Looking For Downside Protection? Our Top 5 Value Stocks Right Now.

The recent sell-off in tech stocks has shaken investor confidence and ignited a shift to value stocks. Before the window of opportunity in these often-overlooked gems closes, our research team got busy to come up with a shortlist of 5 high potential value stocks.

Balancing a portfolio’s risk profile with value stocks

The value stocks on this shortlist have been carefully selected through rigorous analysis of their underlying fundamental key performance indicators and valuation metrics. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the market, these value stocks offer a compelling opportunity to balance your portfolio.

Weakening economic outlook

Two separate data releases this past Thursday indicated signs of a softening economy as the Federal Reserve considers when to cut interest rates.

Weekly jobless claims rose more than expected last week, signaling a cooling labor market. The Department of Labor reported 249,000 initial jobless claims for the week ending July 27, up from 235,000 the previous week and the highest level since August 2023.

Additionally, the latest report on US manufacturing activity showed the sector continued to contract in July. The ISM’s manufacturing PMI dropped to 46.8 in July from 48.5 in June, marking the lowest reading since November 2023.

What makes value stocks more attractive in periods of slowing growth

During periods of economic slowdown, the market tends to shift its focus from potential future growth, which benefits growth stocks, to current valuations relative to earnings. Value stocks, representing mature companies with steady revenue streams, provide greater stability and predictability than the more volatile growth stocks. So as the economy slows, investor preferences shift to the safety of firms with reliable dividends and strong fundamentals.

Dividends from value stocks

Contrary to growth stocks, value stocks often pay dividends. In times of economic uncertainty, this tangible return on investment can be especially appealing as it offers a return even when market prices are volatile.

Let’s delve into the details of these top picks and explore what makes each one a standout in the current market landscape.

Our top 5 value stocks right now

1. Urban Outfitters (URBN) 📈

Urban Outfitters runs various store brands including Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Bhldn, Terrain, and Free People, catering to different demographics with a range of products from fashion and beauty to home goods and wellness items. Urban Outfitters operates stores in the United States, Canada, and Europe, along with a women’s apparel subscription rental service, and was founded in 1970 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

What makes URBN an attractive value stock?

Urban Outfitters is a leader in retail on various accounts. The company’s top line shows solid growth with 6% revenue growth projected for 2025 and 2026. Margins are robust putting EBITDA margin at around the 10% mark. Finally, Urban is on very sound financial footing with no financial debt outstanding.

2. Ebay (EBAY) 📈

Ebay operates global marketplace platforms, including ebay.com and related mobile apps, enabling users to list, buy, sell, and pay for items through various channels. These platforms support transactions among retailers, distributors, liquidators, and other commerce participants. Ebay was founded in 1995. It is headquartered in San Jose, California.

What makes EBAY an attractive value stock?

Coming in at a 2025 PE ratio of just 12.6x, we like EBAY for its strong focus on shareholder value. Sitting on a solid market position, EBAY has bought back over $21bn in shares over the past year – an amount that is close to the stock’s current market capitalization of $28bn.

3. Renaissance Re (RNR) 📈

RenaissanceRe offers reinsurance and insurance products globally, focusing on Property, Casualty and Specialty segments. The Property segment covers natural and man-made catastrophes, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and terrorism, through various reinsurance products. The Casualty and Specialty segment includes a wide range of insurance products like medical malpractice, professional indemnity, general liability, and cyber risk. Founded in 1993, the company operates primarily through intermediaries and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

What makes RNR an attractive value stock?

Value investors can currently buy RNR for as little as 6x 2024 earnings. Besides being cheap, the stock brings a great deal of stability to investor portfolios. Market correlation is limited, as the stock’s beta is just 0.27x. Revenue is projected to grow at a rate of 16% in 2024 as RNR’s investment portfolio generates significantly higher income following the rise in interest rates over the past couple of years.

4. Cabot Corporation (CBT) 📈

Cabot Corporation produces specialty chemicals and performance materials through its Reinforcement Materials, Performance Chemicals, and Purification Solutions segments. The company provides reinforcing carbons for tires and industrial products, specialty carbons for various applications, and engineered elastomer composites. Additionally, Cabot offers fumed silica, fumed alumina, aerogels for thermal insulation, and activated carbon products for purification and environmental solutions. Founded in 1882, Cabot Corporation is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

What makes CBT an attractive value stock?

We like CBT for its strong profitability focus. The company is among the most profitable players in its industry. The analyst consensus sees 20% upside relative to the current stock price.

5. Federated Hermes (FHI) 📈

Federated Hermes, Inc. is a publicly owned asset management holding company founded in 1955 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with offices in New York City and London. It provides asset management services to a diverse range of clients, including individuals, institutions, and government entities, managing various investment portfolios through its subsidiaries. The firm invests globally in equity and fixed income markets, employing both fundamental and quantitative analysis, and targets a wide range of asset classes and securities.

What makes FHI an attractive value stock?

FHI is an attractive value stock on multiple accounts. With an asset utilization rate of close to 15%, it’s one of the most profitable companies in its industry. FHI’s shareholders surely appreciate a dividend yield of 6.4%. It makes FHI both a value and high yield dividend stock.

Value stocks – a good option to stay invested in turbulent times

Against the current market backdrop, these five value stocks currently stand out as particularly attractive investments due to their stability and consistent performance during periods of economic uncertainty. Unlike growth stocks, which often rely on future earnings potential and can be more volatile, value stocks typically represent companies with strong fundamentals, reliable dividends, and established market positions, making them less susceptible to market fluctuations. As economic growth slows, the resilience and steady returns of value stocks offer a more secure investment option for investors seeking to navigate turbulent times.

Important Notice

This article is not investment advice. We cannot predict whether these stocks will go up or down. Our analysis is centered entirely on publicly available information. Please do your own homework prior to making an investment decision.