10 Companies Benjamin Graham Would Invest In Today – May 2016

Out of the multitude of companies, which ones would legendary value investor Benjamin Graham buy today?  I’ve compiled ten great companies that fit the ModernGraham criteria, based on Benjamin Graham’s methods. The companies in this list pass the rigorous requirements of either the Defensive Investor or the Enterprising Investor and are undervalued by the market.

Here are the ten companies Benjamin Graham would invest in today:

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY)

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. qualifies for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the low current ratio and lack of dividends. The Enterprising Investor is only initially concerned by the lack of dividends. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel comfortable proceeding with further research into the company.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.99 in 2012 to an estimated $4.88 for 2015. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.29% 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.  (See the full valuation)

Fossil Group Inc (FOSL)

Fossil Group Inc is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the small size, and the poor dividend history. 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 Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $3.34 in 2011 to an estimated $5.66 for 2015. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.21% annual earnings loss 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.  (See the full valuation)

Gap Inc (GPS)

Gap Inc qualifies for both the Enterprising Investor and the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is only initially concerned by the low current 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 comfortable proceeding with further research.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.59 in 2012 to an estimated $2.44 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 0.66% 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.  (See the full valuation)

Invesco Ltd. (IVZ)

Invesco Ltd qualifies for both the Enterprising Investor and the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is only initially concerned by the low current ratio while the Enterprising Investor is willing to overlook concerns regarding the level of debt relative to the current assets because the company passes the more stringent Defensive Investor requirements. As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel comfortable proceeding with further research.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.22 in 2011 to an estimated $2.12 for 2015. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces 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 Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.  (See the full valuation)

Metlife Inc (MET)

MetLife Inc qualifies for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings growth or stability over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel comfortable proceeding with further research into the company.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $3.02 in 2011 to an estimated $4.26 for 2015. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 0.60% 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.  (See the full valuation)

Valero Energy Corporation (VLO)

Valero Energy Corp qualifies 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 along with the high PB ratio.  The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns.  As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel comfortable proceeding with further research into the company.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.71 in 2012 to an estimated $6.51 for 2015.  This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of negative 0.04% 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.  (See the full valuation)

Welltower Inc (HCN)

Welltower Inc qualifies for both the Defensive Investor and the Enterprising Investor. The Defensive Investor is only initially concerned with 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 value 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 $1.12 in 2012 to an estimated $2.53 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 9.95% 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.  (See the full valuation)

Western Digital Corp (WDC)

Western Digital Corporation qualifies for both the Defensive Investor and the Enterprising Investor. The Defensive Investor is only concerned with the short dividend history. 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 comfortable proceeding with further research into the company.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be fairly valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $4.74 in 2012 to an estimated $5.98 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 1.98% 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 within a margin of safety relative to the price.  (See the full valuation)

Western Refining, Inc. (WNR)

Western Refining Inc. qualifies 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 as well as the inconsistent dividend record. The Enterprising Investor is only concerned by the level of debt relative to the net current assets. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel comfortable proceeding with further research into the company.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from a loss of $0.13 in 2011 to an estimated gain of $3.98 for 2015. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 0.98% 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.  (See the full valuation)

WestRock Co (WRK)

WestRock Co qualifies for both the Enterprising Investor and the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is only concerned by the low current ratio while the Enterprising Investor’s only initial concern is 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 comfortable proceeding with further research.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.97 in 2012 to an estimated $3.28 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 0.64% 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.  (See the full valuation)

Disclaimer:

The author held a long position in Western Digital Corp (WDC) and Western Refining Inc (WNR) but did not hold a position in any other 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.