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 Business Support Services 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.

Latest Business Support Services Stock News

Before choosing which top Business Support Services stock to buy, be sure to conduct proper due diligence: analyze various financial metrics and look at historical data, public statements and news coverage.

The fundamental outlook for the business support services industry is neutral. Participants across the sub-industry carry out a wide scope of applications, including payments for goods and services, human resource (HR) payroll processing, and outsourcing. A variety of factors including inflation, pandemic-related impacts and geopolitical tensions have created a difficult set of obstacles for companies to maneuver. However, companies have largely recovered from pandemic-related impacts. Companies overly exposed to consumer groups have experienced larger inflationary pressures. Contractionary measures such as the Federal Reserve continuing to raise interest rates could further dampen consumer spending. It will be important that no other exogenous events emerge, such as intensified geopolitical conflicts disrupting the ongoing recovery in TPV (third party verification), employment levels, etc. Underlying payment economics likely flip to tailwinds as value-added services (VAS) revenue lines help fill the void and provide a “cushion” for upside, especially if other verticals or regions temporarily relax in the interim.

Why Focus on Undervalued Business Support Services 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 Business Support Services 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 Business Support Services industry for Monday, March 13, 2023. Let’s take a closer look at their individual scores to see how they measure up against each other and the Business Support Services 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.

Acacia Research Corp’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Acacia Research Corporation is a capital platform that purchases businesses based on the differentials between public and private market valuations. The Company operates through two segments: Intellectual Property Operations and Industrial Operations. The Company’s Intellectual Property Operations segment invests in intellectual property (IP) and related absolute return assets and engages in the licensing and enforcement of patented technologies. Through its patent licensing, enforcement and technologies business, it is engaged in the licensing and enforcement of patent portfolios, with its operating subsidiaries obtaining the rights in the patent portfolio or purchasing the patent portfolio outright. The Company’s Industrial Operations segment is engaged in designing and manufacturing printers and consumable products for various industrial printing applications. Its printers consist of hardware and embedded software. Its consumable products include inked ribbons.

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.

Acacia Research Corp has a Value Score of 97, which is considered to be undervalued.

When you look at Acacia Research Corp’s price-to-sales ratio at 1.59 compared to the industry median at 1.73, this company has a lower price relative to revenue compared to its peers. This could make Acacia Research Corp’s stock more attractive for value investors.

Now, let’s assess Acacia Research Corp’s EV/EBITDA ratio, also known as enterprise multiple. At 0.7, when compared to the industry median of 11.2, 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. Acacia Research Corp’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. Acacia Research Corp’s price-to-book ratio is lower than its industry median ratio of 2.43. This could make Acacia Research Corp more attractive to investors looking for a new addition to their portfolio.

Brightview Holdings Inc’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

BrightView Holdings, Inc. is a provider of commercial landscaping services in the United States. The Company designs, creates, and maintains the landscapes on earth and provides the snow and ice removal services. The Company operates through two segments: Maintenance Services and Development Services. The Maintenance Services segment delivers a suite of recurring commercial landscaping services ranging from mowing, gardening, mulching and snow removal, to more horticulturally advanced services, such as water management, irrigation maintenance, tree care, golf course maintenance and specialty turf maintenance. The Development Services segment provides landscape architecture and development services for new facilities and significant redesign projects. Specific services include project design and management services, landscape architecture, landscape installation, irrigation installation, tree moving and installation, pool and water features and sports field services, among others.

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.

Brightview Holdings Inc has a Value Score of 98, which is considered to be undervalued.

Brightview Holdings Inc’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its peers. This could make Brightview Holdings Inc less attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 2.43.

You can read more about Brightview Holdings 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.

Onfolio Holdings Inc’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Onfolio Holdings Inc. acquires and manages a diversified portfolio of online businesses. The Company is engaged in acquiring and developing Websites. It acquires controlling interests in and actively manages small Websites with a focus on useful content. It acquires and manages a diversified portfolio of its online businesses across a range of verticals, such as pets, arts and crafts, business-to-business (B2B) search engine optimization (SEO) services, molecular hydrogen supplements, computers, graphic design, and people search. It focuses on Website management, advertising and content placement on its Websites, and product sales. The Company offers two plugins that focus on file and password protection for WordPress sites, which is Prevent Direct Access (PDA) and Password Protect WordPress (PPWP). Its service offering also consists of copywriting from various writer talent pool, and outreach services, such as content writing services, Website link building services, and others.

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.

Onfolio Holdings Inc has a Value Score of 94, which is considered to be undervalued.

Onfolio Holdings Inc’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its peers. This could make Onfolio Holdings Inc less attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 2.43.

You can read more about Onfolio Holdings 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.

PagSeguro Digital Ltd’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

PagSeguro Digital Ltd. is a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in providing financial technology solutions and services and corresponding related activities, focused principally on micro-merchants and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). The Company offers a two-sided ecosystem, providing a banking and payments experience through a single interface, with one app, one platform and one customer support. It owns two brands: PagBank and PagSeguro. PagBank provides a safe way of owning a free digital account, linked to the Brazilian Central Bank?s platform, with the feature of accepting payments, where its clients can transact and manage their cash, have a debit or credit card, save money and find a portfolio of investments available. PagSeguro?s end-to-end payments ecosystem enables its customers to accept a range of online and in-person payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, meal voucher cards, boletos, bank transfers, and cash deposits.

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.

PagSeguro Digital Ltd has a Value Score of 89, which is considered to be undervalued.

PagSeguro Digital Ltd’s price-earnings ratio is 9.4 compared to the industry median at 20.9. This means that it has a lower price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes PagSeguro Digital Ltd more attractive for value investors.

PagSeguro Digital Ltd’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its peers. This could make PagSeguro Digital Ltd less attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 2.43.

You can read more about PagSeguro Digital 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.

Pharma Bio Serv Inc’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Pharma-Bio Serv, Inc. is a compliance and technology transfer services consulting company. The Company operates through four segments: Puerto Rico technical compliance consulting, United States technical compliance consulting, Europe technical compliance consulting, and Puerto Rico microbiological and chemical laboratory testing division (Lab). The Company provides a range of compliance-related consulting services. The Company provides microbiological testing services and chemical testing services through its laboratory testing facility in Puerto Rico. The Company's technical consulting services include regulatory compliance, validation, technology transfer, engineering, project management and process support. The Company markets its services to pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology, medical devices, cosmetic and food industries, and allied products companies in Puerto Rico, the United States, Europe and Brazil.

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.

Pharma Bio Serv Inc has a Value Score of 64, which is considered to be undervalued.

Pharma Bio Serv Inc’s price-earnings ratio is 22.9 compared to the industry median at 20.9. This means that it has a higher price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes Pharma Bio Serv Inc less attractive for value investors.

Pharma Bio Serv Inc’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its peers. This could make Pharma Bio Serv Inc less attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 2.43.

You can read more about Pharma Bio Serv 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.

Resources Connection Inc’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Resources Connection, Inc. is a global consulting company. It operates through three segments: Resources Global Professionals (RGP), Taskforce, and Sitrick. RGP segment is a global business consulting firm focused on project execution services that enable clients operational and change initiatives with experienced and diverse talent. Taskforce segment is a German professional services firm that operates under the taskforce brand. It utilizes a distinct independent contractor/partner business model and infrastructure and focuses on providing senior interim management and project management services to middle-market clients in the German market. Sitrick segment is a crisis communications and public relations firm, which operates under the Sitrick brand, providing corporate, financial, transactional and crisis communication and management services. It specializes in co-delivery of enterprise initiatives precipitated by business transformation, strategic transactions, or regulatory change.

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.

Resources Connection Inc has a Value Score of 80, which is considered to be undervalued.

Resources Connection Inc’s price-earnings ratio is 7.9 compared to the industry median at 20.9. This means that it has a lower price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes Resources Connection Inc more attractive for value investors.

Resources Connection Inc’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its peers. This could make Resources Connection Inc less attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 2.43.

You can read more about Resources Connection 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 Business Support Services 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 Business Support Services stocks as well as other industrys.

Choosing Which of the 6 Best Business Support Services 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.

• Acacia Research Corp stock has a Value Grade of A.
• Brightview Holdings Inc stock has a Value Grade of A.
• Onfolio Holdings Inc stock has a Value Grade of A.
• PagSeguro Digital Ltd stock has a Value Grade of A.
• Pharma Bio Serv Inc stock has a Value Grade of B.
• Resources Connection 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 Business Support Services 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 Business Support Services Stocks

Want to learn more about Business Support Services 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 Business Support Services Stocks for Monday, March 13
• 3 Undervalued Business Support Services Stocks for Friday, March 10
• Why Brightview Holdings Inc’s (BV) Stock Is Down 5.49%
• Why CLARIVATE PLC’s (CLVT) Stock Is Down 5.39%

AAII Disclaimer

We make no representations or warranties that any investor will, or is likely to, achieve profits similar to those shown, because past, hypothetical or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Before making an investment decision, you should consider your circumstances and whether the information on our content is applicable to your situation. This information was prepared in good faith and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. The full disclaimer can be read here.