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Wall Street May Be Ignoring These 5 Undervalued Stocks, But Value Investors Are Buzzing

While Wall Street seems to have its eyes elsewhere, value investors are abuzz over five stocks so undervalued that it makes you wonder why the broader market hasn’t caught on yet.

By Paul Gabrail
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Stock #1: Uber – More Than a Ride-Hailing Giant


When you think of Uber, you might picture late-night rides home or food deliveries. But jokes aside, Uber has transformed into a serious, cash-flowing powerhouse. Let’s unpack the numbers that tell the real story:


  • User Growth: In September 2024, Uber hit 161 million monthly active platform users, a 13.4% year-over-year increase. That’s like adding the entire population of Mexico to its user base in just a year!
  • Trip Volume: In 2023, Uber drivers completed 9.44 billion trips—up nearly 2 billion trips from 2022. Clearly, Uber has become more of a daily habit than a luxury for its users.
  • Diversified Revenue Streams: Uber isn’t just about rides anymore. With Uber Eats, freight services, and autonomous vehicle partnerships, the company is broadening its revenue base and lowering risk through diversification.


The Investment Case for Uber


Analysts love Uber’s long-term growth potential, but what really matters is its moat—its market position is hard to replicate. With a $132 billion market cap and $155 billion enterprise value (a $23 billion debt difference), Uber’s scale is unmatched.


Now, let’s talk profitability. Uber’s free cash flow has soared from $570 million over the past five years to $6 billion in 2023—that’s a 10x increase. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi made a pivotal shift towards focusing on cash flow, turning a negative 9.5% profit margin into a positive 10.5%.


Using a stock analyzer tool with 10-year projections, revenue growth estimates of 6%, 10%, and 14% were applied, along with profit margins ranging from 10% to 20%. The result? A low intrinsic value of $37, a high of $170, and a middle range of $85. Given Uber’s current position, this stock might resemble an earlier-stage Netflix—a little premium-priced now, but with significant potential.



Stock #2: Intel – A Comeback Story in the Making?


Intel’s journey has been tough. Once a darling of the tech world, it’s now struggling to regain its former glory. The recent departure of its CEO hasn’t helped investor sentiment. However, Intel’s story may not be over just yet.


Despite its struggles, Intel generates more revenue today than it did in 2000. Moreover, it’s taking bold steps to regain leadership in the semiconductor industry with its Intel Foundry Services (IFS). Already locking in major customers like ARM, Intel is investing tens of billions in new facilities in Ohio, Arizona, and Germany.


Valuation and Potential Turnaround


Intel’s market cap stands at $85 billion, with a gross margin of 35% (down from 45%). While its price-to-sales ratio is a low 1.6, competitors like Nvidia and AMD trade at much higher multiples of 30 and 8.35, respectively.


Analysts predict a potential EPS recovery to $4.63 per share in the next four to five years, with revenue growth estimates ranging from $53 billion to $89 billion. Running Intel through a stock analyzer tool with conservative assumptions (0% to 4% revenue growth, 14% to 22% profit margins), the intrinsic value ranges from $19.58 to $51, suggesting Intel might be worth the squeeze if you believe in its turnaround.



Stock #3: Dollar General – A Recession-Proof Retailer


Dollar General’s story is all about strategic dominance and resilience. With 75% of the U.S. population living within five miles of a Dollar General store, it has become a staple for low- to middle-income consumers. During economic downturns, Dollar General thrives, offering affordable essentials when people need them most.


  • Expansion: Over 1,000 new stores are being added in a single year.
  • Dividend: With a 3.2% yield, its dividend consumes only 33% of its free cash flow, making it sustainable.


Valuation Metrics


Despite a 65% drop from its all-time high of $262 in April 2022, Dollar General’s fundamentals remain strong. With nearly single-digit price-to-earnings and price-to-free-cash-flow ratios, the company presents a compelling case for value investors. Using a stock analyzer tool with revenue growth estimates of 3% to 7% and a profit margin range of 5.25% to 7%, the intrinsic value ranges from $110 to $285, indicating substantial upside potential.



Stock #4: ASML Holdings – The Gatekeeper of Tech Innovation


ASML is a name many don’t know but rely on daily. This Dutch company holds a monopoly on extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines—essential for producing cutting-edge semiconductor chips.


Strategic Importance


With the semiconductor industry poised for continued growth, ASML’s role is critical. Despite geopolitical challenges, including U.S. restrictions on sales to China, ASML’s dominance is hard to overlook.


Valuation


Currently trading at $710 per share (down from a high of $1,110), ASML has a market cap of $281 billion and trades at 50 times free cash flow. Using a stock analyzer tool with 10-year projections, the intrinsic value ranges from $340 to $930, suggesting investors may want to wait for a better entry point.



Stock #5: Alibaba – The Amazon of China


Alibaba’s fall from $300 to $84 per share has been dramatic, but it’s not due to poor business performance. Rather, it’s sentiment and geopolitical concerns that have weighed down its valuation.


Like Amazon, Alibaba dominates e-commerce, with 46 million VIP members. Its cloud division is a leader in Asia, ranking among the top four global providers. Despite market fears, Alibaba continues to generate strong cash flow and buy back shares aggressively.


Valuation


With an $11 times free cash flow multiple, Alibaba appears significantly undervalued. Using conservative assumptions (3% to 9% revenue growth, 12% to 18% profit margins), the intrinsic value ranges from $105 to $330. For those willing to ignore short-term noise and focus on long-term value, Alibaba might be a rare opportunity.


Final Thoughts


Whether it’s Uber’s cash-flow transformation, Intel’s potential comeback, Dollar General’s recession-proof business, ASML’s technological dominance, or Alibaba’s undervaluation, each of these stocks presents a unique case for value investors. Remember, investing is about buying future cash flows at a discount. Patience, discipline, and a keen eye for intrinsic value are key.

If any of these stocks piqued your interest, consider joining our investing community, where thousands of investors discuss, analyze, and share insights on stocks like these every day.




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