I evaluated 51 different companies this week to determine whether they are suitable for Defensive Investors, those unwilling to do substantial research, or Enterprising Investors, those who are willing to do such research. I also put each company through the ModernGraham valuation model based on Benjamin Graham’s value investing formulas in order to determine an intrinsic value for each. Out of those 51 companies, only 14 were found to be undervalued or fairly valued and suitable for either Defensive or Enterprising Investors. Therefore, these companies are the best undervalued stocks of the week.
The Elite
The following companies were found to be suitable for either the Defensive Investor or Enterprising Investor and undervalued:
Alliance Data Systems Corp (ADS)
Alliance Data Systems Corporation is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the low current ratio, poor dividend history, and the high PEmg and PB ratios. The Enterprising Investor is only concerned with the level of debt relative to the net current assets. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $5.95 in 2013 to an estimated $11.27 for 2017. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 5.87% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Alliance Data Systems Corporation revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $107.83. The company pays a dividend of $0.52 per share, for a yield of 0.2% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 20.24, which was below the industry average of 21.9, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-103.34. (See the full valuation)
Camden Property Trust (CPT)
Camden Property Trust is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability over the last ten years, and the high PEmg ratio. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.26 in 2013 to an estimated $4.07 for 2017. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 5.87% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Camden Property Trust revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $31.26. The company pays a dividend of $3 per share, for a yield of 3.6%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 20.24, which was below the industry average of 31.91, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. (See the full valuation)
Central Pacific Financial Corp (CPF)
Central Pacific Financial Corp. is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the small size, insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years, and the poor dividend history. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $-31.16 in 2013 to an estimated $1.58 for 2017. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 5.72% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Central Pacific Financial Corp. revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $23.27. The company pays a dividend of $0.6 per share, for a yield of 1.9% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 19.94, which was below the industry average of 21.43, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. (See the full valuation)
KB Home (KBH)
KB Home is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the small size, insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $-0.72 in 2013 to an estimated $2.2 for 2017. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 0.52% annual earnings loss over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into KB Home revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $25.21. The company pays a dividend of $0.1 per share, for a yield of 0.6% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 7.47, which was below the industry average of 28.49, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $8.5. (See the full valuation)
Spok Holdings Inc (SPOK)
Spok Holdings, Inc. is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the small size, insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years, and the poor dividend history. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.08 in 2012 to an estimated $2.83 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 0.96% annual earnings loss over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Spok Holdings, Inc. revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $38.13. The company pays a dividend of $0.5 per share, for a yield of 2.7%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 6.58, which was below the industry average of 68.5, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $4.56. (See the full valuation)
Synovus Financial Corp (SNV)
Synovus Financial Corp. is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years, and the high PEmg ratio. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $-1.35 in 2013 to an estimated $1.78 for 2017. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 7.59% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Synovus Financial Corp. revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $33.37. The company pays a dividend of $0.48 per share, for a yield of 1.1% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 23.69, which was above the industry average of 21.43. (See the full valuation)
The Good
The following companies were found to be suitable for the Defensive Investor or Enterprising Investor and Fairly Valued:
Copart Inc (CPRT)
Copart, Inc. is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the low current ratio, poor dividend history, and the high PEmg and PB ratios. The Enterprising Investor is only concerned with the lack of dividends. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.22 in 2013 to an estimated $1.98 for 2017. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 10.13% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Copart, Inc. revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $19.31. The company does not pay a dividend. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 28.76, which was above the industry average of 18.47. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-2.8. (See the full valuation)
Kelly Services Inc (KELYA)
Kelly Services, Inc. is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the small size, low current ratio, insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years, and the poor dividend history. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.1 in 2013 to an estimated $1.8 for 2017. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.74% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Kelly Services, Inc. revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $30.13. The company pays a dividend of $0.28 per share, for a yield of 1.3% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 11.99, which was below the industry average of 21.9, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $5.19. (See the full valuation)
Korn/Ferry International (KFY)
Korn/Ferry International is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the small size, low current ratio, insufficient earnings stability over the last ten years, the poor dividend history, and the high PEmg ratio. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.79 in 2013 to an estimated $1.3 for 2017. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 6.53% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Korn/Ferry International revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $25.94. The company pays a dividend of $0.4 per share, for a yield of 1.4% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 21.57, which was below the industry average of 21.9, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-3.23. (See the full valuation)
Newell Brands Inc (NWL)
Newell Brands Inc is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the low current ratio, insufficient earnings stability over the last ten years, and the high PEmg ratio. The Enterprising Investor is only concerned with the level of debt relative to the net current assets. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.19 in 2013 to an estimated $1.84 for 2017. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 8.35% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Newell Brands Inc revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $39.15. The company pays a dividend of $0.76 per share, for a yield of 1.6% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 25.19, which was below the industry average of 25.38, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-30.88. (See the full valuation)
Qualcomm Inc (QCOM)
QUALCOMM, Inc. qualifies for both the Defensive Investor and the Enterprising Investor. The Defensive Investor is only initially concerned with the low current ratio. The Enterprising Investor is only concerned with the level of debt relative to the net current assets. As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $3.07 in 2013 to an estimated $3.91 for 2017. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 2.52% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into QUALCOMM, Inc. revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $44.13. The company pays a dividend of $2.07 per share, for a yield of 3.9%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 13.54, which was below the industry average of 38.13, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-3.59. (See the full valuation)
Quanta Services Inc (PWR)
Quanta Services Inc is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the low current ratio, poor dividend history, and the high PEmg ratio. The Enterprising Investor is only concerned with the lack of dividends. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.96 in 2012 to an estimated $1.42 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 8.45% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Quanta Services Inc revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $24.23. The company does not pay a dividend. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 25.4, which was below the industry average of 28.49, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $1.31. (See the full valuation)
Sonic Corporation (SONC)
Sonic Corporation is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the small size, low current ratio, poor dividend history, and the high PEmg and PB ratios. The Enterprising Investor is only concerned with the level of debt relative to the net current assets. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.53 in 2013 to an estimated $1.14 for 2017. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 6.75% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Sonic Corporation revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $0. The company pays a dividend of $0.47 per share, for a yield of 1.9% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 22, which was below the industry average of 31.3, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-13.16. (See the full valuation)
Tesoro Corporation (TSO)
Tesoro Corporation is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the low current ratio, insufficient earnings stability over the last ten years, and the poor dividend history. The Enterprising Investor is only concerned with the level of debt relative to the net current assets. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.72 in 2012 to an estimated $7.14 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.59% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Tesoro Corporation revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $75.72. The company pays a dividend of $2.05 per share, for a yield of 2.5%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 11.67, which was below the industry average of 69.19, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-62.03. (See the full valuation)
Disclaimer:
The author did not hold a position in any company mentioned in this article at the time of publication and had no intention of changing that position within the next 72 hours. See my current holdings here. This article is not investment advice; any reader should speak to a registered investment adviser prior to making any investment decisions. ModernGraham is not affiliated with the company in any manner. Please be sure to review our detailed disclaimer.
