Value investing has created more billionaires than any other strategy, like Warren Buffett, who built his fortune by purchasing wonderful businesses at reasonable prices. But these hidden gems are few and far between - many stocks that appear cheap often stay that way because they face structural issues.
Identifying genuine bargains from value traps is something many investors struggle with, which is why we started StockStory - to help you find the best companies. That said, here is one value stock with strong fundamentals and two best left ignored.
Two Value Stocks to Sell:
American Airlines (AAL)
Forward P/E Ratio: 8.3x
One of the ‘Big Four’ airlines in the US, American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) is a major global air carrier that serves both business and leisure travelers through its domestic and international flights.
Why Do We Pass on AAL?
- Demand for its offerings was relatively low as its number of revenue passenger miles has underwhelmed
- Below-average returns on capital indicate management struggled to find compelling investment opportunities
- 6× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio shows it’s overleveraged and increases the probability of shareholder dilution if things turn unexpectedly
American Airlines’s stock price of $12.44 implies a valuation ratio of 8.3x forward P/E. If you’re considering AAL for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Affiliated Managers Group (AMG)
Forward P/E Ratio: 9.7x
Using a partnership approach that preserves entrepreneurial culture at its portfolio companies, Affiliated Managers Group (NYSE: AMG) is an investment firm that acquires stakes in boutique asset management companies while allowing them to maintain operational independence.
Why Do We Think Twice About AMG?
- Products and services are facing end-market challenges during this cycle, as seen in its flat sales over the last five years
- Earnings growth over the last two years fell short of the peer group average as its EPS only increased by 4.4% annually
Affiliated Managers Group is trading at $242.87 per share, or 9.7x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including AMG in your portfolio.
One Value Stock to Buy:
Chart (GTLS)
Forward P/E Ratio: 14.7x
Installing the first bulk Co2 tank for McDonalds’s sodas, Chart (NYSE: GTLS) provides equipment to store and transport gasses.
Why Do We Love GTLS?
- Demand is greater than supply as the company’s 31.9% average backlog growth over the past two years shows it’s securing new contracts and accumulating more orders than it can fulfill
- Earnings per share grew by 28% annually over the last two years, massively outpacing its peers
- Free cash flow margin expanded by 9.6 percentage points over the last five years, providing additional flexibility for investments and share buybacks/dividends
At $199.49 per share, Chart trades at 14.7x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.
Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.
