There are a number of great companies in the market today. By using the ModernGraham Valuation Model, I’ve selected 10 low PE stocks for the Enterprising Investor.  These companies have the lowest PEmg (price / normalized earnings) ratio out of all companies reviewed by ModernGraham. Each company has been determined to be suitable for the Enterprising Investor and undervalued according to the ModernGraham approach.

Defensive Investors are defined as investors who need to select only the companies that present the least amount of risk. Enterprising Investors, on the other hand, are able to select companies that present a moderate (though still low) amount of risk.

LyondellBasell Industries NV (LYB)

LyondellBasell Industries NV 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 or growth 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 $6.13 in 2014 to an estimated $10.84 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 0.41% 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 LyondellBasell Industries NV revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $77.64. The company pays a dividend of $3.55 per share, for a yield of 4.3%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 7.68, which was below the industry average of 20.47, 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 $-16.01.

LyondellBasell Industries NV performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B.  (See the full valuation)

Lincoln National Corporation (LNC)

Lincoln National Corporation 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. 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 $4.25 in 2014 to an estimated $7.01 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 0.58% 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.

At the time of valuation, further research into Lincoln National Corporation revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $117.31. The company pays a dividend of $0.87 per share, for a yield of 1.7% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 7.33, which was below the industry average of 30.63, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry.

Lincoln National Corporation performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B+.  (See the full valuation)

Synchrony Financial (SYF)

Synchrony Financial 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 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 $2.22 in 2015 to an estimated $3.36 for 2019. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 0.7% 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 Synchrony Financial revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $43.03. The company pays a dividend of $0.72 per share, for a yield of 2.2%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 9.91, which was below the industry average of 21.22, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry.

Synchrony Financial fares extremely well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring an A-.  (See the full valuation)

BorgWarner Inc. (BWA)

BorgWarner 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. 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 $2.58 in 2015 to an estimated $3.51 for 2019. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.72% 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 BorgWarner Inc. revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $43.32. The company pays a dividend of $0.68 per share, for a yield of 1.6% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 11.93, which was below the industry average of 21.23, 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 $-9.33.

BorgWarner Inc. performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B+.  (See the full valuation)

Citizens Financial Group Inc (CFG)

Citizens Financial Group Inc 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 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 $-0.08 in 2015 to an estimated $3.21 for 2019. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.47% 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 Citizens Financial Group Inc revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $60.22. The company pays a dividend of $0.98 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 11.44, which was below the industry average of 16.24, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry.

Citizens Financial Group Inc fares extremely well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring an A-.  (See the full valuation)

Morgan Stanley (MS)

Morgan Stanley 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. 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 $1.23 in 2014 to an estimated $3.46 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.9% 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 Morgan Stanley revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $63.69. The company pays a dividend of $0.9 per share, for a yield of 2.1%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 12.29, which was below the industry average of 18, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry.

Morgan Stanley fares extremely well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring an A-.  (See the full valuation)

Bank of America Corp (BAC)

Bank of America 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. 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 $0.76 in 2015 to an estimated $2.2 for 2019. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 2.46% 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 Bank of America Corp revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $39.29. The company pays a dividend of $0.54 per share, for a yield of 1.8% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 13.42, which was below the industry average of 14.65, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry.

Bank of America Corp performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B+.  (See the full valuation)

KeyCorp (KEY)

KeyCorp 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. 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 $0.91 in 2014 to an estimated $1.24 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 2.16% 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 KeyCorp revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $22.58. The company pays a dividend of $0.38 per share, for a yield of 2.4%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 12.83, which was below the industry average of 14.65, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry.

KeyCorp fares extremely well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring an A-.  (See the full valuation)

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (HBAN)

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated 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. 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 $0.66 in 2014 to an estimated $0.96 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 2.68% 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 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $15.53. The company pays a dividend of $0.35 per share, for a yield of 2.6%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 13.86, which was below the industry average of 14.65, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry.

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated fares extremely well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring an A-.  (See the full valuation)

Regions Financial Corp (RF)

Regions 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. 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 $0.52 in 2014 to an estimated $1.1 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 2.75% 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 Regions Financial Corp revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $21.6. The company pays a dividend of $0.32 per share, for a yield of 2% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 13.99, which was below the industry average of 14.65, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry.

Regions Financial Corp fares extremely well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring an A-.  (See the full valuation)

What do you think?  Are these companies a good value for Enterprising Investors?  Is there a company you like better?  Leave a comment on our Facebook page or mention @ModernGraham on Twitter to discuss.

Disclaimer:

The author held a long position in Starwood Property Trust Inc (STWD) 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 those holdings within the next 72 hours.  This article is not investment advice and all readers are encouraged to speak to a registered investment adviser prior to making any investment decisions.  ModernGraham is not related to the companies mentioned in any capacity.  Please take a moment to read our detailed disclaimer.