One of the most difficult tasks we face as investors is finding the right stock at the right price when we are ready to buy, especially in today’s highly volatile times. Well, I’ve scoured the market and found three stocks of industry giants that are trading at very inexpensive valuations, so let’s take a closer look at each to determine if you should buy one of them today.
1. Pembina Pipeline Corp.
Pembina Pipeline Corp. (TSX:PPL)(NYSE:PBA) is one of the leading service providers to North America’s energy industry. It owns and operates pipelines, gas gathering and processing facilities, an oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics business, and it offers a full spectrum of midstream and marketing services.
At today’s levels, its stock trades at just 27.1 times fiscal 2015’s estimated earnings per share of $1.06 and only 21.4 times fiscal 2016’s estimated earnings per share of $1.34, both of which are inexpensive compared with its five-year average price-to-earnings multiple of 32.9.
With its five-year average multiple, its estimated 10.8% long-term earnings growth rate, and the high volatility in the market in mind, I think Pembina’s stock could consistently command a fair multiple of at least 28, which would place its shares upwards of $37 by the conclusion of fiscal 2016, representing upside of over 29% from current levels.
In addition, the company pays a monthly dividend of $0.1525 per share, or $1.83 per share annually, which gives its stock a 6.4% yield. It is also very important to note that it has raised its annual dividend payment for four consecutive years.
2. CI Financial Corp.
CI Financial Corp. (TSX:CIX) is a diversified wealth management firm, and it is one of Canada’s largest investment fund companies with over $145.6 billion in assets under management and advisement.
At today’s levels, its stock trades at just 13.9 times fiscal 2015’s estimated earnings per share of $2.03 and only 12.9 times fiscal 2016’s estimated earnings per share of $2.20, both of which are inexpensive compared with its five-year average price-to-earnings multiple of 19.3.
With its five-year average multiple, its estimated 9% long-term earnings growth rate, and the high volatility in the market in mind, I think CI Financial’s stock could consistently command a fair multiple of at least 16, which would place its shares upwards of $35 by the conclusion of fiscal 2016, representing upside of over 23% from current levels.
In addition, the company pays a monthly dividend of $0.11 per share, or $1.32 per share annually, which gives its stock a 4.7% yield. Investors must also note that it has raised its annual dividend payment for six consecutive years.
3. CGI Group Inc.
CGI Group Inc. (TSX:GIB.A)(NYSE:GIB) is the fifth-largest independent information technology and business process services firm in the world. Its services include high-end business and IT consulting, systems integration, application development and maintenance, and infrastructure management solutions.
At today’s levels, its stock trades at just 15.5 times fiscal 2016’s estimated earnings per share of $3.47 and only 14.5 times fiscal 2017’s estimated earnings per share of $3.72, both of which are inexpensive compared with its five-year average price-to-earnings multiple of 35.7.
With its five-year average multiple, its estimated 8.8% long-term earnings growth rate, and the high volatility in the market in mind, I think CGI’s stock could consistently command a fair multiple of at least 20, which would place its shares around $67 by the conclusion of fiscal 2017, representing upside of over 24% from current levels.
It is also very important to note that the company does not pay a dividend. However, it has been accelerating its share-repurchase activity in recent years, including 2.84 million shares for a total cost of $111.5 million in fiscal 2014 and 6.93 million shares for a total cost of approximately $323.1 million in fiscal 2015, and its increased amount of cash provided by operating activities could allow this trend to continue in fiscal 2016.
Does one of these stocks belong in your portfolio?
Pembina Pipeline, CI Financial, and CGI Group are three of the top value plays in their respective industries, and all three have been increasing returns to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Foolish investors should take a closer look and strongly consider establishing positions in at least one of them today.
