KWR vs. LIN: Which Stock Should Value Investors Buy Now?

KWR LIN

Investors looking for stocks in the Chemical - Specialty sector might want to consider either Quaker Chemical (KWR - Free Report) or Linde (LIN - Free Report) . But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks? Let's take a closer look.

We have found that the best way to discover great value opportunities is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with a great grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The Zacks Rank is a proven strategy that targets companies with positive earnings estimate revision trends, while our Style Scores work to grade companies based on specific traits.

Currently, Quaker Chemical has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), while Linde has a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell). Investors should feel comfortable knowing that KWR likely has seen a stronger improvement to its earnings outlook than LIN has recently. But this is only part of the picture for value investors.

Value investors also try to analyze a wide range of traditional figures and metrics to help determine whether a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.

The Style Score Value grade factors in a variety of key fundamental metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a number of other key stats that are commonly used by value investors.

KWR currently has a forward P/E ratio of 20.99, while LIN has a forward P/E of 26.57. We also note that KWR has a PEG ratio of 1. This figure is similar to the commonly-used P/E ratio, with the PEG ratio also factoring in a company's expected earnings growth rate. LIN currently has a PEG ratio of 2.54.

Another notable valuation metric for KWR is its P/B ratio of 2.11. The P/B is a method of comparing a stock's market value to its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. By comparison, LIN has a P/B of 4.41.

These are just a few of the metrics contributing to KWR's Value grade of B and LIN's Value grade of D.

KWR is currently sporting an improving earnings outlook, which makes it stick out in our Zacks Rank model. And, based on the above valuation metrics, we feel that KWR is likely the superior value option right now.

4 Oil Stocks with Massive Upsides

Global demand for oil is through the roof... and oil producers are struggling to keep up. So even though oil prices are well off their recent highs, you can expect big profits from the companies that supply the world with "black gold." 

Zacks Investment Research has just released an urgent special report to help you bank on this trend. 

In Oil Market on Fire, you'll discover 4 unexpected oil and gas stocks positioned for big gains in the coming weeks and months. You don't want to miss these recommendations. 

Download your free report now to see them.