We evaluated 34 different companies this week to determine whether they are suitable for Defensive Investors, those unwilling to do substantial research, or Enterprising Investors, those who are willing to do such research. We also put each company through the ModernGraham valuation model based on Benjamin Graham’s value investing formulas in order to determine an intrinsic value for each. Out of those 34 companies, only 12 were found to be undervalued or fairly valued and suitable for either Defensive or Enterprising Investors. Here’s a summary of those 12 best stocks for value investors this week.

The Elite

The following companies were found to be suitable for either the Defensive Investor or Enterprising Investor and undervalued:

American International Group Inc. (AIG)

American International Group Inc. qualifies for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years, and 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 a loss of $109.06 in 2011 to an estimated gain of $4.93 for 2015.  This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.95% 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.  

BlackRock Inc. (BLK)

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

As for a valuation, the company appears to be undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $9.43 in 2011 to an estimated $17.57 for 2015.  This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 5.71% 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.  

CBS Corporation (CBS)

CBS Corporation qualifies for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor.  The Defensive Investor is concerned with the low current ratio, insufficient earnings growth or stability over the last ten years, and the high PB ratio.  The Enterprising Investor is only initially concerned by the level of debt relative to the net current assets. 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.