Value stocks typically trade at discounts to the broader market, offering patient investors the opportunity to buy businesses when they’re out of favor. The key risk, however, is that these stocks are usually cheap for a reason – five cents for a piece of fruit may seem like a great deal until you find out it’s rotten.
Separating the winners from the value traps is a tough challenge, and that’s where StockStory comes in. Our job is to find you high-quality companies that will stand the test of time. Keeping that in mind, here are two value stocks trading at big discounts to their intrinsic values and one best left ignored.
Forward P/E Ratio: 12.8x
With a global footprint spanning three continents and approximately 81,000 beds across 100 facilities, GEO Group (NYSE:GEO) operates secure facilities, processing centers, and reentry services for government agencies in the United States, Australia, and South Africa.
Why Does GEO Fall Short?
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Muted 2.3% annual revenue growth over the last five years shows its demand lagged behind its business services peers
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Day-to-day expenses have swelled relative to revenue over the last four years as its adjusted operating margin fell by 6.3 percentage points
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Free cash flow margin dropped by 12.2 percentage points over the last five years, implying the company became more capital intensive as competition picked up
GEO Group is trading at $13.27 per share, or 12.8x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why GEO doesn’t pass our bar.
Forward P/E Ratio: 14.8x
Known for its iconic armored trucks that have been a fixture in American cities since 1859, Brink’s (NYSE:BCO) provides secure transportation and management of cash and valuables for banks, retailers, and other businesses worldwide.
Why Are We Fans of BCO?
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Economies of scale give it some operating leverage when demand rises
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Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 19.9% to outpace its revenue gains
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Improving returns on capital reflect management’s ability to monetize investments
At $130.47 per share, Brink’s trades at 14.8x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Forward P/E Ratio: 14.2x
Founded in 1968 as Simulated Environments Inc. to train bank loan officers using computer simulations, SEI Investments (NASDAQ:SEIC) provides technology platforms, investment management, and operational solutions for financial institutions, wealth managers, and investors.
