Forget the State Pension. I’d buy these 2 FTSE 100 stocks right now to retire early

These two FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE:UKX) shares could improve your long-term financial prospects in my opinion.

| 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.

While the State Pension is likely to provide a welcome income stream for many retirees, it is unlikely to deliver financial freedom for most people. It amounts to just £8,767 per annum, which is around a third of the average salary in the UK.

As such, building a nest egg before you retire to generate a passive income in older age is crucial. With the FTSE 100 currently offering good value for money due to many of its members trading on low ratings, now could be the right time to start investing for your retirement.

With that in mind, here are two large-cap shares that seem to be undervalued at the present time.

Should you invest £1,000 in Sainsbury's 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 Sainsbury's made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Sainsbury’s

The recent results from Sainsbury’s (LSE: SBRY) highlighted the progress it is making in implementing its strategy. For example, it has successfully launched a range of new value-brand products as it seeks to become more competitive on price versus rivals. It has also seen the benefits of its focus on improving customer service levels, with customer satisfaction scores increasing by three percentage points year-on-year.

Looking ahead, the company plans to upgrade a range of its stores. This could improve the shopping experience for its customers and help to build a greater sense of loyalty. It is also investing in digital growth opportunities – especially in its Argos concessions.

Although Sainsbury’s is forecast to post earnings growth of just 2% in each of the next two financial years, its valuation suggests that it offers a wide margin of safety. It trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 11.2, which could mean that there is scope for a rising share price as it implements its current strategy.

TUI

The prospects for travel and leisure business TUI (LSE: TUI) continue to be relatively uncertain. Its recent results highlight the difficulties that the grounding of Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft have caused for the company, with it anticipating a €130m impact in the current financial year. Should the aircraft fail to return to service by the end of April 2020, TUI is assuming a further cost of between €220m and €270m.

As such, the company’s financial outlook continues to be subject to a high degree of changeability depending on outside factors. However, its strategy of investing in digital opportunities and the prospect of improving demand for its offering are expected to produce a double-digit rate of earnings growth in the current year and next year.

With the stock currently trading on a price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of just 0.9, it seems to offer good value for money at the present time. Although it faces significant risks in the near term, its wide margin of safety could mean that its risk/reward ratio is relatively attractive for long-term investors. As such, now could be the right time to buy a slice of the business.

Like buying £1 for 31p

This seems ridiculous, but we almost never see shares looking this cheap. Yet this Share Advisor pick has a price/book ratio of 0.31. In plain English, this means that investors effectively get in on a business that holds £1 of assets for every 31p 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 10%, 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

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.

Peter Stephens 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

Three signposts pointing in different directions, with 'Buy' 'Sell' and 'Hold' on
Investing Articles

Does the soaring Rolls-Royce share price mean it’s finally time to sell?

The trickiest thing about the current Rolls-Royce share price bull run is knowing when to get off and bag the…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As silver prices explode, Fresnillo stock is fast approaching a runaway train

As silver prices hit their highest level since 2011, Andrew Mackie is becoming increasingly bullish on the prospects for Fresnillo…

Read more »

The flag of the United States of America flying in front of the Capitol building
Investing Articles

Is this S&P 500 stock a once-in-a-decade passive income opportunity?

Shares with over 50 years of consecutive dividend increases rarely go under the radar. But that might be what’s happening…

Read more »

Queen Street, one of Cardiff's main shopping streets, busy with Saturday shoppers.
Investing Articles

3 long-term growth drivers I think could propel Greggs shares up, up, and away!

Christopher Ruane has no plans to sell his Greggs shares. Here's a trio of reasons he thinks the piemaker's shares…

Read more »

This way, That way, The other way - pointing in different directions
Market Movers

This popular UK stock is shifting to the US. Here’s what I think it means for the share price

Jon Smith notes the 12% pop in the Wise share price today and flags up why the UK stock could…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Investing Articles

This leaner and smaller FTSE stock looks primed for future growth

Andrew Mackie explains why he believes portfolio rationalisation is the tonic that will help turbo-charge this beaten-down FTSE 100 stock.

Read more »

Businessman hand flipping wooden block cube from 2024 to 2025 on coins
Investing Articles

The aberdeen share price is surging but still offers an 8.3% dividend yield

The aberdeen share price hit an all-time low back in April, but this writer explains why he believes the stock…

Read more »

Businessman hand stacking up arrow on wooden block cubes
Dividend Shares

An 8.8% dividend forecast for a FTSE 100 stock? This caught my eye

Jon Smith explains the reasons why a FTSE 100 share has such a high dividend forecast, with several green flags…

Read more »