In this article, we will take a look at the 10 most profitable value stocks to invest in.

Rotating Back to Value Sectors is the Better Option

Value investing is essentially focused on looking at stocks trading at a discount to their intrinsic value. Such stocks happen to be more mature, less volatile and have strong fundamentals. 2024 has been significant for defensive and value stocks, especially considering that growth stocks have been trading at high valuations all year round. Analysts expect the Magnificent Seven to shed their valuation significantly and investors continue to remain cautious amid a turbulent market environment.

On October 22, Brian Mulberry, Zacks Investment Management client portfolio manager, joined Wealth! on Yahoo Finance to discuss his market thesis and share why he prefers value stocks over growth stocks under the current macroeconomic backdrop. The S&P 500, in terms of the broader market, is currently trading at 22 times its forward earnings. Speaking of the magnificent seven, their valuations are getting a bit “top-heavy” and have been consistently trading between the mid to high 30s, adds Mulberry.

READ ALSO 10 Stocks with Consistent Growth to Buy and 8 Most Undervalued Value Stocks To Buy According To Analysts.

On the flip side, looking at utilities’ earnings growth and forward P/E, these companies are trading at a FWD P/E of only 9 or 10. Additionally, within these sectors, multiple better-performing individual stocks are expected to post sustainable or “durable earnings growth.“

Mulberry suggests that investors can do much better at current valuation levels if they are rotating back to some traditional sectors and value stocks. He adds that the big banks also expect to report strong earnings and will continue to do so as the interest rates go down even further in 2025.

Value stocks not only have stronger fundamentals, but they also have legacy businesses with sustainable business models. With the current backdrop of uncertainty, many analysts and strategists alike believe that low-risk and value businesses are the best bets for investors. That said, let’s take a look at the 10 most profitable value stocks to invest in.

Our Methodology

To come up with the 10 most profitable value stocks to invest in we used the Finviz stock screener to identify stocks in value-oriented sectors like consumer staples, financials, energy, healthcare, and more, with forward PE ratios of less than 15, positive 10-year revenue growth rates, and positive trailing 12-month net income. We then examined the hedge fund sentiment of each stock and picked the most popular ones. Our list is in ascending order of the number of hedge fund holders as of Q2 2024 primarily and 10-year revenue growth rates, forward P/E, and TTM net income secondarily.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

10 Most Profitable Value Stocks To Invest In

10. Arch Capital Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:ACGL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37

Forward P/E as of October 23, 2024: 11.9

10 Year Revenue Growth Rate: 15.2%

Trailing 12 Month (TTM) Net Income (June 30): $5.41 Billion

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:ACGL) ranks 10th on our list of the most profitable value stocks to invest in. The insurance company provides specialty insurance, reinsurance, and mortgage insurance solutions.

The company’s former chairman introduced a unique underwriting process, called the “Insurance Clock,” under which the company can measure the insurance underwriting cycle. Three decades later, the company is still working around the same Insurance Clock, contributing to its efficacy and high customer value. In the second quarter of 2024, Arch Capital Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:ACGL) logged $3.78 billion in revenue, up by 10.3% year-over-year. As of June 30, the company had $5.41 billion in trailing 12-month net income and $17.4 billion in total net reserves.

The company is consistently working to expand its market share and position in the industry. On August 1, the company’s insurance business, Arch Insurance, closed the acquisition of Allianz’s US MidCorp and Entertainment insurance business. Nearly 500 employees from Allianz joined Arch Capital Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:ACGL), expanding its position as an emerging provider of middle-market insurance services.

The company’s position in the industry is not an exaggeration. As of June 30, Arch Capital Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:ACGL) had $65.5 billion in total assets and wrote gross premiums worth $20.1 billion. Analysts are also bullish on the stock and their median price target represents an upside of 15% from current levels.

Baron Partners Fund stated the following regarding Arch Capital Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:ACGL) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:

“Specialty insurer Arch Capital Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:ACGL) contributed to performance after reporting positive financial results that exceeded Street expectations. Operating ROE was 21% in the first quarter, and book value per share rose 40% due to strong underwriting profitability and the establishment of a deferred tax asset at the end of 2023. Favorable conditions persist in the P&C insurance market with strong growth and attractive returns despite signs of increasing competition. We continue to own the stock due to Arch’s capable management team and our expectation of significant growth in earnings and book value.”

9. Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FANG)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44

Forward P/E as of October 23, 2024: 10.8

10 Year Revenue Growth Rate: 37.8%

Trailing 12 Month (TTM) Net Income (June 30): $3.48 Billion

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FANG) is an oil and natural gas company. The company is engaged in the acquisition, development, and exploration of onshore oil and natural gas reserves.

On September 10, Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FANG) closed a merger deal with Endeavor Energy Resources, L.P., positioning FANG as a leading energy and independent oil company in the United States. The agreement was signed earlier in February and was worth a staggering $26 billion, inclusive of Endeavor’s net debt. The two well-established companies have now come together to deliver significant cost reductions and differentiated value propositions. The transaction will deliver annual synergies of $550 million, representing $3 billion in net present value (at a 10% discount) over the next 10 years.

As a consequence of its solid financial performance and successful merger completed on September 10, Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FANG) revised its third quarter and capital guidance on October 1. In the third quarter of 2024, the company expects oil production to reach 319 to 321 MBO/d (one thousand barrels of oil per day) and expects capital expenditure to range between $675 million and $700 million.

Overall, the company has an immense focus on generating free cash flow and the merger is expected to bring solid gains in the cash flow department. In addition to that, the merger will also enhance Diamondback Energy’s (NASDAQ:FANG) position in the industry. Analysts are also bullish on the stock and their median price target represents an upside of 19% from current levels.

ClearBridge Investments ClearBridge Select Strategy stated the following regarding Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FANG) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter:

“Our final addition was Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FANG), a leading oil and gas producer that agreed to acquire fellow exploration and production company Endeavor Energy Resources in the quarter. The deal should allow Diamondback to capture operating synergies and streamline costs by reducing rig redundancies and optimizing production techniques. Endeavor has previously prioritized double-digit production growth over capital discipline, leading to the quick depletion of its core inventory in the oil-rich Midland Basin. Diamondback’s focus on free cash flow generation should allow the combined entity, which we consider an evolving opportunity, to rein back its production levels and extend the longevity of this high-quality acreage to fund cash returns. Diamondback replaces the energy exposure the portfolio will lose with the pending acquisition of top 15 holding Pioneer Natural Resources by Exxon Mobil.”

8. Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46

Forward P/E as of October 23, 2024: 10.6

10 Year Revenue Growth Rate: 10.7%

Trailing 12 Month (TTM) Net Income (June 30): $3.51 Billion

Cenovus Energy (NYSE:CVE) is one of the most profitable value stocks to invest in. The company is based in Canada and is engaged in the production and exploration of natural gas and crude oil. The company owns several oil and gas fields and operations in oil sands and refining.

Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) has multiple projects lined up. Its new pipeline to Christina Lake is expected to be operational by the end of 2024 and will be able to deliver oil by the middle of 2025. In addition to that, the company also initiated two well pads at Sunrise, expected to be completed by the end of this year.

During the second quarter of 2024, the company produced an average of 800,800 barrels of oil per day. As for its crude oil, the company’s refineries produced an average of 568,900 barrels per day, up by 17,800 barrels from the previous quarter.

By June 30, Cenovus Energy (NYSE:CVE) had a net debt worth of $4.26 billion, and in July the company managed to achieve its target of $4 billion. Consequently, the company will now be able to level up its returns to its shareholders, explaining why 46 hedge funds were bullish on the stock at the close of Q2 2024, according to Insider Monkey’s database.

The company is an important player in the energy segment. Cenovus Energy (NYSE:CVE) is currently trading at 10.6 times its forward earnings, a discount of 11% to the sector median, and analysts expect CVE to grow its earnings by 4.5% this year. Analysts are also bullish on the stock and their median price target represents an upside of 37% from current levels.

L1 Capital L1 Long Short Fund stated the following regarding Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter:

“Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) (Long +20%) shares performed strongly as the WTI oil price increased 16% to ~US$83/bbl, while refining margins in the U.S. Midwest improved dramatically from a low base. During March, Cenovus’s 2024 investor day was well received, where its 5-year outlook for the business included growth in upstream production of around 150m bbl/d above the current 800m bbl/d and a material turnaround of its downstream refining business. Over the next five years, the company expects to generate C$32b of cumulative free cash flow based on a US$75/bbl WTI oil price, a highly attractive prospect given its current market cap of ~C$51b. Furthermore, it has committed to return 100% of excess cash flow back to investors once it reaches its C$4b net debt target (expected in 2024). Cenovus’s strong cash flow generation, combined with the long-life nature of its oil sands assets and its low cost of production, make it one of our preferred Energy exposures.”

7. Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 48

Forward P/E as of October 23, 2024: 13.7

10 Year Revenue Growth Rate: 10.9%

Trailing 12 Month (TTM) Net Income (June 30): $1.31 Billion

Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA) is a diversified energy company that ranks seventh on our list of the most profitable value stocks to invest in. The oil and gas company is engaged in the development, exploration, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States.

During the second quarter of 2024, Coterra Energy’s (NYSE:CTRA) net income hit $220 million, and cash flow from operating activities was recorded at $558 million. In addition to that, oil and natural gas production exceeded the high end of expectations, and capital expenditures were close to the low end of the guidance. Consequently, the company has increased guidance of total barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) production by 1% and oil production by 2.4% for the full year 2024.

Overall, Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA) is an investor’s favorite because it is committed to returning 50% of free cash flow or more to shareholders and has returned 103% year-to-date.

Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA) has exceptionally strong fundamentals, contributing to its ranking on our list. Not only that, but the company also has a well-planned and thought-out plan. For the second half of 2024 and 2025, the company is committed to making significant investments in oil and gas. Analysts are bullish on the stock and their median price target represents an upside of 29% from current levels.

6. Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 48

Forward P/E as of October 23, 2024: 8.95

10 Year Revenue Growth Rate: 27.5%

Trailing 12 Month (TTM) Net Income (June 30): $2.82 Billion

Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is a managed care company that is based in Missouri, United States. The company provides high-quality healthcare to families and individuals. The company has 28.5 million managed care members, amounting to 1 in 15 individuals across the nation. Its products and services include Medicaid, medicare, and health insurance.

In the second quarter of 2024, Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) logged $39.84 billion in revenue, up by nearly 5.9%. The company attributes its revenue growth to its diversified portfolio, which helped the company stay on track. In addition to that, the company is working to improve its offerings and deliver long-term profitability through operational efficacy.

From recognitions to partnerships, the second quarter of 2024 has been quite a feat for Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC). To align with its goal of expansion and to maintain its growth trajectory, on October 2, Ambetter Health, its health insurance business, shared plans to expand to 60 new counties in the United States. In 2024, the segment stood as one of the biggest health insurance businesses, providing insurance to over 4.4 million members.

Overall, Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is one of the best value stocks to invest in, explaining why 48 hedge funds were bullish on the stock at the close of Q2 2024, according to Insider Monkey’s database. The stock is also cheap, trading at 9 times forward earnings, a discount of 58% to the sector median. Additionally, analysts polled by Yahoo Finance expect the stock to grow its earnings by slightly over 2% this year.

Harris Associates’ Oakmark Select Fund stated the following regarding Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:

“Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is one of the largest health insurers in the U.S. The company specializes in three major government-sponsored programs: Medicaid, Marketplace and Medicare Advantage, each of which benefits from long-term secular tailwinds. In Medicaid, states are steadily outsourcing their programs to companies like Centene to reduce costs and improve care quality. Managed Medicaid penetration has increased throughout the past decade and we expect further gains over time. In Marketplace, growth is driven by the trend toward more individuals buying health insurance. Centene holds the #1 market share in both of these programs and is well positioned to capitalize on their continued growth. Finally, we believe management is successfully turning around Centene’s Medicare business and expect the division to generate positive earnings over time. After adjusting for losses stemming from Centene’s Medicare business, we were able to purchase shares at a single-digit P/E multiple, which we think is too cheap for a leading, secularly growing Medicaid company and an improving Medicare business.”

5. Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60

Forward P/E as of October 23, 2024: 12.3

10 Year Revenue Growth Rate: 17.8%

Trailing 12 Month (TTM) Net Income (August 31): $4.15 Billion

Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) is a home construction company that ranks fifth on our list of the most profitable value stocks to invest in right now. The company has constructed more than 1 million homes in the United States since 1954. It also provides mortgage financing, title, and closing services. Its Multifamily segment makes high-quality rental properties.

The company is consistently expanding to increase its dominance in the industry. On October 18, Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) expanded into St. Geroge, Utah, to bring innovative and inclusive homes to the community. The first community in the area will offer 98 single-story and two-story homes. Sales are expected to commence in December 2024. Previously on October 2nd and October 4th, the company expanded into Rochester with three new communities, and across the Piedmont Triad with new homes in Caleb’s Creek.

Speaking of financials, Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) has a solid track record. In the third quarter of 2024, the company logged revenues worth $9.4 billion, up by nearly 8% year-over-year. During the same quarter, deliveries increased by 16% to 21,516 homes. In addition to that, by the end of Q3 2024, the company had a backlog of over 16,900, representing a dollar value of $7.7 billion.

As rates go lower, Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) is hopeful to experience a stronger demand cycle. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the company expects to deliver between 22,500 and 23,000 homes. Overall, the company boasts strong fundamentals and expects to maintain and strengthen its liquidity.

4. CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60

Forward P/E as of October 23, 2024: 8.7

10 Year Revenue Growth Rate: 10.6%

Trailing 12 Month (TTM) Net Income (June 30): $7.19 Billion

CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) ranks fourth on our list of the most profitable value stocks to invest in. The healthcare company provides insurance services, offers pharmaceutical benefits, and has a retail pharmacy chain. The company provides affordable healthcare to more than 100 million people. Aetna, its health insurance business, covers almost 39 million people with their medical plans, medicare plans, dental plans, behavioral health programs, and Medicaid services.

CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) has been leveraging its health expertise to improve the way customers access their services. On October 16, the company’s insurance business, Aetna, introduced SimplePay Health. The new service is an alternative health plan aimed at meeting the diverse needs of self-insured clients. The plan reduces costs for customers and improves health outcomes.

To align with its goals, on October 1, Aetna announced its medicare plans for 2025. The plan is focused on meeting the most important health needs of members by ensuring people have access to reliable and affordable healthcare when needed. In 2025, Aetna will expand its Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans to 44 states including Washington DC, bringing the total count to 2,259 counties, accessible by 59 million Medicare-eligible beneficiaries. In addition to that, 83% of Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the United States will have access to a $0 monthly premium Medicare Advantage (MA) by Aetna.

CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) not only has an expansive and loyal customer base, but it is also improving its plans and services continuously to ensure its customers are retained for the long term. Speaking of financials, while the company is profitable, it expects to improve its profit margin in 2025, which is supported by cost-saving initiatives.

Ariel Investments’ Ariel Global Fund stated the following regarding CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:

“American healthcare company, CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS), also declined following disappointing earnings results and a subsequent reduction in full year guidance. The miss was primarily due to increased utilization of Medicare Advantage plans and weakness in the health services segment driven by the loss of a large client and continued pharmacy client price improvements. In response, management reiterated its focus on improving margins and enhancing its positioning in Medicare Advantage. CVS believes the program can remain an attractive business for Aetna and CVS Health over time and will construct its bid for 2025 as a multi-year repricing opportunity across plan level benefits. Meanwhile, CVS continues to return capital to shareholders through dividends and a recent accelerated share repurchase transaction.”

3. D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62

Forward P/E as of October 23, 2024: 12.4

10 Year Revenue Growth Rate: 17.5%

Trailing 12 Month (TTM) Net Income (June 30): $4.98 Billion

D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI) is a home construction company that was founded in 1978. It sells homes in more than 113 markets across 33 states in the United States. D.R. Horton made its first home in 1978 and by 2023 it had completed 1 million homes. The company also provides insurance services and mortgage services.

In the fiscal third quarter of 2024, D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI) logged $10 billion in consolidated revenues, up by 2%. Of this, its homebuilding segment accounted for most of the revenue in FQ3 2024, at $9.2 billion, up by 6%. For the nine months ended June 30, 2024, the company generated $26.8 billion in revenues, compared to $25 billion during the same period in fiscal year 2023. Similarly, for the nine months that ended June 30, 2024, home-building revenue increased by 9% to reach $25 billion, up from $22.9 billion during the same period in the fiscal year 2023. In the first nine months of FY 2024, the company closed more than 66,000 homes, up by 10% year-over-year.

D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI) is the largest builder in 3 of the top 5 housing markers in the United States, and in 52 of 118 markets in which they operated as of September 30, 2023. Its dominance in the housing industry is what contributes to its ranking on our list. DHI is also focused on enhancing operational efficiency by improving its sales pace, managing pricing for each community, optimizing land and home inventory levels, and increasing market share.

Based on its market share and strong financial performance, D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI) is one of the most profitable value stocks to invest in. The stock was held by 62 hedge funds at the close of Q2 2024. Analysts are also bullish on the stock and their median price target represents an upside of 15% from current levels.

Ariel Investments’ Ariel Global Fund stated the following regarding D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:

“We also added positions in two of the largest homebuilders in the U.S., D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI) and Lennar Corporation. We think the U.S. housing market will continue to experience healthy demand due to substantial supply shortages resulting from a lack of construction following the global financial crisis. Against this favorable backdrop, we believe both companies are well-positioned to capitalize on recent affordability issues driven by rising housing prices, with their entry level, single-family-focused business models.”

2. The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 66

Forward P/E as of October 23, 2024: 11.1

10 Year Revenue Growth Rate: 20.5%

Trailing 12 Month (TTM) Net Income (June 30): $3.71 Billion

The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a managed healthcare and insurance company that ranks second on our list of the most profitable value stocks to invest in. The company serves its customers through two segments, Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services. Cigna Group provides health services to more than 178 million customers across 30 countries and jurisdictions. Some of its services include health insurance plans, individual insurance plans, family plans, dental plans, and related medical plans.

Thanks to its diversified portfolio, the company delivered strong financial results in the second quarter of 2024 and expects to carry forward the trend in Q3 2024. During the second quarter of 2024, The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) generated $60.5 billion in revenues, up by 25% year-over-year. Revenue was primarily driven by its growth in Evernorth Health Services. Adjusted income from operations, on the other hand, grew by 5% year-over-year.

Speaking of customer relationships, The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) witnessed an increase in customers by 13% to reach 186.2 million, from December 31, 2023. Its customer relationships consist of people covered under a medical insurance policy, a managed care arrangement, or a service arrangement issued by Cigna. For the full year 2024, the company expects revenues to reach at least $235 billion and projects adjusted income from operations to reach at least $8.07 billion.

The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) immensely benefits from its diversified business model and expansive customer base. The company is extremely focused on maintaining strong customer relationships and acquiring new ones in different markets. In addition to that, the stock is currently trading at 11 times its forward P/E, a discount of 47% to its sector median. Analysts polled by Yahoo Finance expect CI to increase earnings by nearly 14% this year.

1. Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 73

Forward P/E as of October 23, 2024: 12.7

10 Year Revenue Growth Rate: 9.1%

Trailing 12 Month (TTM) Net Income (September 30): $6.42 Billion

Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) ranks first on our list of the most profitable value stocks to invest in. Formerly referred to as Anthem, Inc., Elevance Health is now a prominent health benefits company in the United States.

The company has been ensuring it provides customers with the best health plans ever since its inception. To maintain and strengthen its legacy, on October 1, Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) unveiled its 2025 Medicare Advantage Plans. The company intends to offer personalized medicare advantage plans to almost 40.3 million consumers across 23 states in the United States.

In the fiscal third quarter of 2024, Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) generated revenue worth $44.7 billion and an adjusted operating gain of $2.4 billion. Of this, its health benefits segment generated $38.3 billion in revenue, up by $1.5 billion year-over-year. The company also generated operating cash flow worth $2.7 billion, up by $0.1 billion year over year.

The company has a diversified portfolio that contributes to its ranking on our list, positioning it as a leader in the medicare plans business. Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) is a value stock with strong fundamentals, having grown its revenue by 9.1% over the past 10 years.

Artisan Partners’ Artisan Select Equity Fund stated the following regarding Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:

“The top contributors to performance for the quarter were Alphabet, Lam Research and Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV). Elevance shares rose 5% during the quarter. The business has been performing well and has delivered good profit growth this year, despite a flat top line. It has largely navigated the challenges related to Medicaid redeterminations, which have caused temporary volatility in membership and health care utilization levels. Its vertical integration strategy is gaining traction, with strong revenue and profit growth at its Carelon Services business. Elevance’s shares are trading at 13X earnings, which is a very attractive investment proposition for a durable business that expects long-term earnings growth of over 12%.”

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