfolio of cheap UK shares.

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.

Peter Stephens owns shares of Aviva. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Auto Trader. 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 black colleagues high-fiving each other at work
Investing Articles

Why now could be the time to buy these recovering FTSE 100 growth shares!

Royston Wild is building a list of the FTSE's greatest shares to buy today. Here are two he thinks could…

Read more »

Middle-aged white man pulling an aggrieved face while looking at a screen
Investing Articles

My Stocks and Shares ISA has two giant weeds in it. Should I pull them out?

This writer has two massive losers inside his Stocks and Shares ISA portfolio. What's gone wrong? And is it time…

Read more »

Mature black couple enjoying shopping together in UK high street
Investing Articles

7.5% dividend yield! 2 cheap passive income stocks to consider for a £1,500 payout

Royston Wild describes how large investment in these passive income stocks could provide a four-figure cash payout this year.

Read more »

Concept of two young professional men looking at a screen in a technological data centre
Investing Articles

Billionaires are selling Nvidia stock! I’d rather buy this AI share instead

With billionaire investors now banking profits in Nvidia stock, our writer considers an AI share that still looks to be…

Read more »

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

3 shares that could soar as the UK stock market wakes from its slumber

The UK stock market is on fire at the moment. If it keeps rising from here, Edward Sheldon reckons these…

Read more »

View of Tower Bridge in Autumn
Investing Articles

The FTSE 100 is on fire! 2 top shares I’d still snap up

FTSE 100 shares as a whole might be setting records on a daily basis this month, but that doesn't mean…

Read more »

Young Black man sat in front of laptop while wearing headphones
Investing Articles

£11,000 in savings? Here’s how I’d aim to turn that into a £15,080-a-year second income

Buying dividend shares is how this Fool continues to build up his second income. With a lump sum of savings,…

Read more »

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

This undervalued FTSE 250 stock could do well in the AI boom

As chip producers build manufacturing plants and data companies construct data centres, this hidden gem in the FTSE 250 could…

Read more »