Out of the multitude of companies, which ones would legendary value investor Benjamin Graham buy today? I’ve compiled ten great companies that fit the ModernGraham criteria, based on Benjamin Graham’s methods. The companies in this list pass the rigorous requirements of either the Defensive Investor or the Enterprising Investor and are undervalued by the market.

Here are the ten companies Benjamin Graham would invest in today:

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY)

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. qualifies for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the low current ratio and lack of dividends. The Enterprising Investor is only initially concerned by the lack of dividends. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel comfortable proceeding with further research into the company.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.99 in 2012 to an estimated $4.88 for 2015. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.29% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price. (See the full valuation)

 

 

Capital One Financial Corp. (COF)

Capital One Financial Corp qualifies for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability over the last ten years along with the inconsistent dividend record. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel comfortable proceeding with further research into the company.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $5.15 in 2012 to an estimated $7.17 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 0.28% annual earnings loss over the next 7-10 years.  As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price. (See the full valuation)

 

Cummins Inc. (CMI)

Cummins Inc qualifies for both the Enterprising Investor and the more conservative Defensive Investor. The company passes all of the requirements of both investor types, a rare accomplishment indicative of the company’s strong financial position. As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel comfortable proceeding with further research.

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