This has been a record month for stocks. But I’d keep buying these cheap shares!

This has been a bumper month for shares, with stock prices hitting record highs. But the cheap shares of this brilliant business have been left behind.

| 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.

Late on Friday afternoon and with one full trading day left in November, it has been a record month for stock markets worldwide. The MSCI ACWI global equity index is up 13.2% in November, while the US S&P 500 index has leapt almost 375 points (11.4%) this month. Likewise, the UK’s FTSE 100 has soared nearly 785 points (14.1%) in less than 30 days.

This really has been an exceptional month, with the largest monthly moves I’ve seen as an investor in UK shares since 1986–87. Nevertheless, I still see more value lurking in cheap shares hiding in the FTSE 100. Here’s one quality stock I’d happily buy today.

Cheap shares don’t have to be low-priced

Billionaire investment guru Warren Buffett argues that, “It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price”. In other words, don’t expect to pay low prices for choice products, because quality costs more. Hence, when I’m looking for highly attractive value shares, I ask myself four questions. First, is this a great business? Second, does it have good managers? Third, does it have a pedigree reputation? Fourth, is its stock reasonably priced? If the answer to all four questions is yes, then these are actually cheap shares, because they offer high quality at a fair price.

Johnson Matthey is an outstanding business

You may not have heard of FTSE 100 firm Johnson Matthey (LSE: JMAT), but it is an outstanding British success story. Johnson Matthey is a world leader in specialist chemicals and precious metals, with a track record dating back to 1817. Its outputs are used in the production of industrial chemicals, emissions controls, batteries, and medical and pharmaceutical products. But it also supplies materials to make batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. Thus, it’s at the front line of the inexorable shift to electric vehicles.

At the current share price of 2,260p, the business is valued at £4.38bn, making it one of the smaller Footsie constituents. Yet JMAT is a quality business, run by good management, with a world-leading franchise. Yet its cheap shares are still on sale. What’s not to like? Nevertheless, JMAT is one of the most overlooked and unloved stocks in the FTSE 100. Since I called its cheap shares a buy in mid-April, it’s only been covered by Fool writers 10 times. That’s only about once every three weeks, which might be a positive indicator for deep value.

This Buffett business is a bargain buy

When scaling their all-time highs in June 2018, JMAT shares neared £38. Later, at their 52-week high on 8 December last year, they hit £31. During the spring market meltdown, they crashed as low as 1,614p on 23 March. Today, they trade a mere two-fifths (40%) above this multi-year low and over £15 below their 2018 high. JMAT stock currently trades on a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 11.9 and an earnings yield of 8.4%. It also offers a forward dividend yield of 3.1%, in line with the wider FTSE 100. That’s far too cheap for a company with almost two centuries of expertise and evolution. Hence, I’d buy these cheap shares today, ideally inside an ISA, to enjoy decades of delicious tax-free dividends and capital gains!

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.

Cliffdarcy has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. 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

Bearded man writing on notepad in front of computer
Investing Articles

Could a 2025 penny share takeover boom herald big profits for investors?

When penny share owners get caught up in a takeover battle, what might happen? Christopher Ruane looks at some potential…

Read more »

Young woman working at modern office. Technical price graph and indicator, red and green candlestick chart and stock trading computer screen background.
Investing Articles

3 value shares for investors to consider buying in 2025

Some value shares blew the roof off during 2024, so here are three promising candidates for investors to consider next…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Can this takeover news give Aviva shares the boost we’ve been waiting for?

Aviva shares barely move as news of the agreed takeover of Direct Line emerges. Shareholders might not see it as…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 cheap FTSE 250 growth shares to consider in 2025!

These FTSE 250 shares have excellent long-term investment potential, says Royston Wild. Here's why he thinks they might also be…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

Has the 2024 Scottish Mortgage share price rise gone under the radar?

The Scottish Mortgage share price rise has meant a good year for the trust so far, but not as good…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Will the easyJet share price hit £10 in 2025?

easyJet has been trading well with rising earnings, which reflects in the elevated share price, but there may be more…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 FTSE shares I won’t touch with a bargepole in 2025

The FTSE 100 and the FTSE 250 have some quality stocks. But there are others that Stephen Wright thinks he…

Read more »

Dividend Shares

How investing £15 a day could yield £3.4k in annual passive income

Jon Smith flags up how by accumulating regular modest amounts and investing in dividend shares, an investor can build passive…

Read more »