The 3 Best Bargain Stocks to Buy for April 2023

We’re at a weird place in the stock market. We’re still well off the all-time highs in most stocks, but at the same time, the market has enjoyed a tremendous rally over the last three to six months. That’s got investors wondering what the best bargain stocks are at this point.

Put simply, investors want to put money to work when there’s “blood in the street.” Or at least, that’s what they ought to do, given the long-term bullish nature of the stock market. At the same time, no one wants to get suckered into buying into the market right near an medium-term top. Despite the big rally in the first quarter, there are still plenty of stocks trading at bargain levels.

Let’s have a look at three such bargain stocks worth buying in April.

PYPL PayPal £73.61
JNJ Johnson & Johnson £165.61
BABA Alibaba £98.55

PayPal (PYPL)

PayPal logo and front of headquarters

There’s been a monstrous rally in tech, but almost no love for PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL). Shares have rallied about 13% from the 52-week low, trailing both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, as well as many of its peers.

Put simply, PayPal stock has struggled for upside traction. That’s despite the company reporting several earnings beats in a row and raising its earnings outlook. Maybe the underperformance is because investors are no longer sure how to classify this stock.

Previously considered a high-quality growth stock, the stock’s association with “growth” was its demise in 2022. PayPal suffered a peak-to-trough decline of more than 78%. Despite the ARK Innovation ETF (NYSEARCA:ARKK) falling a similar amount (81%), it’s currently up 33% from the lows.

With its new lower-growth profile, PayPal stock is between a value stock and a growth stock. Indeed, I’d put it among the top bargain stocks in the market right now. Analysts now expect 7% to 10% annual revenue growth for the next few years, and steady earnings growth to boot.

Despite this, shares trade at just 15-times this year’s earnings. That seems like a bargain for long-term investors.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

A red Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) sign hangs inside in Moscow, Russia.Source: Alexander Tolstykh / Shutterstock.com

I have been pounding the table on Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) lately, as the stock underwent an uncharacteristic decline. JNJ stock is normally known for its consistency and stability, but it has been anything but that over the last quarter.

Over the past nine weeks, shares of JNJ stocks have fell for, well, nine straight weeks. Over that span, this stock fell more than 16%. Keep in mind, this was the company that provided reassurance to the public (and investors) in April 2020 amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

It’s also the stock that was hitting all-time highs in April 2022 while many stocks were hitting 52-week lows. All of this is to say that Johnson & Johnson’s selloff seems more like an opportunity for buyers than some profound ongoing collapse that will continue. Currently, JNJ stock pays a dividend yield close to 3% and has raised that dividend for 60 straight years.

In April, it will go for 61 straight years. Analysts expect mid-single digit revenue growth this year and next year, but given the company’s consistency, 15-times earnings does not feel rich at all, making this selloff look like an opportunity.

Alibaba (BABA)

Alibaba Group headquarters sign located in Hangzhou China BABA stock.Source: Kevin Chen Photography / Shutterstock.com

For many investors, Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) is simply not a name they are willing to entertain a long position in. Honestly, that’s quite fine.

It’s a company that not many are directly familiar with, compared to a company like Amazon(NASDAQ:AMZN), and many are aware of the risk it carries as a Chinese company. There is the constant worry about US-China relations, delisting worries in the U.S., and rolling crackdowns from the Chinese government. All of these concerns have led to a massive decline in BABA stock, which suffered a peak-to-trough decline of 81.8%.

That said, if the Chinese economy comes roaring back to life and/or if hedge funds look to generate alpha in Chinese equities, they will most certainly head into Alibaba. If the company goes through with spinning off its businesses, this should create shareholder value, not erode it. The stock trades at roughly 12.5-times earnings, while being forecast to generate respectable growth this year.

Beyond 2023, analysts expect revenue and earnings growth to eclipse 10%.

On the date of publication, Bret Kenwell held a long position in JNJ.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

cewe listed on couponmatrix.ukese-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukpaignton-zoo listed on couponmatrix.ukpret-a-manger listed on couponmatrix.uktfnc-london listed on couponmatrix.uktower-of-london listed on couponmatrix.uk
cewe listed on couponmatrix.ukExplore every avenue of your treasured memories with the assistance of Cewe, curators of photographic memorabilia. Paste a fun photo on your coffee mug or go full-throttle with a 70-page photobook of your favourites, then lower your quote using a Cewe voucher code and enjoy photos with loved ones for less. Even if you’d like an adorable image of your pet adorning your phone case, you can upload and customise the design yourself at Cewe.
ese-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukEstablished in 1975, ESE Direct is a leading UK supplier of industrial equipment, cabinets, containers, office furniture and more. Award winning, ethical and with over 40 years of expertise, many ESE Direct products are made in the UK and feature a price match promise. Shop today with an ESE Direct voucher code and kit your business out with the latest goods for less. Boasting clients such as the BBC, British Red Cross and Coca Cola, you can trust ESE Direct to deliver.
paignton-zoo listed on couponmatrix.ukWith nearly one hundred years since it first opened its gates, Paignton Zoo has made a name for itself as one of the UK’s leading animal attractions, with fun for all the family all year round. There’s so much to discover, with over 2,500 animals across 80 acres of land, so pick up one of our Paignton Zoo vouchers and explore this awesome animal kingdom for less. From rubbing shoulders with giraffes to monkeying about with gorillas, there’s so much to see and do at Paignton Zoo!
pret-a-manger listed on couponmatrix.ukAs the nation’s favourite coffee shop, Pret a Manger is the perfect place to grab a hot croissant before work, a fresh BLT for lunch and a caffeine boost whenever you need it. Pret only uses the freshest ingredients, so you can expect delicious (and healthy!) food fuel like baguettes and protein bowls when hunger hits. You can use a Pret voucher from Groupon to save money on your coffee and croissant combo, while regulars can get their fix with free drinks and 20% off the menu with a Club Pret subscription. Whether you’re spending a few hours on coursework or just passing through, there’s always a warm welcome waiting at Pret.
tfnc-london listed on couponmatrix.ukIt's time to party. For gorgeous designer fashion specially made for occasion wear including: weddings, night's out and partying, you will love TFNC. Whether you need a bridesmaid dress, a party dress, beautiful lace and beads, or clothing for any occasion, the TFNC product range is for you. With TFNC discount codes you can enjoy looking and feeling your best for less. Love fashion and steal the show with TFNC.
tower-of-london listed on couponmatrix.ukA fortress, palace and prison all in one, the Tower of London is a fascinating place to visit and is an ideal stop on a family day out - with a Tower of London discount you’ll be able to access over 1,000 years of history for less! Find out what famous prisoners have spent some time here such as Guy Fawkes and Anne Askew and of course you can’t miss out taking a peek at the infamous Crown Jewels.