3 dirt-cheap FTSE 100 shares to buy now

These are some of the best FTSE 100 shares to buy now, considering their valuations and income potential, says this Fool.

| 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.

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 am always on the lookout for dirt-cheap FTSE 100 shares to buy for my portfolio. And, right now, it looks to me as if there are a range of options in the blue-chip index, which seem too good to pass up.

Dirt-cheap FTSE 100 miner 

The first company on my list is the mining group Rio Tinto (LSE: RIO). Currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 7.9, the stock looks incredibly cheap, compared to the rest of the market.

However, I should note this equity may be cheap for a reason. Commodity prices can be volatile, and as one of the world’s largest iron ore miners, Rio Tinto is heavily exposed to the price of the steel ingredient, iron ore. If the price suddenly slumps, Rio’s outlook may suddenly become a lot more uncertain.

Still, I think the company is a great way to invest in the global economic recovery. That is why I would buy shares in this FTSE 100 group today. The stock’s dividend yield could also hit the double digits next year, according to current projections. 

Shares to buy for growth

Alongside Rio, I would also buy Barratt Developments (LSE: BDEV) for my portfolio FTSE 100 income stocks. This is a play on the UK housing market, a sector that is structurally undersupplied, and where property prices seem to be rising almost every month.

I think it is unlikely property prices will rise indefinitely, but there will always be a demand for new dwellings.

Large homebuilders like Barratt have a competitive advantage because they can negotiate better deals for materials with suppliers and for land from sellers. 

As long as the company can maintain this competitive advantage, I think it is a great way to invest in the UK housing market. That said, all homebuilders are currently encountering significant challenges, including higher materials costs and wage inflation. An increase in interest rates may also weigh on home prices and hurt demand.

Despite these headwinds, I would buy the company, which is currently selling a forward P/E of 9.1 and offers a 4.5% dividend yield.

Market underdog

The final dirt-cheap FTSE 100 company I would buy for my portfolio is the broadcaster ITV (LSE: ITV). The combination of the drop-in advertising demand during the pandemic, competition from large American streaming companies, and a general shift away from terrestrial television are all factors that have held ITV back over the past two years. 

While these factors are still significant risks, I think the market’s opinion of the broadcaster is far too depressed. Indeed, despite a modest recovery in earnings, the stock is still trading at a forward P/E of just 8.2. 

As earnings recover, the company has also pledged to restore its dividend. Analysts believe the stock will offer a yield here of 3.4% next year, based on current projections. 

Therefore, despite the headwinds outlined above, I would buy the stock as a recovery share for my FTSE 100 portfolio. 

Rupert Hargreaves owns shares of ITV. The Motley Fool UK has recommended ITV. 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 mixed-race couple sat on the beach looking out over the sea
Investing Articles

Looking for a £750 monthly passive income? Here’s how much it takes

The idea of buying dividend shares for their passive income potential can sound promising. How might the nuts and bolts…

Read more »

Calendar showing the date of 5th April on desk in a house
Investing Articles

£20,000 in this ISA portfolio would generate £1,400 in passive income

Ben McPoland presents a ready-made Stocks and Shares ISA portfolio containing five UK names that as a group currently yield…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

The most underrated stock in the FTSE 100?

Nobody seems to like the FTSE 100’s water utilities. But could Severn Trent be the biggest opportunity that investors aren’t…

Read more »

a couple embrace in front of their new home
Investing Articles

£1,000 now buys 1,075 Taylor Wimpey shares. Worth it for the 8% dividend yield?

There’s a massive dividend yield on offer from his well-known UK housebuilder right now. But what are the risks for…

Read more »

Night Takeoff Of The American Space Shuttle
Investing Articles

Want to invest in SpaceX, Revolut, and TikTok? Consider buying this FTSE 100 stock

Ben McPoland thinks this FTSE 100 investment trust is a top stock to consider buying to gain exposure to the…

Read more »

Calendar showing the date of 5th April on desk in a house
Investing Articles

Here’s my Stocks and Shares ISA plan for 2026/27

Stephen Wright has a clear plan when it comes to investing in his Stocks and Shares ISA. But do the…

Read more »

Two elderly people relaxing in the summer sunshine Box Hill near Dorking Surrey England
Investing Articles

Where to look for safety in today’s stock market?

Stephen Wright has been looking for safety in a specific place in today’s stock market. And Warren Buffett’s firm has…

Read more »

Young black colleagues high-fiving each other at work
Investing Articles

This 5-share ISA could deliver an amazing second income of £762 a month

As the world’s stock markets plunge, many yields are rising. James Beard looks at five shares that could generate an…

Read more »