3 Top Stock Picks for Value-Conscious Investors

Looking for a value investment? If so, Magna International Inc. (TSX:MG)(NYSE:MGA), Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX:SLF)(NYSE:SLF), and DH Corp. (TSX:DH) are great options.

The Motley Fool

As many investors know, finding the right stock at the right price can be a very difficult task, but the recent weakness in the market has created countless opportunities. Let’s take a look at three stocks that are now trading at inexpensive forward valuations compared with their five-year and industry averages, so you can decide which would be the best fit for your portfolio.

1. Magna International Inc.

Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG)(NYSE: MGA) is one of the world’s leading suppliers of automotive products and services.

At today’s levels, its stock trades at just 9.9 times fiscal 2015’s estimated earnings per share of $4.40 and only 8.3 times fiscal 2016’s estimated earnings per share of $5.25, both of which are inexpensive compared with its five-year average price-to-earnings multiple of 11.5 and its industry average multiple of 26.6.

I think Magna’s stock could consistently trade at a fair multiple of at least 11.5, which would place its shares upwards of $60 by the conclusion of fiscal 2016, representing upside of more than 37% from current levels.

In addition, the company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share, of $0.88 per share annually, giving its stock a 2% yield.

2. Sun Life Financial Inc.

Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF)(NYSE: SLF) is one of the world’s largest financial services organizations, offering insurance and wealth management products and services.

At current levels, its stock trades at just 12.3 times fiscal 2015’s estimated earnings per share of $3.55 and only 11.4 times fiscal 2016’s estimated earnings per share of $3.85, both of which are inexpensive compared with its five-year average price-to-earnings multiple of 17.3 and its industry average multiple of 22.8.

I think Sun Life’s stock could consistently trade at a fair multiple of at least 15, which would place its shares upwards of $57 by the conclusion of fiscal 2016, representing upside of more than 30% from today’s levels.

Also, the company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share, or $1.56 per share annually, giving its stock a 3.6% yield.

3. DH Corp.

DH Corp. (TSX:DH) is one of the leading providers of financial technology to the world’s financial institutions.

At today’s levels, its stock trades at just 14.2 times fiscal 2015’s estimated earnings per share of $2.37 and only 13.2 times fiscal 2016’s estimated earnings per share of $2.56, both of which are inexpensive compared with its five-year average price-to-earnings multiple of 25 and its industry average multiple of 25.8.

I think DH Corp.’s stock could consistently command a fair multiple of at least 20, which would place its shares upwards of $51 by the conclusion of fiscal 2016, representing upside of more than 51% from current levels.

In addition, the company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share, or $1.28 per share annually, giving its stock a 3.8% yield.

Should you add one of these stocks to your portfolio?

Magna International, Sun Life Financial, and DH Corp. are three of the top value plays in their respective industries. All Foolish investors should strongly consider initiating positions in at least one of them today.

Fool contributor Joseph Solitro has no position in any stocks mentioned. Magna International is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Dividend Stocks

eat food
Dividend Stocks

Down 48%, Premium Brands Now Yields 4.8%: My Plan for Buying It

Premium Brands is benefiting from its focus on higher growth segments, which is boosting earnings and returns.

Read more »

The sun sets behind a power source
Dividend Stocks

I’d Hold Fortis for Its 4% to 6% Dividend Growth Target Through 2030

Fortis (TSX:FTS) looks like the ultimate dividend growth stock to hold through 2030 for its relative steadiness.

Read more »

Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass
Dividend Stocks

Canada’s Banking Regulator Watches Insurers Too: Is Manulife’s Dividend Still Safe?

Manulife’s dividend currently passes both an earnings-coverage test and a regulatory-capital test.

Read more »

people sit in two wooden beach chairs facing the Caribbean ocean holding drinks and making a toast
Dividend Stocks

How Much Should Canadians Have Saved by 55? Here’s a More Useful Number

A retirement target based on future spending can tell Canadians far more than a generic multiple of their current salary.

Read more »

Pumps await a car for fueling at a gas and diesel station.
Dividend Stocks

Quebec Just Elected a PQ Minority: This Canadian Stock Doesn’t Need a Political Winner

Couche-Tard’s international business gives investors a Quebec stock that doesn’t require correctly predicting the provincial election.

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Higher Bond Yields Are Back: Check This Number Before Buying Any Dividend Stock

A higher dividend yield means less when government bonds are suddenly paying nearly 4%.

Read more »

man with shovel stands by a hole
Dividend Stocks

Forget GICs: This 5.8% Dividend Stock Pays You Monthly

CT REIT (TSX:CRT.UN) stands out as a terrific income play for investors looking for better than GICs.

Read more »

Real estate investment concept
Dividend Stocks

How the FHSA Works, in Plain English

You can hold money market funds like the BMO Money Market Fund (TSX:ZMMK) in an FHSA.

Read more »