Just as we examine companies each week that may be rising past their fair value, we can also find companies potentially trading at bargain prices. While many investors would rather have nothing to do with companies tipping the scales at 52-week lows, I think it makes a lot of sense to determine whether the market has overreacted to the downside, just as we often do when the market reacts to the upside.
Here’s a look at three fallen angels trading near their 52-week lows that could be worth buying.
Pipeline of profits
I don’t often suggest trying to catch a falling knife or buying into an unproven company, as my Foolish colleague Travis Hoium summarized it, but if your fingers are quick enough and your risk tolerance is moderately high, then I feel you could snag Southcross Energy Partners LP (NYSE:SXE) for an attractive price after Thursday’s beat-down.
There was no question about Southcross’ fourth-quarter results; they were ugly! This master limited partnership involved in transporting, processing, and storing primarily natural gas and natural gas liquids reported a loss per unit of $0.17 on $151.7 million in revenue when a profit of $0.10 per unit and $160.2 million in revenue was expected. Southcross blamed weak natural gas liquid pricing, stagnant natural gas demand, and a myriad of unexpected costs that totaled $8.6 million for the uninspiring results.
However, Southcross remains on track to expand its processing capabilities and has put cost control strategies in place in order to see demonstrable results as quickly as May. Its 2013 capital expenditures, for instance, are now expected to be just $40 million to $50 million, down from prior guidance of $100 million to $125 million.
From an income perspective is where Southcross really gets attractive. Most flyby midstream investors wouldn’t give the company the time of day because most websites have extrapolated its yield at less than 4%. But Southcross’ $0.24 payout was prorated based on its IPO, which occurred in November. Southcross’ actual quarterly distribution should be $0.40 or greater, placing its current yield at a very attractive 7.9%. Considering that big investments are being made in midstream infrastructure, I’m willing to give Southcross a one-quarter pass on its earnings flub and feel it’ll deliver for investors over the long run.
Built to last
Last week I took a gamble by suggesting people look into domestic U.S. Steel producer AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE:AKS). This week, I’m going to once again stick with the steel sector and suggest you look overseas to Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (ADR) (NYSE:SID) , or CSN.
A lot of the same factors that prevailed in my assessment of why AK Steel could outperform in the future are applicable to CSN, which is a Brazilian steel products producer for the automotive and home markets. A World Trade Organization ruling last year should open up China’s market to increase overseas steel competition, which could play right into the hands of CSN and AK Steel. Furthermore, CSN has plenty of opportunity for growth at home in Brazil, where it generates more than 60% of its sales and where car sales hit an annual record in 2012 at 3.8 million units. With Brazil able to expand even as growth concerns exist in the U.S. and Europe, it gives CSN an advantage over many of the U.S.-based steel producers — even AK Steel.
The company’s 2012 loss is also very deceptive, as the underlying fundamentals of its business are improving. CSN saw a double-digit increase in fourth-quarter revenue as iron-ore prices continue to rebound, and EBITDA increased 14% from the year-ago quarter. It was actually a valuation writedown of shares it owns in rival Usiminas that dragged CSN’s full-year results to a loss. This is a one-time write-off and it’s not expected to have a lasting impact on CSN’s outlook moving forward.
If you’re looking for a “steel of a deal,” CSN just might be it.
