2 Deeply Discounted Value Stocks Capable of Beating the Market

Fairfax Financial Holdings (TSX:FFH) stock and another asset management play that trades at a considerable discount to book.

| More on:
sale discount best price

Image source: Getty Images

It’s been a profoundly choppy year for new investors. The euphoric rise of 2021 has come to an end along with the days of easy money. Indeed, actual profits and liquidity positions now matter. As investors hang onto hopes of rate cuts after the recent round of hikes, growth could have its day in the sun again. However, investors should not expect the speculative appetite that enriched many in 2020 and 2021. Those days are likely over, with various speculators licking their wounds, telling themselves they won’t chase hot stocks again.

Markets are in a bit of a weird spot right now, with the recent summer rally pulling back a slight bit. Of course, it’s all about the Fed and rate hikes. Though inflation isn’t yet under control, I think that any volatility should be taken advantage of by investors who have way too much cash on the sidelines.

In this piece, we’ll have a closer look at two capable value stocks that I think will beat the market through 2023. Though they’re likely to be dragged down over rate fears over the nearer term, I think that their strong fundamentals will shine through.

Consider Onex (TSX:ONEX) and Fairfax Financial Holdings (TSX:FFH), two diversified holding companies that are trading at embarrassingly steep discounts to book value.

Onex

Onex is a lesser-known investment manager that’s stuck in a rut, down 32% over the last five years. With competent managers and fine businesses positioned to roar back once COVID and recessionary headwinds fade, Onex stands out as a deep-value play that implies a very wide margin of safety.

At 5.7 times trailing price-to-earnings (P/E), Onex looks like a value trap, especially given many firms (like WestJet) under the Onex banner could take bigger hits in the quarters ahead.

Despite the headwinds, Onex stock reeks of value. Shares trade at a 0.6 times price-to-book (P/B) multiple, which is far lower than the industry average of 1.8. Recession or not, I find the depressed multiple on shares to be bordering on absurd.

At $66 and change per share, Onex provides investors with diversified exposure to a wide range of private businesses at an unprecedented discount.

Fairfax Financial Holdings

Fairfax is the insurer and holding company run by Canada’s Warren Buffett, Prem Watsa. While Watsa hasn’t really been able to crush markets with his investment moves of late, I still think he’ll be proven right over the long haul. He’s a patient investor who’s a contrarian at heart.

At writing, shares of FFH trade at a 0.9 times P/B, which is well below the insurance industry average of two. While shares haven’t really gained much in five years (up 6%), they have been a year-to-date outperformer — up nearly 8% to $672 and change per share.

Fairfax’s underwriting track record has been slowly improving over the years in spite of COVID headwinds. With a sound balance sheet and enough liquidity to acquire the beaten-down owner of Swiss Chalet Recipe Unlimited at a 53% premium, I think Fairfax is back to its old ways. After a multi-year slump, I think Fairfax is ready to leave the rest of this market behind.

Watsa is a very capable manager. Whenever you’re given a chance to bet on his firm at a discount, you should take it.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Joey Frenette has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends FAIRFAX FINANCIAL HOLDINGS LTD.

More on Investing

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Secure Your Future: 3 Safe Canadian Dividend Stocks to Anchor Your Portfolio Long Term

Here are three of the safest Canadian dividend stocks you can consider adding to your portfolio right now to secure…

Read more »

money goes up and down in balance
Dividend Stocks

Is Fiera Capital Stock a Buy for its 8.6% Dividend Yield?

Down almost 40% from all-time highs, Fiera Capital stock offers you a tasty dividend yield right now. Is the TSX…

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Wednesday, December 11

In addition to the U.S. inflation report, the Bank of Canada’s interest rate decision and press conference will remain on…

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Double Your TFSA Contribution

If you're looking to double up that TFSA contribution, there is one dividend stock I would certainly look to in…

Read more »

Income and growth financial chart
Investing

A Top-Performing U.S. Stock That Canadian Investors Really Should Own

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) is starting to run faster in the AI race, making it a top U.S. pick for 2025.

Read more »

Person uses a tablet in a blurred warehouse as background
Tech Stocks

2 Canadian AI Stocks Poised for Significant Gains

Here are two top AI stocks long-term investors may want to consider before the end of the year.

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Investing

3 No Brainer Tech Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

Here are three no-brainer tech stocks long-term investors on a limited budget may want to consider right now.

Read more »

woman looks at iPhone
Dividend Stocks

Retirees: Is TELUS Stock a Risky Buy?

TELUS stock has long been a strong dividend provider, but what should investors consider now after recent earnings?

Read more »