2 value stocks from the FTSE 100 to consider buying in April

Value stocks can come in all shapes and sizes in the FTSE 100 index, as demonstrated by these two markedly different businesses.

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Much of the Footsie remains very cheap, especially after its mini-dip that started at the beginning of March. Indeed, arguably half of the index is made up of value stocks. So there are plenty of options.

Here are two cheap FTSE 100 stocks that I think are worth a look right now.

Lobbying Trump

British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS) is a classic value stock. Founded in 1902, the veteran company owns established cigarette brands like Lucky Strike, Dunhill, and Rothmans. It has slow growth rates, but a large global customer base and dependable profits supported by strong pricing power.

Should you invest £1,000 in British American Tobacco right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if British American Tobacco made the list?

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All this helps generous dividends, with the yield currently sitting at a market-thumping 7.5%. That’s even after the share price has risen 32% over the past year. While dividends aren’t guaranteed, the firm’s current earnings comfortably cover the prospective payouts.

Rounding out its value credentials, British American stock is trading cheaply at around 9 times earnings.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3British American Tobacco P.l.c. PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL1 Apr 20201 Apr 2025Zoom ▾Jul '20Jan '21Jul '21Jan '22Jul '22Jan '23Jul '23Jan '24Jul '24Jan '252021202120222022202320232024202420252025www.fool.co.uk

However, global cigarette volumes have been declining almost like clockwork by around 5% a year. This clearly adds risk to the company’s long-term profitability and dividend growth prospects.

To offset this, the tobacco giant has been building up its non-combustible division (vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches). Last year, smokeless products accounted for 17.5% of group revenue, while the target is for at least 50% by 2035.

Whether this will be a profitable transformation remains to be seen, but the strategy might be given a shot in the arm under President Trump. That’s because Reuters has reported that Big Tobacco is lobbying the Trump administration to crack down on illegal vapes, especially those imported from China.

These cheap unregulated alternatives have stunted the growth of British American’s vaping brands, notably Vuse. And while tobacco firms have been lobbying for stricter enforcement for some time, it’s possible that the Trump government might take it more seriously.

This could boost the company’s share of this growth market in future. I think the high-yield dividend stock is worth considering for income investors.

Nike headaches

JD Sports Fashion (LSE: JD) might not appear to be a value stock at first glance. But it is also an established brand, with over 4,500 stores worldwide. The sportswear retailer is also profitable and pays a dividend, although the yield is only 1.4% as the firm is still prioritising expansion.

The real value appears to come from the share price. At 68p, JD stock is trading at just 5.5 times earnings, based on FY26 forecasts.

Why does it appear so cheap? Well, earnings are under pressure, with the firm delivering a profit warning in January. Weak consumer spending remains a key risk here.

Also, key strategic partner Nike, whose products tend to have higher margins for JD, has been losing market share to smaller competitors. Consequently, Nike stock has suffered one of its worst drawdowns ever — slumping 62% since the start of 2022.

JD’s share price performance in this time? Down 68%, as it broadly tends to mirror that of Nike’s.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3JD Sports Fashion + Nike PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL1 Apr 20201 Apr 2025Zoom ▾Jul '20Jan '21Jul '21Jan '22Jul '22Jan '23Jul '23Jan '24Jul '24Jan '25www.fool.co.uk

However, Nike has new management and is actively refocusing on innovation and its wholesale channels. Any progress could see a sharp bounce back for both.

Longer term, I think JD’s position as a leading sportswear seller will remain intact, making its cheap stock worthy of consideration.

Should you invest £1,000 in British American Tobacco right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets.

And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if British American Tobacco made the list?

See the 6 stocks

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.

Ben McPoland has positions in British American Tobacco P.l.c. and JD Sports Fashion. The Motley Fool UK has recommended British American Tobacco P.l.c. and Nike. 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.

Pound coins for sale — 51 pence?

This seems ridiculous, but we almost never see shares looking this cheap. Yet this recent ‘Best Buy Now’ has a price/book ratio of 0.51. In plain English, this means that investors effectively get in on a business that holds £1 of assets for every 51p they invest!

Of course, this is the stock market where money is always at risk — these valuations can change and there are no guarantees. But some risks are a LOT more interesting than others, and at The Motley Fool we believe this company is amongst them.

What’s more, it currently boasts a stellar dividend yield of around 8.5%, and right now it’s possible for investors to jump aboard at near-historic lows. Want to get the name for yourself?

See the full investment case

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