24 Companies in the Spotlight This Week – 3/28/15

We evaluated 24 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. We 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. Here’s a summary of the ModernGraham Valuations. To see a listing and screenings of all the valuations, be sure to sign up to be a premium subscriber!

The Elite (Defensive or Enterprising and Undervalued)

Fedex Corporation (FDX)

FedEx Corporation performs well in the ModernGraham model, and is suitable for Enterprising Investors. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the low current ratio, insufficient earnings growth over the last ten years, and the high PEmg and PB ratios, while the Enterprising Investor is only concerned by the level of debt relative to the net current assets. As a result, Enterprising Investors should feel very comfortable proceeding to the next part of the analysis, which is a determination of the company’s intrinsic value.

When it comes to valuation, it is critical to consider the company’s earnings history. In this case, the company has grown its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $3.50 in 2011 to an estimated $6.87 for 2015. This is a strong level of demonstrated growth, which is well above the market’s implied estimate of 8.16% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. The ModernGraham valuation model reduces the historical growth to a more conservative figure, assuming that some slowdown will occur, but still estimates a growth figure much higher than the market’s implied rate. Therefore, the model returns an estimate of intrinsic value well above the current price, indicating the company is significantly undervalued at the present time.  (Read the full valuation on Seeking Alpha)

Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB)

Fifth Third Bancorp qualifies for the Enterprising Investor but not the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the lack of earnings stability or growth over the last ten years, while the company passes all of the Enterprising Investor’s requirements.  As a result, Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel comfortable proceeding with further research into the company and comparing it to other opportunities.  As for a valuation, the company appears undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.01 in 2010 to $1.62 for 2014.  This level of demonstrated growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.53% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, which is based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value above the market price.  (Read the full valuation)

Harley-Davidson Inc. (HOG)

Harley-Davidson qualifies for the Enterprising Investor, but not the Defensive Investor, who is concerned with the low current ratio, insufficient earnings growth or stability over the last ten years, and the high PB ratio. The Enterprising Investor, on the other hand, is only initially concerned with the level of debt relative to the net current assets. As a result, Enterprising Investors should feel very comfortable proceeding to the next part of the analysis, which is a determination of the company’s intrinsic value.

When it comes to that valuation, it is critical to consider the company’s earnings history. In this case, the company has grown its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.46 in 2010 to $3.09 for 2014. This is a strong level of demonstrated growth, which is well above the market’s implied estimate for earnings growth of only 5.73% annually over the next 7-10 years. In fact, the historical growth is around 22% per year, so the market is expecting a very significant drop in earnings growth. The ModernGraham valuation model reduces the historical growth to a more conservative figure, assuming that some slowdown will occur, but still returns an estimate of intrinsic value falling above the current price, indicating the company is undervalued at the present time.  (Read the full valuation on Seeking Alpha)

Huntington Bancshares Inc. (HBAN)

Huntington Bancshares qualifies for the Enterprising Investor but not the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the lack of earnings stability or growth over the last ten years, while the company passes all of the Enterprising Investor’s requirements.  As a result, Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel comfortable proceeding with further research into the company and comparing it to other opportunities.  As for a valuation, the company appears undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from a loss of $1.50 in 2010 to a gain of $0.67 for 2014.  This level of demonstrated growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 4.17% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, which is based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value above the market price.  (Read the full valuation)

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW)

Illinois Tool Works passes the initial requirements of both the Defensive Investor and the Enterprising Investor. The Defensive Investor’s only concern is the high PB ratio, while the Enterprising Investor is only concerned with the level of debt relative to the net current assets. As a result, all value investors should feel very comfortable proceeding to the next part of the analysis, which is a determination of the company’s intrinsic value.

When it comes to that valuation, it is critical to consider the company’s earnings history. In this case, ITW has grown its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.73 in 2010 to $5.39 for 2014. This is a strong level of demonstrated growth, which is well above the market’s implied estimate for earnings growth of only 4.7% annually over the next 7-10 years. In fact, the historical growth is around 19.5% per year, so the market is expecting a very significant drop in earnings growth. The ModernGraham valuation model reduces the historical growth to a more conservative figure, assuming that some slowdown will occur, but still returns an estimate of intrinsic value falling above the current price, indicating the company is undervalued at the present time.  (Read the full valuation on Seeking Alpha)

Michael Kors Holdings (KORS)

Michael Kors performs well in the ModernGraham model, and is suitable for Enterprising Investors. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the short earnings history as a publicly traded company, lack of dividends, and the high PEmg and PB ratios, while the Enterprising Investor is only concerned by the lack of dividends. As a result, Enterprising Investors should feel very comfortable proceeding to the next part of the analysis, which is a determination of the company’s intrinsic value.

When it comes to valuation, it is critical to consider the company’s earnings history. In this case, the company has grown its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.19 in 2011 to an estimated $2.81 for 2015. This is a strong level of demonstrated growth, which is well above the market’s implied estimate of 7.81% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. The ModernGraham valuation model reduces the historical growth to a more conservative figure, assuming that some slowdown will occur, but still estimates a growth figure much higher than the market’s implied rate. Therefore, the model returns an estimate of intrinsic value well above the current price, indicating the company is significantly undervalued at the present time.  (Read the full valuation on Seeking Alpha)

Oracle Corporation (ORCL)

Oracle Corporation performs well in the ModernGraham model, and is suitable for Enterprising Investors. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the short dividend history and the high PB ratio, while the Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, Enterprising Investors should feel very comfortable proceeding to the next part of the analysis, which is a determination of the company’s intrinsic value.

When it comes to valuation, it is critical to consider the company’s earnings history. In this case, the company has grown its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.29 in 2011 to an estimated $2.26 for 2015. This is a strong level of demonstrated growth, which is well above the market’s implied estimate of 5.25% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. The ModernGraham valuation model reduces the historical growth to a more conservative figure, assuming that some slowdown will occur, but still estimates a growth figure much higher than the market’s implied rate. Therefore, the model returns an estimate of intrinsic value well above the current price, indicating the company is significantly undervalued at the present time.  (Read the full valuation on Seeking Alpha)

PulteGroup Inc. (PHM)

PulteGroup Inc. performs well in the ModernGraham model, and is suitable for Enterprising Investors. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the inconsistent dividend history and the insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years, while the Enterprising Investor is only concerned by the lack of earnings stability over the last five years. As a result, Enterprising Investors should feel very comfortable proceeding to the next part of the analysis, which is a determination of the company’s intrinsic value.

When it comes to valuation, it is critical to consider the company’s earnings history. In this case, the company has grown its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from a loss of $4.19 in 2010 to a gain of $2.05 for 2014. This is a strong level of demonstrated growth, which is well above the market’s implied estimate of 1.01% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. The ModernGraham valuation model reduces the historical growth to a more conservative figure, assuming that some slowdown will occur, but still estimates a growth figure much higher than the market’s implied rate. Therefore, the model returns an estimate of intrinsic value well above the current price, indicating the company is significantly undervalued at the present time.  (Read the full valuation on Seeking Alpha)

The Good (Defensive or Enterprising and Fairly Valued)

Amphenol Corporation (APH)

Amphenol Corporation is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned with the high PEmg and PB ratios, while the Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns.  As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel very comfortable proceeding with further research and comparing the company to other opportunities.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be fairly valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.13 in 2010 to $1.90 for 2014.  This level of demonstrated growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 11.57% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Cameron International Corporation (CAM)

Cameron International Corporation is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned with the low current ratio and the lack of dividends, while the Enterprising Investor is only concerned by the lack of dividends.  As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel very comfortable proceeding with further research and comparing the company to other opportunities.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be fairly valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.21 in 2010 to $3.12 for 2014.  This level of demonstrated growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 2.87% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Cintas Corporation (CTAS)

Cintas Corporation is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned with the high PEmg and PB ratios, while the Enterprising Investor is concerned with the level of debt relative to the net current assets.  As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel very comfortable proceeding with further research and comparing the company to other opportunities.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be fairly valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.66 in 2011 to an estimated $2.91 for 2015.  This level of demonstrated growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 9.92% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Mastercard Inc. (MA)

MasterCard Inc. should satisfy the Enterprising Investor, but not the Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the low current ratio, lack of earnings stability over the last ten years, short dividend history, and the high PEmg and PB ratios. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. Therefore, Enterprising Investors should feel very comfortable proceeding to the next part of the analysis, which is a determination of the company’s intrinsic value.

From a valuation side of things, the company has grown its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.84 in 2010 to $2.45 for 2014. This level of demonstrated growth is in line with the market’s implied estimate for earnings growth of 14.04% over the next 7-10 years. The ModernGraham valuation model, therefore, returns an estimate of intrinsic value falling within a margin of safety relative to the current price, indicating the company is fairly valued at the present time.  (Read the full valuation on Seeking Alpha)

The Mediocre (Defensive or Enterprising and Overvalued)

Automatic Data Processing (ADP)

Automatic Data Processing Inc. is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not for the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the low current ratio, insufficient earnings growth over the last ten years, and the high PEmg and PB ratios, while the Enterprising Investor is only concerned by the low current ratio.  As a result, Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel very comfortable proceeding with further research and comparing the company to other opportunities.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be overvalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.45 in 2011 to only an estimated $2.89 for 2015.  This level of demonstrated growth does not support the market’s implied estimate of 10.93% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value below the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Infosys Limited (INFY)

Infosys Limited is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not for the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the high PEmg and PB ratios, while the Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns.  As a result, Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel very comfortable proceeding with further research and comparing the company to other opportunities.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be overvalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.15 in 2011 to only an estimated $1.58 for 2015.  This level of demonstrated growth does not support the market’s implied estimate of 7.09% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value below the price.  (Read the full valuation)

International Game Technology (IGT)

International Game Technology is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not for the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the insufficient earnings growth over the last ten years, and the high PEmg ratio, while the Enterprising Investor is only concerned by the level of debt relative to the net current assets.  As a result, Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel very comfortable proceeding with further research and comparing the company to other opportunities.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be overvalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.81 in 2011 to only an estimated $0.95 for 2015.  This level of demonstrated growth does not support the market’s implied estimate of 5.23% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value below the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Jacobs Engineering Group (JEC)

Jacobs Engineering Group is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not for the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the low current ratio, lack of dividends and the insufficient earnings growth over the last ten years, while the Enterprising Investor is only concerned by the lack of dividends.  As a result, Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel very comfortable proceeding with further research and comparing the company to other opportunities.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be overvalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.64 in 2011 to only an estimated $2.85 for 2015.  This level of demonstrated growth does not support the market’s implied estimate of 3.52% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value below the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Lam Research Corporation (LRCX)

Lam Research Corporation is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not for the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the lack of earnings growth or stability over the last ten years, the lack of dividends, and the high PEmg and PB ratios, while the Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns.  As a result, Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel very comfortable proceeding with further research and comparing the company to other opportunities.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be overvalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.96 in 2011 to only $3.09 for 2015.  This level of demonstrated growth does not support the market’s implied estimate of 8.58% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value below the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST)

Monster Beverage Corporation is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not for the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the lack of dividends and the high PEmg and PB ratios, while the Enterprising Investor is only concerned by the lack of dividends.  As a result, Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel very comfortable proceeding with further research and comparing the company to other opportunities.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be overvalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.92 in 2010 to $2.10 for 2015.  This level of demonstrated growth does not support the market’s implied estimate of 28.21% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value below the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Perrigo Company (PRGO)

Perrigo Company is suitable for both the Defensive Investor and the Enterprising Investor.  The Defensive Investor’s only concern is the high PEmg ratio, while the Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns.  As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel very comfortable proceeding with further research and comparing the company to other opportunities.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be overvalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.40 in 2011 to only an estimated $3.94 for 2015.  This level of demonstrated growth does not support the market’s implied estimate of 17.08% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value below the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Stryker Corporation (SYK)

Stryker Corporation is suitable for the Enterprising Investor, but not for the more conservative Defensive Investor, who is concerned about the insufficient earnings growth over the last ten years, along with the high PEmg and PB ratios. The Enterprising Investor’s only initial concern is the lack of earnings growth over the last five years. As a result, all Enterprising Investors should feel very comfortable proceeding to the next part of the analysis, which is a determination of the company’s intrinsic value.

When it comes to valuation, it is critical to consider the company’s earnings history. In this case, Stryker has seen its EPSmg (normalized earnings) drop from $2.81 in 2010 to only $2.50 for 2014. This lack of demonstrated growth does not support the market’s implied estimate for earnings growth of 14.22% over the next 7-10 years. Therefore, the model returns an estimate of intrinsic value falling below the current price, indicating the company is overvalued at the present time.  (Read the full valuation on Seeking Alpha)

The Bad (Speculative and Undervalued or Fairly Valued)

Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC)

Omnicom Group Inc. is not suitable for the Enterprising Investor or for the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the the low current ratio, and the high PEmg and PB ratios.  The Enterprising Investor is concerned by the level of debt relative to the current assets.  As a result, value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should explore other opportunities at this time.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be fairly valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.76 in 2010 to $3.75 for 2014.  This level of demonstrated growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 6.02% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years, leading the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.  (Read the full valuation)

The Ugly (Speculative and Overvalued)

Marriott International Inc. (MAR)

Marriott International Inc. is not suitable for the Enterprising Investor or for the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the the low current ratio, lack of earnings stability over the last ten years, and the high PEmg ratio.  The Enterprising Investor is concerned by the level of debt relative to the current assets.  As a result, value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should explore other opportunities at this time.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be overvalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.66 in 2010 to $1.88 for 2014.  This level of demonstrated growth does support the market’s implied estimate of 17.24% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years, leading the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. (NDAQ)

Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. is not suitable for the Enterprising Investor or for the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the the low current ratio, short dividend history, and the high PEmg ratio.  The Enterprising Investor is concerned by the level of debt relative to the current assets.  As a result, value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should explore other opportunities at this time.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be overvalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.80 in 2010 to $2.22 for 2014.  This level of demonstrated growth does support the market’s implied estimate of 6.86% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years, leading the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Public Storage (PSA)

Public Storage is not suitable for the Enterprising Investor or for the Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned by the the low current ratio and the high PEmg and PB ratios.  The Enterprising Investor is concerned by the level of debt relative to the current assets.  As a result, value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should explore other opportunities at this time.  From a valuation side of things, the company appears to be overvalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.72 in 2010 to $4.43 for 2014.  This level of demonstrated growth does support the market’s implied estimate of 17.83% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years, leading the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, to return an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.  (Read the full valuation)

Disclaimer: The author did not hold a position in any of the companies listed in this article at the time of publication and had no intention of changing that position within the next 72 hours. Logos taken from either the company website or Wikipedia; this article is not affiliated with the companies in any manner.