Value investing has created more billionaires than any other strategy, like Warren Buffett, who built his fortune by purchasing wonderful businesses at reasonable prices. But these hidden gems are few and far between - many stocks that appear cheap often stay that way because they face structural issues.
Identifying genuine bargains from value traps is something many investors struggle with, which is why we started StockStory - to help you find the best companies. Keeping that in mind, here are three value stocks with little support and some other investments you should consider instead.
Driven Brands (DRVN)
Forward P/E Ratio: 12.5x
With approximately 5,000 locations across 49 U.S. states and 13 other countries, Driven Brands (NASDAQ: DRVN) operates a network of automotive service centers offering maintenance, car washes, paint, collision repair, and glass services across North America.
Why Does DRVN Fall Short?
- Absence of organic revenue growth over the past two years suggests it may have to lean into acquisitions to drive its expansion
- Diminishing returns on capital from an already low starting point show that neither management’s prior nor current bets are going as planned
- High net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 5× increases the risk of forced asset sales or dilutive financing if operational performance weakens
At $17.37 per share, Driven Brands trades at 12.5x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than DRVN.
ABM (ABM)
Forward P/E Ratio: 12.3x
With roots dating back to 1909 as a window washing company, ABM Industries (NYSE: ABM) provides integrated facility management, infrastructure, and mobility solutions across various sectors including commercial, manufacturing, education, and aviation.
Why Do We Avoid ABM?
- Organic sales performance over the past two years indicates the company may need to make strategic adjustments or rely on M&A to catalyze faster growth
- Performance over the past two years shows its incremental sales were less profitable as its earnings per share were flat
- 8.3 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
ABM is trading at $47.39 per share, or 12.3x forward P/E. If you’re considering ABM for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Omnicom Group (OMC)
Forward P/E Ratio: 8.4x
With a vast network of creative agencies that helped craft some of the most memorable ad campaigns in history, Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC) is a strategic holding company that provides advertising, marketing, and communications services to many of the world's largest companies.
Why Are We Wary of OMC?
- Organic sales performance over the past two years indicates the company may need to make strategic adjustments or rely on M&A to catalyze faster growth
- Capital intensity has ramped up over the last five years as its free cash flow margin decreased by 4.8 percentage points
- Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging
Omnicom Group’s stock price of $72.95 implies a valuation ratio of 8.4x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why OMC doesn’t pass our bar.
Stocks We Like More
Trump’s April 2024 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.
Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
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