Based on key financial metrics such as the price-to-sales ratio, shareholder yield and the price-earnings ratio, the following 6 stocks made the list for top value stocks in the Food Processing industry. Those looking for value stocks to add to their portfolio may want to use this list as a starting point for further investment research.

Why Focus on Undervalued Food Processing Stocks?

Value investors seek to buy stocks at a discount to their intrinsic value. Long-term returns show that such strategies are advantageous. Value stocks, as a group, tend to outperform growth stocks over extended periods of time. Typically, value investors perform financial analysis of numerous metrics, don’t follow the herd and are long-term investors.

AAII’s A+ Investor Value Grade is derived from a stock’s Value Score. The Value Score is the percentile rank of the average of the percentile ranks of the price-to-sales ratio, price-earnings ratio, enterprise-value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio, shareholder yield, price-to-book-value ratio and price-to-free-cash-flow ratio. The score is variable, meaning it can consider all six ratios or, should any of the six ratios not be valid, the remaining ratios that are valid. To be assigned a Value Score, stocks must have a valid (non-null) ratio and corresponding ranking for at least two of the six valuation ratios.

What Goes Into AAII’s Value Grade?

Stock evaluation requires access to huge amounts of data as well as the knowledge and time to sift through it all, make sense of financial ratios, read income statements and analyze recent stock movement. AAII created A+ Investor, a robust data suite that condenses data research in an actionable and customizable way suitable for investors of all knowledge levels, to help investors with that task.

AAII’s proprietary stock grades come with A+ Investor. These offer intuitive A–F grades for more than just value. It is possible for a stock to appear cheap based on one valuation metric but appear expensive on another. It is also possible for one valuation ratio to be associated with outperforming stocks during certain periods of time but not others. Some stocks may even have null values for certain metrics like the price-earnings ratio or the price-to-book ratio but not others. An example of this would be a company with losses instead of profits or a negative book value because of heavy borrowing. Negative earnings or book value result in non-meaningful ratios that are left blank or null.

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6 Undervalued Food Processing Stocks

Of course, there are countless value stocks that are worth mentioning, but this is a concise list of the top 6 undervalued stocks in the Food Processing industry for Thursday, May 09, 2024. Let’s take a closer look at their individual scores to see how they measure up against each other and the Food Processing industry median.

The Value Grade is assigned based on how each stock’s composite valuation compares to all other stocks.

The process for assigning grades starts with each variable for a given stock. The percentile rankings for all valid ratios that a stock has are calculated. So, for instance, a stock could have a price-to-book ranking in the 43rd percentile, a price-earnings ranking in the 67th percentile, a price-to-sales ranking in the 23rd percentile, etc. Then, those rankings are averaged for each stock. (A minimum of two valid variables are required, though all six will be used if available.)

Once the average of the individual variables is calculated, that average is ranked against all stocks. Put another way, each stock’s composite valuation is compared to all other stocks. These ranks are then sorted into quintiles from the cheapest 20% (a grade of A) to the most expensive 20% (a grade of F).

As always, we recommend that you conduct proper due diligence and research before investing in any security. We also suggest that investors utilize numerous grades, not just value, when it comes to deciding whether a company is a good fit for their allocation needs.

Central Garden & Pet Co’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Central Garden & Pet Company is engaged in the garden and pet industries in the United States. Its segments include Pet and Garden. Its Pet segment includes dog and cat supplies such as dog treats and chews, toys, pet beds and grooming products, waste management and training pads, pet containment; supplies for aquatics, small animals, reptiles and pet birds, including toys, cages and habitats, bedding, food and supplements; products for equine and livestock, animal and household health and insect control products; live fish and small animals as well as outdoor cushions. These products are sold under brands such as Aqueon, Cadet, Comfort Zone, Farnam, Four Paws K&H; Pet Products (K&H;), Kaytee, Nylabone and Zilla. Its Garden segment includes lawn and garden consumables such as grass seed, vegetable, flower and herb packet seed; wild bird feed, bird houses and other birding accessories; weed, grass, and other herbicides, insecticide and pesticide products; fertilizers and live plants.

Stocks with a Value Score from 81 to 100 are considered deep value, those with a score between 61 and 80 are value and so on.

Central Garden & Pet Co has a Value Score of 74, which is considered to be undervalued.

When you look at Central Garden & Pet Co’s price-to-sales ratio at 0.66 compared to the industry median at 0.90, this company has a lower price relative to revenue compared to its peers. This could make Central Garden & Pet Co’s stock more attractive for value investors.

Central Garden & Pet Co’s price-earnings ratio is 16.58 compared to the industry median at 18.21. This means it has a lower share price relative to earnings compared to its peers. This could make Central Garden & Pet Co more attractive for value investors.

Now, let’s assess Central Garden & Pet Co’s EV/EBITDA ratio, also known as enterprise multiple. At 8.8, when compared to the industry median of 11.4, the company may be considered undervalued in relation to its peers. Value investors could use the enterprise multiple to identify stocks that are considered overvalued or undervalued relative to their industry.

Shareholder yield is the sum of a stock’s dividend yield (paid over previous 12 months minus special dividends) and the percentage of net share buybacks over the previous 12 months. Central Garden & Pet Co’s shareholder yield is higher than its industry median ratio of 0.00%. Value investors may look for an attractive shareholder yield because it can be a powerful tool for identifying if the company has a good management team.

As one of the most common value metrics, the price-to-book ratio evaluates a company’s current market price relative to its book value. Central Garden & Pet Co’s price-to-book ratio is lower than its industry median ratio of 1.93. This could make Central Garden & Pet Co more attractive to investors looking for a new addition to their portfolio.

Lastly, let’s take a look at Central Garden & Pet Co’s price-to-free-cash-flow ratio (P/FCF), which can indicate a company’s market value relative to its operating cash flow. Central Garden & Pet Co’s price-to-free-cash-flow ratio is lower than its industry median ratio of 21.27. This could make Central Garden & Pet Co more attractive because the lower P/FCF ratio indicates that Central Garden & Pet Co is undervalued. The P/FCF ratio metric can also be viewed over a long-term time frame to see if the company's cash flow to share price value is generally improving or worsening.

First Pacific Co Ltd (ADR)’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

First Pacific Co Ltd is an investment holding company mainly engaged in the manufacturing and sale of consumer food products. Along with subsidiaries, the Company operates its business in Asia-Pacific through four segments. The Consumer Food Products segment is involved in the production and sale of consumer food products through PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk (Indofood). The Telecommunications segment provides telecommunications services through PLDT Inc. The Infrastructure segment is involved in the infrastructure investment management through Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC). It is engaged in supply of electricity and water, operation of toll roads, hospital groups, railways and power plants. The Natural Resources segment is involved in the metal mining, and producing gold, copper and silver through Philex Mining Corporation (Philex). In addition, it is also engaged in integrated sugar and ethanol businesses.

Stocks with a Value Score from 81 to 100 are considered deep value, those with a score between 61 and 80 are value and so on.

First Pacific Co Ltd (ADR) has a Value Score of 99, which is considered to be undervalued.

First Pacific Co Ltd (ADR)’s price-earnings ratio is 3.9 compared to the industry median at 18.2. This means that it has a lower price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes First Pacific Co Ltd (ADR) more attractive for value investors.

First Pacific Co Ltd (ADR)’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its peers. This could make First Pacific Co Ltd (ADR) less attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 1.93.

You can read more about First Pacific Co Ltd (ADR)’s key financial metrics like shareholder yield, price-to-free-cash-flow and EV/EBITDA ratio, or learn more about its Momentum and Growth Grades, by subscribing to A+ Investor.

Whole Earth Brands Inc’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Whole Earth Brands, Inc. is a global food company. The Company is enabling healthier lifestyles and providing access to quality plant-based sweeteners, flavor enhancers and other foods through its diverse portfolio of trusted brands and delicious products. The Company operates through two segments: Branded CPG and Flavors & Ingredients. The Branded CPG segment is comprised of its Merisant division of operating companies, Wholesome and Swerve. The Branded CPG products are sold under both its flagship brands, as well as local and private label brands. Its global flagship brands include Whole Earth, Pure Via, Wholesome, Swerve, Canderel, Equal and existing branded adjacencies. The Flavors & Ingredients segment products provide a variety of solutions for its customers, including flavor enhancement, flavor / aftertaste masking, moisturizing, product mouthfeel modification and skin soothing characteristics. Its Flavors & Ingredients segment operates its licorice-derived products business.

Stocks with a Value Score from 81 to 100 are considered deep value, those with a score between 61 and 80 are value and so on.

Whole Earth Brands Inc has a Value Score of 70, which is considered to be undervalued.

Whole Earth Brands Inc’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its peers. This could make Whole Earth Brands Inc less attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 1.93.

You can read more about Whole Earth Brands Inc’s key financial metrics like shareholder yield, price-to-free-cash-flow and EV/EBITDA ratio, or learn more about its Momentum and Growth Grades, by subscribing to A+ Investor.

Herbalife Ltd’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Herbalife Ltd. is a global nutrition company. The Company sells weight management; targeted nutrition; energy, sports and fitness; and other nutrition products to and through a network of independent members (Members). Its products include meal replacements, protein shakes, teas, aloes, high-protein snacks, vitamins and supplements, sports nutrition and outer nutrition products. The Company offers a range of meal replacement products, such as protein shakes, bars and soups. Its snack portfolio includes a variety of sweet, savory and creamy options, such as high protein iced coffee, protein bars, snack shakes, soups, baking mixes and others. Its Herbal Aloe Concentrate is a beverage formulated with aloe vera, which can be mixed with water, tea or protein shake. It has also developed a portfolio of dietary supplements, encompassing solutions for heart health, digestive health, immunity and others. It sells products in 95 markets across the world.

Stocks with a Value Score from 81 to 100 are considered deep value, those with a score between 61 and 80 are value and so on.

Herbalife Ltd has a Value Score of 94, which is considered to be undervalued.

Herbalife Ltd’s price-earnings ratio is 7.5 compared to the industry median at 18.2. This means that it has a lower price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes Herbalife Ltd more attractive for value investors.

You can read more about Herbalife Ltd’s key financial metrics like shareholder yield, price-to-free-cash-flow and EV/EBITDA ratio, or learn more about its Momentum and Growth Grades, by subscribing to A+ Investor.

Nature's Sunshine Products Inc’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc. is a natural health and wellness company, which markets and distributes nutritional and personal care products in more than 40 countries. The Company sells its products to a sales force of independent consultants who use the products themselves or resells them to consumers. The Company has four segments: Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America and Other. Each of the geographic segments operates under the Natures Sunshine Products and Synergy WorldWide brands. The Latin America and Other segment include its wholesale business, in which the Company sells products to various locally managed entities, independent of the Company, that it has granted distribution rights for the relevant market. The Company's line of over 800 products includes several different product classifications, such as immune, cardiovascular, digestive, personal care, weight management and other general health products. It purchases herbs and other raw materials in bulk.

Stocks with a Value Score from 81 to 100 are considered deep value, those with a score between 61 and 80 are value and so on.

Nature's Sunshine Products Inc has a Value Score of 68, which is considered to be undervalued.

Nature's Sunshine Products Inc’s price-earnings ratio is 20.4 compared to the industry median at 18.2. This means that it has a higher price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes Nature's Sunshine Products Inc less attractive for value investors.

Nature's Sunshine Products Inc’s price-to-book ratio is lower than its peers. This could make Nature's Sunshine Products Inc fairly attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 1.93.

You can read more about Nature's Sunshine Products Inc’s key financial metrics like shareholder yield, price-to-free-cash-flow and EV/EBITDA ratio, or learn more about its Momentum and Growth Grades, by subscribing to A+ Investor.

Tyson Foods Inc’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Tyson Foods, Inc. is a food company. The Company has a broad portfolio of products and brands, such as Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells, ibp and State Fair. Its segments include beef, pork, chicken and prepared foods. Beef segment includes its operations related to processing live fed cattle and fabricating dressed beef carcasses into primal and sub-primal meat cuts and case-ready products. Pork segment includes its operations related to processing live market hogs and fabricating pork carcasses into primal and sub-primal cuts and case-ready products. Chicken segment includes its domestic operations related to raising and processing live chickens into, and purchasing raw materials for fresh, frozen and value-added chicken products and sales from specialty products. Prepared foods segment includes its operations related to manufacturing and marketing frozen and refrigerated food products and logistics operations to move products through the supply chain.

Stocks with a Value Score from 81 to 100 are considered deep value, those with a score between 61 and 80 are value and so on.

Tyson Foods Inc has a Value Score of 77, which is considered to be undervalued.

Tyson Foods Inc’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its peers. This could make Tyson Foods Inc less attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 1.93.

You can read more about Tyson Foods Inc’s key financial metrics like shareholder yield, price-to-free-cash-flow and EV/EBITDA ratio, or learn more about its Momentum and Growth Grades, by subscribing to A+ Investor.

Other Food Processing Stock Grades

Value is just one of the five Stock Grades included in our A+ Investor service. AAII members can see the top-graded stocks—those with grades of A or B for value, growth, momentum, earnings estimate revisions and quality—on the A+ Stock Grades Screener.

Also, if you want full access to all of AAII’s premium services, you can subscribe to one convenient bundled plan called AAII Platinum where you can try out A+ Investor, AAII Dividend Investing, the Stock Superstars Report, Growth Investing and VMQ Stocks. With the other premium services, you can dive deep into additional metrics, portfolios, commentary and information about Food Processing stocks as well as other industrys.

Choosing Which of the 6 Best Food Processing Stocks Is Right for You

Choosing which value stocks to invest in will ultimately depend on your individual goals and allocation; however, comparing similar value stocks in the same industry can help you analyze which might be better investments for you in the long run. So, let’s take a look at the Value Grade for all of our stocks.

• Central Garden & Pet Co stock has a Value Grade of B.
• First Pacific Co Ltd (ADR) stock has a Value Grade of A.
• Whole Earth Brands Inc stock has a Value Grade of B.
• Herbalife Ltd stock has a Value Grade of A.
• Nature's Sunshine Products Inc stock has a Value Grade of B.
• Tyson Foods Inc stock has a Value Grade of B.

Now that you have a bit more background about each of the 6 undervalued stocks in the Food Processing industry as well as their overall grades, it’s time for you to conduct additional research to see if these could fit your portfolio needs based on your goals and risk tolerance. AAII can help you figure out both and identify which investments align with what works best for you.

We do so through a program of education that teaches you to invest for yourself and become an effective manager of your own wealth—no more relying on others for your financial independence. You can rely on AAII for timeless articles on financial planning and stock-picking, unbiased research and actionable analysis that makes you a better investor.

A+ Investor adds to that qualitative teaching by giving you a powerful data suite that helps you whittle down investment decisions to find stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds that meet your needs.

Additional Resources About Food Processing Stocks

Want to learn more about Food Processing stocks to see if they could be the right investment for you? Check out some additional resources and articles to help you on your financial journey.

• 6 Undervalued Food Processing Stocks for Thursday, May 09
• 3 Undervalued Food Processing Stocks for Wednesday, May 08
• What You Need to Know About Beyond Meat Inc's Q1 Earnings
• What You Need to Know About Central Garden & Pet Co's Q2 Earnings

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