In this article, we discuss the 10 Best UK Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires.
Like most of the world, the United Kingdom is also facing slower economic growth in 2025, fuelled by an unpredictable trading environment and high taxes. According to KPMG, there are some upsides to the UK economy this year, including solid household savings and robust public spending. However, American tariffs could limit UK GDP growth to only 0.8% during 2025 and 2026. In the short term, inflation will likely come back due to growing labor costs and skyrocketing energy prices. Nonetheless, KPMG forecasts that inflation will simmer down to the Bank of England’s target of 2% by the middle of next year.
What came as a surprise was the UK economy going up by 0.1% in Q4 2024, a welcome reprieve from the sodden economic outlook painted by market experts. This made Britain the top performer in Europe during the fourth quarter, as Italy remained flat and German and French economies shrunk. However, the UK economy fell short of the 0.6% growth in the United States. In light of these economic developments, Scott Gardner, investment strategist at JP Morgan-owned wealth manager Nutmeg, told Reuters on February 13, 2025:
“A pleasant surprise, but we’re not out of the woods yet. Beneath the surface of these latest figures, domestic demand via consumption and business investment was weaker than expected,”
As per Britain’s Office for National Statistics, wholesalers, film distributors, pubs and bars, industrial manufacturers, and pharma led the growth in December 2024. However, it should be noted that this growth was dependent on monetary support from the government and a brief pile-up in business inventories. In addition, flat spending trends were observed in households, and business investment stumbled by 3.2% in Q4. The Bank of England has now slashed its growth outlook for 2025 to 0.75%, while the National Institute of Economic and Social Research remains optimistic with a 1.5% forecast.
Investor optimism is increasing around the UK, given the rising trade tensions between the United States and Europe. While UK economic growth has lagged in recent years, BofA analysts expect it to pick up pace in 2025, projecting 1.4% growth. Analysts see positive signs like deregulation, capital spending, and potential US trade benefits. Sanjay Raja, chief UK economist at Deutsche Bank, told CNBC on March 24, 2025:
“Talk of a U.S. trade deal also surfaced in client conversations, and there was increased optimism that the U.K. may be spared from direct and widespread tariffs,”
It is interesting to note that no matter the macroeconomic conditions, the rich seem to be getting richer. So, let’s explore billionaire investment portfolios and look at the best UK stocks to buy.
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Our Methodology
To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of billionaires’ stock holdings and identified the companies headquartered in the UK but listed on American exchanges. From there, we picked the top 10 companies with the highest number of billionaire investors in Q4 2024. The stocks are ranked in ascending order based on the number of billionaire investors. We have also mentioned the value of billionaire holdings for further insight.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO)
Number of Billionaire Investors: 9
Value of Billionaire Holdings: $1.19 billion
Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) is a London-based company that explores, mines, and processes mineral resources globally. The company specializes in iron ore, bauxite mining, alumina refining, and smelting, as well as mining copper, gold, silver, and molybdenum. On April 4, 2025, RIO announced that it spent A$10.3 billion in 2024 in Western Australia to boost local businesses and build its pipeline for new Pilbara mining projects. The company’s investments were primarily focused on purchasing heavy mining machinery and carrying out earthworks.
On March 6, Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) concluded its $6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium Lithium. Arcadium will now be renamed Rio Tinto Lithium. By 2028, the new company plans to increase its Tier 1 assets by more than 200,000 tonnes annually of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). Arcadium shareholders will be compensated with a cash consideration of $5.85 per share held by a certain record date.
The company declared a semi-annual dividend per share of $2.25 on March 6, 2025. The dividend will be distributed on April 17, to shareholders on record as of March 7. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) is one of the best UK stocks to buy for exposure to the mining industry.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, billionaire Ken Fisher’s Fisher Asset Management held the leading position in Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO), with 17.6 million shares valued at $1 billion. Overall, 9 billionaires held stakes in RIO.
9. Birkenstock Holding plc (NYSE:BIRK)
Number of Billionaire Investors: 10
Value of Billionaire Holdings: $192.59 million
Birkenstock Holding plc (NYSE:BIRK) was founded in 1774 and is headquartered in London. The company designs, manufactures, and sells footwear. It distributes products through e-commerce, retail stores, and business-to-business channels. On February 21, BMO Capital Markets assigned an Outperform rating to BIRK and set a price target of $70. The investment firm noted that the company exhibited solid growth across all segments, outperforming industry averages.
On February 20, Birkenstock Holding plc (NYSE:BIRK) reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 ending December 31, 2024. The revenue came in at €362 million, up 19% for the quarter, exceeding the guidance of 15-17% growth. Revenue growth was fuelled by robust demand for Birkenstock products across all categories and distribution channels. BIRK recorded a net profit of €20 million for Q1 FY 2025, up from a loss of €7 million in the preceding quarter. As of December 31, 2024, Birkenstock Holding had €299 million in cash and cash equivalents and a net leverage of 1.9x, up slightly due to seasonal factors compared to the previous quarter. The company is prioritizing debt reduction using free cash flow this year.
According to Insider Monkey’s Q4 data, 10 billionaire investors were bullish on Birkenstock Holding plc (NYSE:BIRK), making it one of the best UK stocks to buy.
8. Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:ARM)
Number of Billionaire Investors: 10
Value of Billionaire Holdings: $234.65 million
Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:ARM) was established in 1990 and is headquartered in Cambridge, UK. The company manufactures and sells microprocessors, system and physical IPs, GPUs, software, and tools to semiconductor companies and OEMs. On April 1, 2025, Arm Holdings acquired a UK-based Alphawave to access critical tech for developing AI processors. Alphawave is a provider of semiconductor intellectual property.
On February 5, Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:ARM) reported its financial results for Q3 2025. The company’s revenue grew 19% year-over-year to record high levels, outperforming the top end of its guidance, supported by the deployment of v9 and robust demand for chips based on its Compute Subsystems. ARM also got royalty revenue from chips for smartphones, data centers, networking equipment, and automotive—all of which came within Wall Street expectations.
In November 2024, Loop Capital maintained a Buy rating on Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:ARM), and raised the price target on the shares from $130 to $180. The firm observed that ARM will have many growth catalysts in the future. Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:ARM) can potentially expand into the PC market since it already has a solid presence in the smartphone and data center industries.
In Q4 2024, Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:ARM) was part of 10 billionaire portfolios, making it one of the best UK stocks to buy.
7. LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN)
Number of Billionaire Investors: 11
Value of Billionaire Holdings: $302.42 million
LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN) ranks 7th on our list of the best UK stocks to buy. The company manufactures and distributes products and therapies for neurological and cardiac conditions. It offers devices like heart-lung machines and oxygenators, as well as a VNS Therapy System for depression and epilepsy. The company serves perfusionists, neurosurgeons, physicians, and healthcare providers.
On March 18, Barclays analyst Matt Miksic reiterated an Equal Weight rating on LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN) with a $56 price target, in light of the Italian Supreme Court’s decision about the SNIA trial. Now that the uncertainty regarding the court’s decision is over, the company can make proactive decisions about its finances.
The company’s Q4 revenue came in at $321.8 million, up 6.8% on an organic basis compared to the same period last year. US GAAP diluted earnings per share during the fourth quarter were $1.02, and adjusted diluted earnings per share stood at $0.81. For the full year 2024, cash flow from operating activities amounted to $183 million and LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN) recorded an adjusted free cash flow of $162.9 million. For 2025, LIVN expects its revenue to grow 6-7% organically. Adjusted earnings per share are projected to fall between $3.65 and $3.75, while free cash flow will likely lie between $135 million and $155 million.
According to Insider Monkey’s fourth quarter database, 11 billionaires were bullish on LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN). Billionaire Israel Englander’s Millennium Management held the leading position in the company, with over 3 million shares worth $141 million.
6. Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN)
Number of Billionaire Investors: 11
Value of Billionaire Holdings: $800.38 million
Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN) is a UK-based industrial gas company that operates worldwide. It supplies gases like oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide and also constructs large-scale gas processing plants. The company works with several industries, including healthcare, energy, manufacturing, food and beverage, and electronics. On February 24, Berenberg assigned a Buy rating to LIN with a price target of $505, up from $470. The investment firm credited Linde’s financial performance for the optimistic outlook since the company has shifted its strategy from improving margins and returns to a capex-led growth model.
On February 25, Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN) declared a quarterly dividend of $1.50 per share, an 8% increase from the last payout. This is the 32nd consecutive year that LIN has raised its common dividend. The dividend was paid on March 27, to shareholders listed as of March 13. It is one of the best UK stocks to buy.
Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN)’s Q4 2024 net income and diluted earnings per share came in at $1.72 billion and $3.60, up 12% and 14%, respectively. Linde’s sales in the fourth quarter stood at $8.2 billion, flat compared to the prior year. The operating cash flow rose 3% year-over-year to $2.80 billion, and free cash flow stood at $1.55 billion. Linde also returned nearly $2 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, 11 billionaires owned stakes worth over $800 million in Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN).
5. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP)
Number of Billionaire Investors: 11
Value of Billionaire Holdings: $1.31 billion
Founded in 1908 and based in London, BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) is a multinational integrated energy company that provides natural gas, oil, and low-carbon energy, including wind, solar, hydrogen, and carbon capture. On February 27, Bernstein reiterated an Outperform rating on BP with a price target of £5.70. According to the investment firm, BP has adapted to new market conditions, lowering its spending and focusing more on high-return oil and gas projects. The company aims to expand production by 2030 and continue growing through 2035, with a focus on reaccumulating reserves.
On February 11, BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) declared a $0.48 per ADS quarterly dividend, which was paid on March 28 to shareholders of the company as of February 21. In 2024, the company reported a full-year operating cash flow of $27.3 billion. BP also raised its dividend per share by 10% and returned $7 billion in share repurchases. By the end of Q4 2024, BP’s net debt was $23 billion, down from $24.3 billion in Q3 but up from $20.9 billion in the prior-year quarter. This change was driven by $2.8 billion from asset sales, $2.6 billion in hybrid bonds, and $3 billion in debt from recent acquisitions.
A total of 11 billionaires were bullish on BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) in the fourth quarter of 2024, with total stakes worth $1.31 billion. Billionaire Ken Fisher’s Fisher Asset Management was the biggest position holder in the company, with 23.3 million shares valued at nearly $690 million.
4. Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG)
Number of Billionaire Investors: 11
Value of Billionaire Holdings: $1.94 billion
Ranking 4th on our list of the best UK stocks to buy is Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG), a London-based asset management holding company. JHG serves institutional, retail, and high net worth clients. It manages equity and fixed income portfolios, mutual funds, and other private and public investments.
On April 3, BofA Securities upgraded Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) to Buy from Neutral but trimmed the price target from $57 to $43. BofA Securities lowered its 2027 earnings estimates by 25%, primarily due to the JHG Horizon Biotech Fund sliding 8% year-to-date, affecting performance fees in Q4 2024. However, the investment firm pointed out that Janus Henderson’s management fee rate has remained stable, which is a positive indicator of its financial health.
On January 31, 2025, the company reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2024. Assets under management rose 13% year-over-year to $378.7 billion at the end of December. Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) recorded net inflows of $3.3 billion in the fourth quarter and a diluted EPS of $0.77. The company ended 2024 with $1.2 billion in cash and cash equivalents, and cash flow from operations stood at $695 million. The board also declared a $0.39 per share quarterly dividend and returned $458 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.
Among the hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey, billionaire Nelson Peltz’s Trian Partners is the biggest stakeholder of Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) as of Q4 2024, with 31.8 million shares worth $1.35 billion. Overall, 11 billionaires held long positions in the company.
3. Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL)
Number of Billionaire Investors: 12
Value of Billionaire Holdings: $1.55 billion
A British multinational consumer goods giant, Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) ranks 3rd on our list of the best UK stocks to buy. On March 28, Citi analysts assigned a Buy rating to the stock with a price target of £52. The analysts have marginally slashed their Q1 sales growth forecast to 2.5% because of soft consumer demand in developed end markets and slower pricing in Southeast Asia. However, Citi remains bullish on Unilever’s long-term potential, projecting a recovery in margins in the second half of the year and robust returns for shareholders by 2026-2027.
In 2024, Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) recorded an underlying sales growth of 4.2%, driven by a 2.9% increase in volume and a 1.3% rise in prices. All business segments at Unilever contributed to this positive momentum, and the 30 Power Brands, which account for more than 75% of total turnover, exhibited sales growth of 5.3% for the year. Free cash flow came in at €6.9 billion, slightly below €7.1 billion from last year, which had included a one-off tax refund. Net debt rose slightly to €24.5 billion, up by €900 million compared to 2023. UL also paid a $0.468 per share quarterly dividend on March 7.
According to Insider Monkey’s Q4 database, Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) was found in 12 billionaire portfolios, with total stakes amounting to $1.55 billion. Billionaire Rajiv Jain’s GQG Partners holds a $368.3 million position in UL.
2. AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)
Number of Billionaire Investors: 14
Value of Billionaire Holdings: $2.20 billion
AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) was incorporated in 1992 and is based in Cambridge, UK. The company is focused on discovering, developing, and delivering prescription medicines for cancer, heart and kidney diseases, respiratory conditions, and rare diseases. On March 19, investment advisory TD Cowen maintained a Buy rating on AZN with a price target of $95, citing the potential of the company’s new product pipeline and its reach in big, high-growth end markets.
On March 21, AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) announced plans to invest $2.5 billion incrementally over five years to build a research and development center in Beijing, China. This will be the company’s second R&D facility in China and will enhance partnerships in the country’s life sciences sector. AstraZeneca will work with local biotechs and hospitals, build a new AI-focused lab, and inaugurate its first vaccine manufacturing site in China.
In 2024, AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) boosted its net cash from operating activities by $1.5 billion. It also expanded operations through notable acquisitions like Amolyt, Icosavax, and Fusion while paying off close to $7 billion in debt. Dividends were bumped up to $3.10 per share for 2024, with another increase to $3.20 planned for this year. It is one of the best UK stocks to buy.
Overall, 55 hedge funds were bullish on AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) in Q4 2024, and it was part of 14 billionaire portfolios that had combined stakes worth $2.20 billion. Billionaire Ken Griffin boosted his AZN stake by a whopping 842% in Q4, holding 4.2 million shares valued at $276.6 million.
1. Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL)
Number of Billionaire Investors: 14
Value of Billionaire Holdings: $2.63 billion
Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL), a London-based oil and gas titan, is one of the best UK stocks to buy. On March 26, Piper Sandler assigned an Overweight rating on the stock with a price target of $72. Over the last two years, Shell has saved almost $3 billion in costs, and it plans to cut down on $2-4 billion more. Analysts at Piper Sandler observed that Shell is focusing on making money and using it to repurchase shares, which can help grow earnings for each shareholder. They expect Shell’s cash flow per share to grow by 10% each year until 2030.
In Q4 2024, Shell raised its dividend by 4% and launched a $3.5 billion share repurchase plan, continuing a trend of at least $3 billion in buybacks for the 13th consecutive quarter. The company raked in $40 billion in free cash flow, higher than 2023, despite lower energy prices.
On April 1, Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) completed its acquisition of Pavilion Energy. This move strengthens its global position in liquefied natural gas. Pavilion is based in Singapore and adds roughly 6.5 million tonnes per year of contracted LNG supply to Shell’s portfolio, as well as important infrastructure like regasification capacity and a bunkering business. The acquisition aligns with Shell’s strategy to grow LNG sales by 4-5% per year through 2030.
Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) was part of 14 billionaire portfolios at the end of Q4 2024.
Overall, Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) ranks first among the best UK stocks to buy according to billionaires. While we acknowledge the potential of UK stocks, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than SHEL but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
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