Many investors like to look for value in stocks, but this can be very tough to define. There is great debate regarding which metrics are the best to focus on in this regard, and which are not really quality indicators of future performance. Fortunately, with our new style score system we have identified the key statistics to pay close attention to and thus which stocks might be the best for value investors in the near term.
This method discovered several great candidates for value-oriented investors, but today let’s focus on Harsco Corporation (NYSE:HSC) as this stock is looking especially impressive right now. And while there are numerous reasons why this is the case, we have highlighted three of the most vital reasons for HSC’s status as a solid value stock below:
Price to Forward Sales for Harsco
One of the most underrated ratios for value investors is the price/forward sales metric. This ratio shows investors how much they are paying for each dollar of revenues generated. In other words, a lower number is better here while a price to sales ratio of 1 means that you are paying one dollar for each dollar in sales.
With a P/S ratio of 0.39, HSC investors are paying 39 cents in stock price for each dollar of revenue generated by the company. Compare this to the industry average of 1.13, and it is safe to say that HSC is undervalued compared to many of its peers on this important metric.
Price/Cash Flow for Harsco
An often overlooked ratio that can still be a great indicator of value is the price/cash flow metric. This reading is preferred by some since it avoids amortization and depreciation concerns and can give a more accurate picture of the financial health in a business.
The P/CF ratio for HSC comes in at 6.70, and since investors are generally looking for a reading under 20 here, this is pretty good news. Meanwhile, we should also point out that the industry average for this metric is 15.14, so Harsco has its peers beat in this regard too.
HSC Earnings Estimate Revisions Moving in the Right Direction
The solid value ratios outlined in the preceding paragraphs might be enough for some investors, but we should also note that the earnings estimate revisions have been trending in a positive direction as well. Analysts who follow HSC stock have been raising their estimates for the company lately, meaning that the EPS picture is looking a bit more favorably for Harsco now.
Over the past 30 days, 1 earnings estimate has gone higher compared to none lower for the full year, while we are also seeing that 1 estimate has move upwards with no downward revision for the next year time frame too. These revisions have helped to boost the consensus estimate, as 30 days ago, HSC was expected to post earnings of 27 cents per share for the full year though today it looks to have EPS of 30 cents for the full year.
Bottom Line
For the reasons detailed above, investors shouldn’t be surprised to read that we have HSC as a stock with a Value Score of ‘A’ and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). So if you are a value investor, definitely keep HSC on your short list as this looks to be a stock that is very well-positioned for gains in the near term.
HARSCO CORP (HSC): Free Stock Analysis Report
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