We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best UK Growth Stocks to Buy Now.In this article, we are going to take a look at where AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) stands against the other UK growth stocks.
The start of this year has marked interesting developments for the UK market. The main stock market index has increased 5.86% since the beginning of 2025, and despite global economic uncertainties, UK equities are trading at significant discounts compared to their US counterparts. The valuation gap suggests potential opportunities for growth-seeking investors.
Reflecting on the 2024 market, economic uncertainties and fluctuations were dominating factors, which required investors to examine stock performances more closely. Interestingly, smaller companies performed the best in the UK market, delivering returns of 13.78%, while the larger companies were close behind, with a return of 9.66%. In an unpredictable environment, high institutional and hedge fund ownership in growth companies indicates strong investor confidence, which could mean potential for long-term value creation.
Growth stocks are stocks that tend to outperform the broader market. They are company stocks that are likely to grow at a significantly higher rate than the average growth for the market. These companies often reinvest their profits to fuel further growth rather than paying dividends. Investors are typically attracted to growth stocks due to the potential for attractive capital appreciation over time. More often, these are smaller stocks or startups that gain a sudden uptick due to the industry or tech push.
Growth Stocks Vs Value Stocks
Growth stocks are typically priced higher relative to current earnings due to anticipated future growth. They typically trade at a high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. Compared to them, value stocks are priced lower relative to their fundamentals and are seen as undervalued in the market. While growth stocks tend to operate in dynamic industries such as tech, value companies may be in more established industries and offer dividends. In 2024, value investing slightly outperformed growth in the UK, which necessitates the need to create a diversified investment approach.
Identifying Growth Stocks
While most growth stocks are small companies with market potential, they can also be larger firms where the company has a growth mindset and its share values continue to rise. There are still some common traits that all growth stocks share. The foremost characteristic is the company’s constant stronger financial performance compared to its peers. If the company is growing at a percentage higher than the average growth of the market, it has growth potential better than its peers. Secondly, growth stocks are typically companies that have a stronger or unique product line with a loyal customer base. They have investments in technology to build an edge over competitors. With a strong focus on innovation, they ensure they are ahead in the race to capture greater market shares in their industry. They might also be companies that have high potential to grow in the future, perhaps through a market build-up, expecting to reach key milestones in the future.
While these shares can have high potential and, thus, be attractive to investors, they can also be high-risk, with stock expectations going south.
In the current market scenario, growth stocks offer several advantages. Primarily, there is the potential for significant increases in stock value as companies expand. Growth stocks can act as a hedge against inflation, as companies with strong growth can outrun inflation. Positive outlooks and focus on innovative sectors can also accumulate investor interest and elevate stock prices. It is, however, key to consider the inherent risks to avoid drastic declines.
Our Methodology
To compile our list of the 10 best UK growth stocks to buy now, we screened the 20 largest companies in the UK in growth-related industries. We then ranked our choices by revenue growth potential and hedge fund sentiments.
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).
Is AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU) the Best Performing Large Cap Stock to Buy According to Analysts?
A group of miners in hard hats and safety gear descending into a deep coal mine.
AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) is a global mining company boasting a diverse, high-quality portfolio of gold, silver, and copper projects. With significant assets in Ghana, Australia, the United States, and Argentina, the company is recognized as the fourth largest gold producer. AU is one of the best UK growth stocks to buy.
In September 2024, AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) announced plans to acquire Centamin, an Egyptian gold mining company, for $2.5 billion. This move aligns with the company's strategy to expand its footprint in high-potential regions and optimize its asset base.
AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) reported a revenue of $5.79 billion, a substantial increase from previous years, driven by higher gold prices and increased production volumes. The company's positive financial performance and ability to harness operational efficiency have boosted investor confidence. The stock's upward trajectory reflects the ability to navigate industry challenges and a positive sentiment toward AngloGold's growth strategy.
AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) has a diversified asset base, and its strategic presence in geopolitically stable regions is a strong positive in the mining industry. The demand for gold as a safe-haven asset persists, positioning AngloGold Ashanti's revenue growth potential in the coming years. The P/E of 12.59 is relatively moderate, indicating a fair valuation based on earnings, with room for upside potential if gold prices remain strong. The acquisition of Centamin positions the company to benefit from synergies and expanded resource bases. With this strategic consolidation, the company is likely to drive long-term value creation for shareholders and strengthen its market position.
Overall, AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) is in a unique position to harness the industry's attractiveness and enhance its revenue potential through strategic directions. The company's proactive approach and commitment to operational excellence puts it in a favourable position to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global gold market.
Overall AU ranks 7th on our list of the best UK growth stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential for AU as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AU but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
