Top 13 UK Shares to Watch and Buy in 2023.
Learn about the top UK shares for 2023 and how they can enhance your global equity opportunities.
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Table of Contents
Top 13 UK Shares to Watch and Buy in 2023
Introduction
This article targets the UK people so they can find the right UK shares to add to their portfolio or watchlist.
As most people might be busy in their daily endeavors, I decided to shed some light on this topic.
So, let us not waste more time and dive into our topic to find the best shares to watch or buy in 2023.
Disclaimer – This information has been gathered from reliable sources and provided for educational purposes.
You should not take this as investment advice, as investment decisions can be highly complex.
It is wise to contact a financial professional specializing in investments before investing.
Only a financial expert can determine your investment needs based on your financial profile and goals.
If you find it hard to get investment services as an expat or a high-net-worth individual, please contact me.
Rolls Royce Plc (RR)
Rolls Royce Plc traded as:
LON: RR
Share value as of August 11, 2023:
207.70 GBX
Market Cap
£17.49 billion
Buy or Sell?
6 Wall Street equities research analysts have assessed Rolls-Royce Holdings plc stock in the past twelve months.
Out of these are two sell ratings, two hold ratings, and two buy ratings.
The consensus among these analysts is that investors should maintain a “hold” stance on RR shares.
A hold rating suggests that analysts recommend retaining existing positions in RR without adding more shares or selling existing ones.
Price Forecast for 2023
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc’s share price projections for the next twelve months vary from GBX 70 to GBX 200 among the six analysts.
On average, their estimate for the company’s share price is around GBX 119.20.
This scenario implies a potential decrease of about 42.6% from the current price.
Performance in 2023
At the start of this year, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc’s stock was trading at GBX 145.
RR shares have experienced an increase of approximately 43.2%, with the current trading price at GBX 207.70.
Dividends
There is a lack of dividend information for Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, so it’s impossible to evaluate its attractiveness as an investment option based on dividends.
HSBC Plc (HSBA)
HSBC Plc traded as:
LON: HSBA
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
624.80 GBX
Market Cap
£122.87 billion
Buy or Sell?
In the past twelve months, 11 Wall Street equities research analysts have provided ratings for HSBC stock.
Of these, there are two hold ratings, eight buy ratings, and one strong buy rating.
The consensus among these analysts is that investors should consider a “moderate-buy” stance on HSBA shares.
Price Forecast for 2023
Among 11 analysts, HSBC’s share price forecasts range from GBX 580 to GBX 1,000 for the next twelve months.
On average, they predict the company’s share price to reach around GBX 784.36.
This scenario suggests a potential upside of approximately 26.3% from the current price.
Performance in 2023
At the beginning of the year, HSBC’s stock traded at GBX 515.70. Since then, this stock has seen an increase of around 20%.
Dividends
HSBC announced a dividend on August 1.
Investors of record on August 10 will receive a dividend of GBX 0.10 per share on September 21, representing a yield of 1.2%.
The ex-dividend date is August 10.
HSBC pays an annual dividend of GBX 42 per share while having a dividend yield of 6.62%.
The company’s dividend yield ranks higher than 75% of other dividend-paying stocks, indicating its status as a leading dividend payer.
Nonetheless, a payout ratio of 4,883.72% may raise concerns about sustainability.
BP Plc (BP)
BP Plc traded as:
LON: BP
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
486.40 GBX
Market Cap
£84.24 billion
Buy or Sell?
In the past year, 8 Wall Street research analysts have evaluated BP stock.
Of these, there are three hold ratings and five buy ratings.
According to the consensus among Wall Street research analysts, investors must adopt a “moderate-buy” stance on BP shares.
Price Projection for 2023
Among 8 Wall Street analysts, BP’s share price forecasts for the upcoming twelve months span from GBX 490 to GBX 1,000.
Their average prediction for the company’s share price is approximately GBX 610.11 for the following year.
This situation indicates a potential increase of around 25.4% from the stock’s current trading price.
Performance in 2023
At the outset of 2023, BP’s stock traded at GBX 474.90. Since then, the value of BP stock has risen by 2.4%, currently trading at GBX 486.40.
Dividends
BP revealed a dividend announcement on August 1.
Stockholders registered on August 10 will receive a dividend of GBX 0.07 per share on September 22, reflecting a dividend yield of 1.17%.
The ex-dividend date for this dividend is August 10. This dividend is an increase from the previous one of GBX 0.07.
BP (LON: BP) disburses an annual dividend of GBX 21 per share, currently showcasing a dividend yield of 4.41%.
BP’s dividend yield places it higher than 75% of other dividend-paying stocks, establishing its position as a noteworthy dividend-payer.
Nevertheless, a dividend payout ratio of 1,981.13% may raise concerns about its sustainability.
Vodafone Plc (VOD)
Vodafone Plc traded as:
LON: VOD
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
72.19 GBX
Market Cap
£19.53 billion
Buy or Sell?
Over the past year, 7 Wall Street equities research analysts have provided ratings for Vodafone Group Public stock.
Among these are one sell rating, four hold ratings, and two buy ratings for the stock.
The consensus among Wall Street equities research analysts suggests investors should maintain a “hold” stance on VOD shares.
A hold rating indicates that analysts recommend maintaining existing positions in VOD without acquiring additional shares or divesting current holdings.
Price Projection for 2023
Seven analysts have projected price targets for Vodafone Group Public’s stock over the next twelve months.
Their forecasts for VOD share prices range from GBX 85 to GBX 155.
On average, they predict that the company’s share price will reach approximately GBX 109 within the following year.
This situation suggests a potential increase of around 51.0% from the stock’s trading price.
Performance in 2023
At the year’s outset, Vodafone Group Public’s stock traded at GBX 84.24.
Since then, the value of VOD stock has declined by 14.3%, currently trading at GBX 72.19.
Dividends
Vodafone Group Public declared a dividend on May 16.
Shareholders registered on June 8 will receive a dividend of GBX 0.05 per share on August 4, reflecting a dividend yield of 4.34%.
The ex-dividend date for this dividend is June 8.
Vodafone Group Public (LON: VOD) distributes an annual dividend of GBX 8 per share, currently showcasing a dividend yield of 10.77%.
VOD’s dividend yield ranks higher than 75% of other dividend-paying stocks, underscoring its position as a prominent dividend payer.
However, a dividend payout ratio of 2,162.16% may raise concerns about its long-term sustainability.
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (IAG)
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA traded as:
LON: IAG
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
166.90 GBX
Market Cap
£8.21 billion
Buy or Sell?
Over the past year, 5 Wall Street analysts have provided ratings for International Consolidated Airlines Group stock.
Among these are three hold ratings and two buy ratings for the stock.
The consensus among Wall Street analysts suggests that investors should maintain a “hold” stance on IAG shares.
A hold rating indicates that analysts recommend retaining existing positions in IAG without acquiring additional shares or divesting current holdings.
Price Projection for 2023
Five analysts have projected price targets for International Consolidated Airlines Group’s shares over the next twelve months.
Their forecasts for IAG share prices range from GBX 165 to GBX 240.
On average, they predict that the company’s stock price will reach approximately GBX 186 within the following year.
This circumstance suggests a potential increase of about 12.2% from the stock’s current trading price.
Performance in 2023
At the beginning of the year, International Consolidated Airlines Group’s stock was trading at GBX 123.84.
Since then, the value of IAG shares has surged by 33.9%, currently trading at GBX 165.80.
Capita (CPI)
Capita traded as:
LON: CPI
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
20.24 GBX
Market Cap
£344.08 million
Buy or Sell?
In the past twelve months, 4 Wall Street analysts have provided ratings for Capita stock.
Of these, one hold rating and three buy ratings for the stock.
The consensus among Wall Street analysts is that investors should consider a “moderate-buy” stance on CPI shares.
Price Projection for 2023
Among four analysts, Capita’s share price forecasts for the next twelve months vary from GBX 40 to GBX 50.
On average, they anticipate the company’s share price to reach approximately GBX 46 in the coming year.
This circumstance suggests a potential increase of 126.8% from the stock’s current value.
Performance in 2023
At the beginning of the year, Capita’s stock was trading at GBX 24.26.
Since then, the value of CPI shares has decreased by 16.4%, currently trading at GBX 20.28.
Recent Earnings Performance
Capita plc (LON: CPI) reported its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 5.
The company posted earnings per share of $13.09 for the quarter, surpassing analysts’ consensus estimates of $12.90 by $0.19.
Capita achieved a trailing twelve-month return on equity of 23.41% and a net margin of 2.48%.
Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY)
Lloyds Banking Group traded as:
LON: LLOY
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
42.84 GBX
Market Cap
£27.59 billion
Buy or Sell?
Over the past twelve months, 9 Wall Street analysts have provided their ratings for Lloyds Banking Group stock.
These ratings include one sell rating, one hold rating, six buy ratings, and one strong buy rating for the stock.
The consensus among these analysts is that investors should consider a “moderate-buy” stance on LLOY shares.
Price Projection for 2023
Among nine analysts, Lloyds Banking Group’s stock price forecasts span from GBX 42 to GBX 83 for the next twelve months.
On average, they project the company’s share price to reach approximately GBX 66.25 in the coming year.
This suggests a potential upside of around 54.8% from the stock’s current value.
Performance in 2023
Lloyds Banking Group’s stock was trading at GBX 45.41 at the start of the year.
Since then, the value of LLOY shares has decreased by 5.7%, currently trading at GBX 42.81.
Dividends
Lloyds Banking Group announced a dividend on Wednesday, July 26.
On Thursday, August 3, shareholders of record received a dividend of GBX 0.92 per share on Tuesday, September 12.
This represents a dividend yield of 2%.
The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 3.
Lloyds Banking Group (LON: LLOY) pays an annual dividend of GBX 3 per share, currently yielding 5.90%.
LLOY’s dividend yield ranks higher than 75% of other dividend-paying stocks, highlighting its status as a leading dividend payer.
However, it’s worth noting that a dividend payout ratio of 3,750.00% raises concerns about sustainability.
Aston Martin Lagonda Global (AML)
Aston Martin Lagonda Global traded as:
LON: AML
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
334.40 GBX
Market Cap
£2.46 billion
Buy or Sell?
In the past year, 3 Wall Street research analysts have provided their evaluations for Aston Martin Lagonda Global stock.
These assessments consist of 2 hold ratings and one buy rating for the stock.
The consensus among these analysts is that investors should adopt a “hold” position on AML shares.
Price Projection for 2023
Among three analysts, Aston Martin Lagonda Global’s stock price projections range from GBX 180 to GBX 300 for the upcoming year.
On average, they predict the company’s share price to attain GBX 260 in the next twelve months.
This indicates a potential downside of 21.8% from the current stock value.
Performance in 2023
At the year’s commencement, Aston Martin Lagonda Global’s stock was valued at GBX 154.05.
Since then, AML shares have experienced a remarkable increase of 115.8%, presently trading at GBX 332.42.
Barclays (BARC)
Barclays traded as:
LON: BARC
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
145.88 GBX
Market Cap
£22.68 billion
Buy or Sell?
In the past year, 8 Wall Street equities research analysts have delivered their verdicts on Barclays stock.
Among these assessments are two hold ratings and six buy ratings for the stock.
The consensus among these analysts is that investors should adopt a “moderate-buy” stance on BARC shares.
Price Projection for 2023
From a pool of 8 analysts, Barclays’ stock price predictions for the next 12 months span from GBX 180 to GBX 320.
Their collective projection positions the company’s stock price at around GBX 238.50 in the coming year.
This implies a potential upside of about 63.6% from the stock’s present value.
Performance in 2023
At the onset of 2023, Barclays’ stock was valued at GBX 158.52.
Since then, BARC shares have declined 8.1%, currently trading at GBX 145.74.
Dividends
Barclays declared a dividend on Thursday, July 27.
Shareholders recorded on Thursday, August 10, will receive a dividend of GBX 2.70 per share on Friday, September 15.
This equates to a dividend yield of 1.65%.
The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 10.
Barclays (LON: BARC) disburses an annual dividend of GBX 8 per share and presents a dividend yield of 5.26%.
BARC’s dividend yield surpasses 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, signifying its stature as a prominent dividend issuer.
Nevertheless, a dividend payout ratio of 2,424.24% may evoke concerns about sustainability.
Aviva (AV)
Aviva traded as:
LON: AV
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
385.50 GBX
Market Cap
£10.56 billion
Buy or Sell?
In the preceding year, 7 Wall Street analysts specializing in equities research have cast their judgments on Aviva stock.
Of these evaluations, two hold ratings and five buy ratings are attributed to the stock.
The prevailing consensus among these analysts suggests that investors should take a “moderate-buy” stance on AV shares.
Price Projection for 2023
From a panel of 7 analysts, forecasts regarding Aviva’s stock price for the twelve months extend from GBX 480 to GBX 560.
Their collective prediction places the company’s stock price at approximately GBX 526 in the upcoming year.
This implies a potential gain of around 36.4% from the current stock price.
Performance in 2023
At the onset of 2023, Aviva’s stock was valued at GBX 442.80.
Subsequently, AV shares have encountered a decrease of 12.9%, presently trading at GBX 385.50.
Dividends
Aviva announced a dividend on Thursday, March 9.
Shareholders registered on Thursday, March 30, will receive a dividend of GBX 20.70 per share on Thursday, May 18.
This translates to a dividend yield of 4.6%.
The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 30.
This marks a positive change from the stock’s previous dividend of GBX 10.30.
Aviva (LON: AV) disburses an annual dividend of GBX 31 per share and currently boasts a dividend yield of 8.06%.
AV’s dividend yield exceeds 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, indicating its status as a prominent dividend distributor.
easyJet (EZJ)
easyJet traded as:
LON: EZJ
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
445.80 GBX
Market Cap
£3.38 billion
Buy or Sell?
Within the last year, 5 Wall Street research analysts have disseminated their appraisals of easyJet stock.
Of these evaluations, one sell rating, one hold rating, and three buy ratings are currently attributed to the stock.
The prevailing consensus among these research analysts suggests that investors should adopt a “hold” position on EZJ shares.
Such a stance implies that analysts recommend maintaining existing positions in EZJ without acquiring additional shares or divesting existing ones.
Price Projection for 2023
From a panel of 5 brokers, prognostications concerning easyJet’s stock price over the forthcoming twelve months span from GBX 400 to GBX 690.
Their collective projection places the company’s share price near GBX 555 in the forthcoming year.
This hints at a potential upswing of around 25.4% from the stock’s present valuation.
Performance in 2023
As of January 1, 2023, easyJet’s stock was appraised at GBX 324.60.
Since then, EZJ shares have recorded a surge of 36.4%, currently trading at GBX 442.60.
City of London Investment Trust (CTY)
City of London Investment Trust traded as:
LON: CTY
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
393 GBX
Market Cap
£1.96 billion
Performance in 2023
At the commencement of the year 2023, The City of London Investment Trust’s stock was valued at GBX 410.50.
Since then, CTY shares have declined 4.4%, presently trading at GBX 392.50.
Dividends
On Thursday, July 13, The City of London Investment Trust disclosed the upcoming dividend distribution.
Shareholders recorded on Thursday, July 27, will receive a dividend of GBX 5.05 per share on Thursday, August 31.
This equates to a dividend yield of 1.27%.
The ex-dividend date for this dividend is scheduled for Thursday, July 27.
The City of London Investment Trust (LON: CTY) commits to an annual dividend payment of GBX 20 per share, currently translating to a dividend yield of 5.06%.
CTY boasts a dividend yield surpassing 75% of all dividend-yielding equities, positioning it as a prominent dividend issuer.
Nevertheless, a dividend payout ratio of 20,000.00% might elicit reservations about its sustainability.
Payout ratios exceeding 75% are often deemed less desirable, as they potentially signify an unsustainably high distribution relative to earnings.
Experian (EXPN)
Experian traded as:
LON: EXPN
Share value as of August 14, 2023:
2,866 GBX
Market Cap
£26.37 billion
Buy or Sell?
Over the past year, six Wall Street research analysts have provided ratings for Experian.
Within these ratings are one sell rating, two hold ratings, and three buy ratings for the stock.
The consensus stance among these analysts is that investors should “hold” EXPN shares.
This indicates that analysts recommend maintaining existing positions in EXPN without making further purchases or selling existing shares.
You can explore EXPN analyst ratings or peruse top-rated stocks for more insights.
Price Projection for 2023
Among six brokers, forecasts for Experian’s stock price over the next twelve months range from GBX 2,500 to GBX 3,250.
On average, these analysts anticipate the company’s stock price to reach around GBX 2,935.40 in the coming year.
This implies a potential increase of 2.6% from the present stock price.
To gain a more comprehensive perspective, consider reviewing analysts’ price targets for EXPN or discover highly rated stocks among Wall Street analysts.
Performance in 2023
As of the beginning of 2023, Experian’s stock was trading at GBX 2,813.
Since then, the value of EXPN shares has experienced a modest rise of 1.7%, presently trading at GBX 2,862.
For further insights, check out the best growth stocks for 2023.
Dividends
Experian declared a dividend on Wednesday, May 17.
Investors holding shares on Thursday, June 22, will receive a dividend of GBX 0.38 per share on Friday, July 21.
This equates to a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date for this dividend is Thursday, June 22.
This marks an enhancement from the previous dividend of GBX 0.17.
Experian (LON: EXPN) commits to an annual dividend of GBX 59 per share, translating to a dividend yield of 2.07%.
However, it’s important to note that the dividend payout ratio is 9,076.92%.
Payout ratios exceeding 75% may raise concerns about sustainability, as they might indicate a significant portion of earnings being allocated to dividends.
Honorable Mentions
Below are some shares that should be considered adding to your watchlist in 2023.
Hargreaves Lansdown (HL)
Price – 787.80 GBX
Analyst Rating – Hold
Rightmove (RMV)
Price – 581.20 GBX
Analyst Rating – Hold
DS Smith (SMDS)
Price – 296.70 GBX
Analyst Rating – Buy
Taylor Wimpey (TW)
Price – 117.70 GBX
Analyst Rating – Hold
Darktrace (DARK)
Price – 360 GBX
Analyst Rating – Hold
Britvic (BVIC)
Price – 857 GBX
Analyst Rating – Hold
Bottom Line
I am not affiliated or connected with any companies mentioned in this list.
Like I said in the beginning, I am gathering the resources from reliable sources and providing them for educational purposes.
None of you should consider this article’s information as investment advice.
You should also remember the fact that analysis of a stock can be complex, and even if done right, certain factors may lead to miscalculations.
Thus, portfolio diversification is essential to get the best possible returns.
Most people don’t have the time or expertise to take care of their investments.
For such people, monitoring their investments and taking care of their endeavors becomes tough.
If you are an expat or a high-net-worth individual looking for financial assistance related to your investments, you are in the right place.
I provide tailored investment solutions to my clients and help many clients to achieve financial freedom with the top-notch services I offer.
Feel free to contact me to determine whether you can profit from my best-in-class services.
I strongly hope that the information in this article was helpful to you.
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