Investors: Don’t Miss Out on These 3 Ridiculously Cheap Financial Stocks

Looking for value? You’ll find it with Power Financial Corp. (TSX:PWF), Manulife Financial Corp. (TSX:MFC)(NYSE:MFC), and Goeasy Ltd. (TSX:GSY).

| More on:
The Motley Fool
You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

Friday wasn’t a good day for most stock markets across the world as fears about increasing interest rates sent stocks reeling. At home here in Canada, the TSX Composite surrendered more than 260 points, ending the week at 14,539.88.

Bearish investors took this sell-off and ran with it, warning investors we could be at the precipice of another nasty stock market crash. These folks point at an extended bull market–especially in the United States–that they feel is beginning to run out of steam.

I’ve never worried much about overall markets. All I’m concerned with is finding undervalued individual securities. As long as I’m buying at the right price and can afford to be patient, I’m confident it’ll work out. Predicting the value of overall markets is hard. Finding cheap stocks is much easier.

One sector that looks cheap today is financial services. Here are three companies investors should be checking out today.

Power Financial

Power Financial Corp. (TSX:PWF) has a mutual fund problem.

The company holds stakes in Great-West Lifeco, IGM Financial, and Pargesa, a holding company that owns prominent European equities. Together, these stakes add up to a value of close to $30 billion, yet the company only has a market cap of just over $21 billion.

Although Power Financial has always traded at a discount to the sum of its parts, I believe that discount is wider than average because of its exposure to IGM Financial, the mutual fund giant. As more and more investors realize expensive mutual funds aren’t the ideal way to invest passively, IGM Financial will see its earnings decline.

But there are plenty of things IGM Financial can do to adapt. Cutting fund fees is an easy choice, and the company has done a nice job of diversifying its product offerings into things like mortgages and GICs. And remember, Power Financial’s stake in IGM is relatively small compared to its ownership of Great-West Life.

Plus, investors are getting a stock trading at just over 11 times trailing earnings and that pays a 5.2% dividend. That kind of valuation is hard to find in today’s market, and that dividend is very attractive too.

Goeasy

Although shares of alternate finance company Goeasy Ltd. (TSX:GSY) have nearly tripled in the past five years, there’s ample evidence it isn’t done yet.

Goeasy has two distinct businesses. The first is the lease-to-own furniture business, which finances computers, appliances, and other home furnishings for borrowers with crummy credit ratings. There’s also the financial services arm that gives unsecured loans to folks who would normally have no other option than to look at payday loans.

Because Goeasy dominates both of these businesses in Canada, it can get away with charging rates in excess of 40% annually. That might be bad for customers, but it’s great for investors. Even after accounting for write-offs and other expenses, the company earned $2.25 per share in profits over the last 12 months. That gives it a P/E ratio of under 10.

Most stocks trading at less than 10 times earnings have stagnant or declining revenue. Not Goeasy. Revenue for 2014 was $259 million, 2015 was $304 million, and analysts predict 2016 will see a top line of more than $350 million. Oh, and the company also pays a 2.3% dividend.

Manulife Financial

If interest rates are indeed headed higher, Manulife Financial Corp. (TSX:MFC)(NYSE:MFC) will likely be a major beneficiary.

A trend towards higher interest rates isn’t the only reason to like Manulife. The company has transformed itself into a financial services powerhouse, including offering banking products and wealth management. As it continues to expand further into Asia, look for it to replicate its success here in Canada on that side of the Pacific.

Shares trade comfortably under book value, the company can easily afford its 4.1% dividend, and the trailing P/E ratio is a very reasonable 14. Look for the valuation to go up as investors get more evidence rates will increase.

Conclusion

The stock market is filled with stocks trading at more than 20 times earnings and with dividend yields that have fallen to unattractive levels. These financials offer nice yields, cheap valuations, and all have potential catalysts that could lead to a higher share price.

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 Nelson Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

5 Dividend Stocks to Buy With Yields Upwards of 5%

These five companies all earn tonnes of cash flow, making them some of the best long-term dividend stocks you can…

Read more »

funds, money, nest egg
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Stocks to Start Building an Influx of Passive Income

A TFSA is the ideal registered account for passive income, as it doesn't weigh down your tax bill, and any…

Read more »

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

3 of the Safest Dividend Stocks in Canada

Royal Bank of Canada stock is one of the safest TSX dividend stocks to buy. So is CT REIT and…

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
Dividend Stocks

1 of the Top Canadian Growth Stocks to Buy in February 2023

Many top Canadian growth stocks represent strong underlying businesses, healthy financials, and organic growth opportunities.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Wherever the Market Goes, I’m Buying These 3 TSX Stocks

Here are three TSX stocks that could outperform irrespective of the market direction.

Read more »

woman data analyze
Dividend Stocks

1 Oversold Dividend Stock (Yielding 6.5%) to Buy This Month

Here's why SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is one top dividend stock that long-term investors should consider in this current market.

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Dividend Stocks

Better TFSA Buy: Enbridge Stock or Bank of Nova Scotia

Enbridge and Bank of Nova Scotia offer high yields for TFSA investors seeking passive income. Is one stock now undervalued?

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Stocks Just Became Canadian Dividend Aristocrats

These two top Canadian Dividend Aristocrats stocks are reliable companies with impressive long-term growth potential.

Read more »