My top 3 UK shares to buy right now

As equity markets remain volatile, I have been looking for UK shares to buy right now for my portfolio that appear cheap compared to their potential. 

There are a couple of companies that stand out to me as being deeply undervalued after the recent sell-off. I would be happy to buy all of the stocks outlined below for my portfolio right now.

Long-term cash flows

The first stock on my list is insurance giant Legal & General (LSE: LGEN). After the recent sell-off, the stock is trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of just 7.5.

I think this significantly undervalues the company’s growth potential over the next few years. In addition, the stock is also trading with a dividend yield of 7.6%.

While the current geopolitical crisis will almost certainly have an impact on a company. It could hurt investor sentiment and reduce the demand for its insurance products, I think the business is well-placed to expand over the next decade.

Rising demand for financial services, and an ageing population, will increase the demand for pension and life insurance products. As one of the largest providers in the country of these products, Legal should benefit. 

One of the best shares to buy now

The second-hand car market is booming, and this is fantastic news for dealers like Lookers (LSE: LOOK). Based on current City estimates, the stock is trading at a forward P/E multiple of 4.9. However, these numbers are based on windfall profits in 2021, which are unlikely to last.

Analysts are expecting profits to fall back in 2022. They are projecting a 40% decline. Even based on this number, the stock is still only trading at a forward 2022 P/E of just 7.9. 

That said, there is no guarantee the company will meet City projections. If the economy starts to struggle over the next few months, the group will as well. This is the biggest challenge it will face in the near term.

Still, management is planning to reinvest the company’s windfall profits. This could help support its growth during the next few years, especially in the aftermarket service space. Even if new and second-hand car sales fall, customers will still need to maintain their vehicles. 

That is why I think this is one of the best UK shares to buy now. 

Leading UK shares

I think one of the best ways to build exposure to the UK economy as a whole, without having to buy a range of different stocks, is to acquire a lender such as NatWest (LSE: NWG).

Shares in this bank have fallen heavily due to the Russian crisis, but the stock is now trading at just 50% of book value. It is expected to report bumper profits over the next two years thanks to higher interest rates and a more robust UK economy. Analysts have also pencilled in a dividend yield of 5.7% for the year ahead. 

Unfortunately, this growth is not guaranteed. If there is an economic crisis in the UK, the company could suffer a significant decline in profitability. This is the biggest risk facing its growth today. 

Even after taking this headwind into account, I think NatWest remains one of the best UK shares to buy now, considering its exposure to the economy and low valuation.