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HIW vs. GLPI: Which Stock Should Value Investors Buy Now?

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Investors interested in REIT and Equity Trust - Other stocks are likely familiar with Highwoods Properties (HIW - Free Report) and Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI - Free Report) . But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks? Let's take a closer look.

There are plenty of strategies for discovering value stocks, but we have found that pairing a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system produces the best returns. The proven Zacks Rank puts an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, while our Style Scores work to identify stocks with specific traits.

Right now, Highwoods Properties is sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), while Gaming and Leisure Properties has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). This system places an emphasis on companies that have seen positive earnings estimate revisions, so investors should feel comfortable knowing that HIW is likely seeing its earnings outlook improve to a greater extent. But this is just one piece of the puzzle for value investors.

Value investors analyze a variety of traditional, tried-and-true metrics to help find companies that they believe are undervalued at their current share price levels.

Our Value category grades stocks based on a number of key metrics, including the tried-and-true P/E ratio, the P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share, as well as a variety of other fundamentals that value investors frequently use.

HIW currently has a forward P/E ratio of 8.64, while GLPI has a forward P/E of 12.95. We also note that HIW has a PEG ratio of 2.23. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. GLPI currently has a PEG ratio of 3.29.

Another notable valuation metric for HIW is its P/B ratio of 1.46. Investors use the P/B ratio to look at a stock's market value versus its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. By comparison, GLPI has a P/B of 3.33.

These metrics, and several others, help HIW earn a Value grade of B, while GLPI has been given a Value grade of D.

HIW 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 HIW is likely the superior value option right now.


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Highwoods Properties, Inc. (HIW) - free report >>

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (GLPI) - free report >>

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