Best Blue Chip Stocks this March 2026 in the UK

Shell (SHEL) stands out as a leading player in the oil and gas sector, boasting a significant market cap of £168.4 billion and a robust global footprint. With shares rising over 12% in the past year and trading near multi-year highs, the company is recovering well from previous losses, making it an appealing option for long-term investors. Analysts rate Shell highly, with an A- rating reflecting confidence in its ongoing recovery and reasonable valuations in the current energy landscape.

Shell shares have increased over 12% in the past year and are trading at multi-year highs, though valuations remain reasonable amid uncertainty about long-term oil demand.

Shell's stock has declined due to weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter profits, reporting a net profit of $3.3 billion, an 11% decrease from the previous year, attributed to falling oil prices.

Diageo (DGE), a leader in the premium beverages sector with a market cap of £41.7 billion, is recognized for its brands that boast high customer loyalty. Despite recent challenges, including a significant dividend cut, analysts maintain a strong B+ rating, bolstered by a recent 12% share price increase since the start of the year, reflecting optimism for a turnaround under new management. This makes Diageo an intriguing option for investors looking for potential recovery in the premium spirits market.

Diageo (LSE:DGE) shares have risen 12% since January, driven by optimism about a turnaround under new management and a shift towards safer consumer goods stocks amid AI-related market concerns.

Diageo PLC shares have dropped about 14% following a dividend cut of 50% and warnings of further margin compression in the upcoming year.

Diageo's stock has decreased over 15% in the past year, with a significant decline in November after the company revised its operating profit growth forecast downward for the year ending June 2026.

Unilever (ULVR), a prominent player in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, boasts a market capitalization of £119.2 billion and is known for its beloved brands like Dove and Hellmann’s. Currently, the stock is trading near the upper end of its 52-week range, although it saw a recent decline of 1.86%, closing at $7. This company holds a B+ analyst rating, reflecting its strong market presence and potential for continued performance.

Unilever (UL) is currently trading near its 52-week high at $73.20, reflecting a recent drop of 1.86% or $1.39.

Unilever is projected to grow earnings by 7.5% and revenue by 3.3% annually, with EPS expected to increase by 7.7% and return on equity forecasted at 40.3% in three years.

NatWest Group presents a compelling opportunity for investors, boasting a strong dividend yield of 5.25% alongside recent profitability gains. The bank's return on tangible equity has surged to 19.2%, while earnings per share have increased by an impressive 27% to 68.0p. Despite a recent dip in share price, attributed to broader financial sector weakness, its low P/E ratio suggests it remains undervalued in the market.

NatWest Group reported a return on tangible equity of 19.2%, with earnings per share increasing by 27% to 68.0p, and a profit before tax of £7.7 billion.

NatWest Group shares fell by 1.19% due to broader financial sector weakness, with concerns over private credit and AI disruption affecting the market.

NatWest Group's intrinsic value is estimated at 766.6 GBX, indicating it is currently undervalued by 21% compared to the market price of 602.8 GBX.