The proven Zacks Rank system focuses on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find winning stocks. Nevertheless, we know that our readers all have their own perspectives, so we are always looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong picks.
Of these, value investing is easily one of the most popular ways to find great stocks in any market environment. Value investors use a variety of methods, including tried-and-true valuation metrics, to find these stocks.
In addition to the Zacks Rank, investors looking for stocks with specific traits can utilize our Style Scores system. Of course, value investors will be most interested in the system's "Value" category. Stocks with "A" grades for Value and high Zacks Ranks are among the best value stocks available at any given moment.
One company value investors might notice is Manulife Financial Corp (MFC). MFC is currently holding a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a Value grade of A.
Another valuation metric that we should highlight is MFC's P/B ratio of 1.67. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. MFC's current P/B looks attractive when compared to its industry's average P/B of 2.03. Over the past year, MFC's P/B has been as high as 1.75 and as low as 1.43, with a median of 1.62.
Finally, we should also recognize that MFC has a P/CF ratio of 12.65. This metric takes into account a company's operating cash flow and can be used to find stocks that are undervalued based on their solid cash outlook. This company's current P/CF looks solid when compared to its industry's average P/CF of 18.75. Over the past 52 weeks, MFC's P/CF has been as high as 16.32 and as low as 11.85, with a median of 12.92.
Value investors will likely look at more than just these metrics, but the above data helps show that Manulife Financial Corp is likely undervalued currently. And when considering the strength of its earnings outlook, MFC sticks out as one of the market's strongest value stocks.
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Manulife Financial Corp (MFC): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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