Many investors like to look for value in stocks, but this can be very tough to define. There is great debate regarding which metrics are the best to focus on in this regard, and which are not really quality indicators of future performance. Fortunately, with our new style score system we have identified the key statistics to pay close attention to and thus which stocks might be the best for value investors in the near term.
This method discovered several great candidates for value-oriented investors, but today let’s focus on HealthSouth Corporation HLS as this stock is looking especially impressive right now. And while there are numerous reasons why this is the case, we have highlighted three of the most vital reasons for HLS’s status as a solid value stock below:
Forward PE for HealthSouth
Easily one of the most popular readings for value investors, the forward PE ratio shows us the current price of a stock divided by the full year earnings. Generally speaking, value investors like to see this ratio below 20, though it can vary by industry.
Right now, HLS has a forward PE of just 16.20, which means that investors are paying $16.20 for each dollar in expected HealthSouth earnings this year. Compared to the industry at large this is pretty favorable as the overall space has an average PE of 20.07 in comparison.
HEALTHSOUTH CP PE Ratio (TTM)
HEALTHSOUTH CP PE Ratio (TTM) | HEALTHSOUTH CP Quote
Price/Cash Flow for HealthSouth Stock
An often overlooked ratio that can still be a great indicator of value is the price/cash flow metric. This reading is preferred by some since it avoids amortization and depreciation concerns and can give a more accurate picture of the financial health in a business.
The P/CF ratio for HLS comes in at 5.73, and since investors are generally looking for a reading under 20 here, this is pretty good news. Meanwhile, we should also point out that the industry average for this metric is 6.32, so HealthSouth has its peers beat in this regard too.
HLS Earnings Estimate Revisions Moving in the Right Direction
The solid value ratios outlined in the preceding paragraphs might be enough for some investors, but we should also note that the earnings estimate revisions have been trending in a positive direction as well. Analysts who follow HLS stock have been raising their estimates for the company lately, meaning that the EPS picture is looking a bit more favorably for HealthSouth now.
Over the past 60 days, 2 earnings estimates have gone higher compared to none lower for the full year, while we are also seeing that 2 estimates have moved upwards with none downward revisions for the next year time frame too. These revisions have helped to boost the consensus estimate as 60 days ago HLS was expected to post earnings of $2.55 per share for the full year though today it looks to have EPS of $2.57 for the full year.