Jasmine Birtles
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5 Best Value Stocks to Buy Right Now in the UK (April 2026)
Ruby Layram
21st Apr 2026
Looking for the best value stocks to buy right now in the UK? You’re not alone.
With markets hitting highs and growth stocks becoming expensive, more investors are turning to value investing, the strategy of buying solid companies that are currently trading below their true worth.
And in 2026, there’s good reason for that. UK stocks are still trading at a significant discount compared to US markets, meaning there are genuine bargains to be found.
In this guide, I will take a look at 5 of the best value stocks in the UK right now, based on recent analyst insights and market data.
Before you continue reading, it is important to note that this is NOT investment advice. Always do your own research before investing in any stocks.
What Is a Value Stock? (Quick Refresher)
A value stock is a company that:
- Looks cheap compared to its fundamentals
- Has strong earnings or assets
- Is temporarily undervalued by the market
The goal? Buy low, and benefit when the market “corrects” the price.
Also read: How to find investments that align with your values
5 Best Value Stocks to Buy Right Now
So, what are the best value stocks to buy in the UK right now? Here is an overview of 5 stocks that I’ve added to my watch list this April.
1. Shell
Sector: Energy
Why it looks undervalued:
Shell is one of the world’s largest energy companies, yet it often trades at relatively low valuations compared to its earnings.
- Strong cash flow from oil & gas
- High dividends and buybacks
- Benefiting from global energy demand
Despite strong profits, energy stocks like Shell are often priced conservatively due to long-term transition concerns.
2. Barclays
Sector: Banking
Why it looks undervalued:
Banks are a core part of many value portfolios, and Barclays stands out.
- Low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio
- Strong position in global finance
- Benefiting from higher interest rates
UK banks are often undervalued compared to US peers.
3. Rio Tinto
Sector: Mining
Why it looks undervalued:
Rio Tinto is a global mining giant producing essential materials like:
- Iron ore
- Aluminium
- Copper
These are critical for:
- Infrastructure
- Renewable energy
- Global growth
Commodity stocks often swing in and out of favour, creating value opportunities.
4. GSK
Sector: Healthcare
Why it looks undervalued:
GSK is a major pharmaceutical company with:
- Strong pipeline of medicines
- Focus on vaccines and speciality drugs
- Consistent global demand
Despite this, pharma stocks can sometimes trade below fair value due to:
- Regulatory uncertainty
- Long development cycles
But long-term demand for healthcare remains strong.
5. 3i Group
Sector: Private equity
Why it looks undervalued:
3i Group invests in businesses across Europe and North America.
- £36bn+ assets under management
- Exposure to private equity growth
- Strong long-term performance
Investment firms can sometimes trade below the value of their underlying assets.
Why Value Stocks Are Popular in 2026
Right now, value investing is having a bit of a moment.
Why?
- Growth stocks have become expensive
- Interest rates have changed market dynamics
- Investors are looking for “margin of safety”
In simple terms, people want solid companies at sensible prices.
Common Value Investing Mistakes
Before you dive in, watch out for these:
Value traps
Some stocks are cheap for a reason (declining business, weak outlook).
Ignoring growth
A good value stock should still have future potential, not just a low price.
Lack of diversification
Don’t put everything into one “cheap” stock.
Final Thoughts
The best value stocks to buy right now in the UK share a few key traits:
- Strong underlying businesses
- Temporary undervaluation
- Long-term potential
From energy giants like Shell to financial players like Barclays, these companies could offer opportunities for investors willing to think long term.
Just remember, value investing is about patience.
Want Help Building Your Portfolio?
If you’re thinking:
“These stocks look interesting… but how do I actually build a strategy around them?”
That’s where most people get stuck.
Inside the MoneyMagpie Invest course, we show you:
- How to find undervalued stocks
- How to build a balanced and diversified portfolio
- How to invest with confidence
It’s designed to take you from guessing to knowing what you’re doing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investments can go down as well as up, and you should always do your own research before investing.
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