If you ever needed proof that hidden gems exist in the UK stock market, here it is.
Just a few weeks ago, financial column Midas tipped H&T, a British pawnbroker, as a smart buy at £3.82. Fast-forward to today, and the company’s been scooped up by American giant FirstCash with a £297 million offer—valuing each share at £6.50. That’s a 70% return in under a month.
But this isn’t just about one lucky pick. It’s a reminder: UK stocks are seriously undervalued—and savvy investors are starting to take notice.
Why UK Shares Are on Sale
Over the last decade, more than £45 billion has been pulled out of UK equities, much of it funneled into booming US tech stocks.
But as the pendulum begins to swing back, value investors—those who seek out strong companies trading below their true worth—are seeing new opportunities here at home.
If you’re one of those investors, or thinking of becoming one, here are four UK-listed businesses that might be worth your attention.
Christie Group – Helping Small Businesses Buy and Sell
With over 5.5 million small companies in the UK, there’s a constant demand for help with buying, selling, and financing.
That’s where Christie Group steps in.
They’ve been matchmaking business buyers and sellers for 90 years, dealing in everything from care homes and nurseries to pubs and garden centres.
In 2024 alone, they closed a record 1,187 deals.
Led by the ambitious Dan Prickett, the firm is on a growth path—both in the UK and Europe.
Their shares are trading at just £1.30, even though last year’s revenue topped £60 million.
That’s a bargain, and one that could pay off.
Aberdeen Group – A New Chapter with Old Roots
After a rough few years (and a much-mocked name change to “Abrdn”), Aberdeen Group is back to basics—and back in the spotlight.
Now under new leadership, the firm manages billions in investments, but it’s their digital platforms—interactive investor and Adviser—that are really shining.
CEO Jason Windsor has plans to boost profits by 18% by 2026.
With shares sitting at £1.68 (a far cry from their £4.80 peak), investors betting on a turnaround could be well-rewarded—especially with the near 9% dividend yield.
Animalcare – Keeping Pets and Horses Pain-Free
If you’ve got a pet, chances are you know how tricky giving them medicine can be.
That’s where Animalcare is making waves.
They focus on treatments that are easy to use, like painkillers sprinkled on food for horses or dental care you just add to water for pets.
Products like Danilon and Daxocox have seen sales spike—up 40% and 27% respectively.
CEO Jennie Winter and chairman Ed Torr are seasoned pros in the pharma world, and they’re expanding overseas too.
With shares at £2.48 and growing demand for pet care, this one looks like a long-term winner.
PZ Cussons – A Household Name with Global Struggles
PZ Cussons makes products you probably have at home—Imperial Leather, Carex, St Tropez—but it’s their ties to Nigeria that have held them back.
A weak Nigerian currency has dragged on profits, and CEO Jonathan Myers is now reviewing their exposure there.
If they manage to restructure wisely, the battered share price—currently just 84p—could recover.
It’s a riskier play, but for those willing to wait, it could be worth the gamble.
Choosing the Right DIY Investing Platform
Thinking about jumping into the market? There’s no shortage of online investment platforms, each with its own fees, services, and perks.
Whether you’re setting up a stocks & shares ISA, a pension, or a basic account, make sure to compare platforms carefully—especially their admin charges and trading fees.
Sites like This is Money regularly review and compare the top choices.
Final Word
The UK market may not be the media darling it once was, but for investors who know where to look, it’s full of undervalued companies with big potential.
These four picks show just how much room there is to grow.
Want help comparing DIY investing platforms or diving deeper into these stocks? Just say the word.