How do I start value investing?

Value investing requires a lot of research. Start by understanding all the different metrics and ratios that value investors use. You'll have to do your homework by going through many out-of-favor stocks to measure and model a company's intrinsic value and compare that to its current stock price. Often, you'll have to look at dozens of companies before you find a single one that's a true value stock for the long term.

What are value vs. growth stocks?

Value investing and growth investing are two different investing styles. Usually, value stocks present an opportunity to buy shares for less than their actual value, and growth stocks exhibit above-average revenue and earnings growth potential.

What are value stock ETFs?

An exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests in value stocks uses specific criteria to find companies whose intrinsic values substantially exceed the market values implied by their stock prices. By investing in a wide range of undervalued companies, value stock ETFs confer instant portfolio diversification. Buying shares in a value stock ETF can be a safe and easy way to invest in companies in cyclical industries.

Are undervalued stocks good to buy?

Undervalued stocks can pay off handsomely if you are correct in your analysis. Typically, buying an otherwise healthy stock when its price is down is a good move.

How to tell if a stock is undervalued?

You can tell if a stock is undervalued by comparing it to its historical valuation. If it's down significantly, there's a good chance it's undervalued. You can also compare a stock to its peers to see if it's undervalued. Make sure to take into account growth rates as well.

Can undervalued stocks generate higher returns?

Yes, undervalued stocks can generate higher returns because investors can benefit from the valuation increasing, known as multiple expansion, as the stock brings in more investors. However, a stock doesn't have to be undervalued to deliver strong returns.

What industries tend to have more undervalued stocks?

To find undervalued stocks, it's better to look in industries that are out of favor. Often, cyclical stocks in the industrials, financials, or consumer discretionary sectors are a good place to look for undervalued stocks.

How does market sentiment affect an undervalued stock?

Market sentiment certainly plays a role in valuation. In the case of undervalued stocks, you're more likely to find them when market sentiment is weak, and stocks are down. In roaring bull markets, it's harder to find undervalued stocks.

5 Most Undervalued Stocks to Buy in 2026

By Jeremy Bowman – Updated Mar 14, 2026 at 12:32 AM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Undervalued stocks may trade below value due to short-term concerns, not fundamental flaws.
These stocks often have solid profit prospects, trading at discounts compared to peers.
Not all cheap stocks are bargains; some may be 'value traps' with declining prospects.

Despite a bull market that began in 2023, value investors hunting for a good bargain can still find undervalued companies hiding in plain sight.

An undervalued stock is a publicly traded company that's trading for less than it should be, often because of overblown short-term concerns rather than any fundamental problem with the business. These companies tend to be consistently profitable, carry attractive long-term growth prospects, and trade at a discount to peers and to the future profits they're expected to generate. For patient, buy-and-hold investors, they can represent some of the best opportunities in the market.

That said, not every cheap stock is a bargain. Some stocks are cheap for a reason: slowing growth, mounting losses, or intensifying competition. These are known as value traps, and they're worth avoiding even if the price looks tempting on the surface.

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Top 5 most undervalued stocks in 2026

Ticker Information Table
Company name	Market cap	Dividend yield	Industry
Berkshire Hathaway	$1.1 trillion	0.00%	Diversified Financial Services
Lululemon Athletica Inc.	$13.8 billion	0.00%	Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods
Micron Technology	$768.6 billion	0.07%	Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment
British American Tobacco	$143.9 billion	4.83%	Tobacco
Lennar	$20.6 billion	2.39%	Household Durables

Data as of May 19, 2026. Showing 5 of 5 tickers.

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1. Berkshire Hathaway

NYSE: BRKB

Berkshire Hathaway

Today's Change

(1.00%) $4.83

Current Price

$487.53

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.1T

Day's Range

$481.00 - $489.33

52wk Range

$455.19 - $516.85

Volume

Avg Vol

4.8M

Gross Margin

23.70%

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No list of value stocks would be complete without famed investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A +0.85%)(BRK.B +1.00%).

Because it is a holding company, buying shares of Berkshire Hathaway gives you exposure to a private portfolio of insurance businesses (GEICO, among others), one of the largest railroads in the U.S. (BNSF Railway), an energy and utility conglomerate (including a huge renewable energy division), and various other enterprises that span industries from candy to apparel.

When it comes to public companies, Berkshire also holds significant stakes in Apple (AAPL -0.85%), Bank of America (BAC +1.85%), American Express (AXP -0.33%), Chevron (CVX +2.63%), and Coca-Cola (KO +0.47%).

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2. Lululemon Athletica

NASDAQ: LULU

Lululemon Athletica Inc.

Today's Change

(0.94%) $1.12

Current Price

$120.26

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$14B

Day's Range

$118.38 - $121.80

52wk Range

$118.38 - $340.25

Volume

4.8K

Avg Vol

2.9M

Gross Margin

56.54%

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Lululemon Athletica offers an example of a different kind of undervalued stock: a turnaround play.

Lululemon, the company that pioneered the athleisure category, has long been seen as a growth stock and carried a premium valuation. However, in 2025, the stock tumbled, losing more than 50% of its value at one point, as comparable sales growth in the core Americas segment turned negative.

The challenges got bad enough that CEO Calvin McDonald said he was stepping down, and the company would begin a search for the next CEO.

A combination of product missteps and weak consumer spending in North America has sunk the stock, but those seem to be problems the company can overcome with time. Additionally, it's delivering strong growth in China and is still opening new stores domestically and around the world, showing it has a long runway for growth.
In March 2026, the stock traded at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 15 based on its updated guidance for the year. That's almost half the price of the S&P 500 for a stock that still has a lot of long-term growth potential.

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3. Micron Technology

NASDAQ: MU

Micron Technology

Today's Change

(-5.81%) $-42.12

Current Price

$682.54

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$769B

Day's Range

$663.28 - $756.73

52wk Range

$90.93 - $818.67

Volume

11K

Avg Vol

45M

Gross Margin

58.54%

Dividend Yield

0.07%

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Micron (MU -5.81%) is a maker of memory chips and an integrated device manufacturer (IDM), meaning that it both designs and manufactures its chips.

Memory chips are notoriously cyclical as demand and prices can fluctuate wildly due to inventory gluts or changes in end-user demand. Nonetheless, Micron has historically been a winner on the stock market even as the stock has gone through multiple cycles.

These days, Micron's sales are booming thanks to AI, as the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips that Micron chips play a crucial role in AI servers. Its biggest customer is Nvidia (NVDA -1.38%), and analysts expect sales to jump 111% in fiscal 2026 and 36% the following year. Due to the leverage inherent in its business, profits are set to soar. Even with those expectations, the stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of just 12. If the company can meet or exceed those expectations, the stock looks significantly undervalued at that valuation.

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4. British American Tobacco

NYSE: BTI

British American Tobacco

Today's Change

(1.94%) $1.26

Current Price

$66.35

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$144B

Day's Range

$65.73 - $66.66

52wk Range

$43.85 - $67.30

Volume

4.1K

Avg Vol

4.7M

Gross Margin

62.44%

Dividend Yield

4.83%

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British American Tobacco (BTI +1.94%) took a significant hit in late 2023 due to a $31.5 billion charge.

This was essentially the company writing off the value of many of its cigarette brands as worth much less than it had earlier estimated, given the industry's shift toward smokeless products.

Although the impairment affected BTI's earnings, future revenue, profit growth, and stock price, it was a non-cash-adjusting impairment.

Today, the company remains a free cash flow powerhouse, with trailing-12-month free cash flow of $9.3 billion. This robust cash flow supports a substantial dividend yield of almost 6%, with a very sustainable payout ratio of 60%.

Currently, the stock is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 12.6, which looks like a good price to pay for a strongly profitable company like British American Tobacco, even if its growth is roughly flat. Like most tobacco manufacturers, its operating margins are strong at 42%, thanks to its pricing power.

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5. Lennar

NYSE: LEN

Lennar

Today's Change

(1.85%) $1.52

Current Price

$83.82

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$21B

Day's Range

$82.73 - $85.42

52wk Range

$82.06 - $144.24

Volume

390

Avg Vol

Gross Margin

16.72%

Dividend Yield

2.39%

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Homebuilder stocks like Lennar (LEN +1.85%), one of the biggest homebuilders in the country, have historically been undervalued. Following the housing collapse during the Great Recession of 2007-09, the industry was largely viewed as too risky by a number of investors.

Scarred by the housing bubble, homebuilders have also been reluctant to ramp up activity, but Lennar has cleaned up its balance sheet and is generating steady profits. Meanwhile, a housing shortage in the U.S. has become worse, and according to some estimates, there's a deficit of around 4 million homes. Lennar should also benefit from the eventual easing of interest rates and the recovery of the housing market.

Currently, the stock looks well-priced at a P/E ratio of just 11.9, which is a good value for a sector leader that's poised to benefit from industry-level and macro tailwinds.

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Types of undervalued stocks

There's more than one reason why a stock could be undervalued. Let's take a look at the different types of undervalued stocks.

Undervalued industry: Some industries tend to be undervalued across the board. Automakers, for example, have historically traded at single-digit P/E ratios because the industry is highly cyclical, risky, and carries a lot of debt. Financials, which are also highly cyclical, also trade at low P/E ratios, and homebuilders fit this mold as well.

Turnaround plays: One classic opportunity with undervalued stocks is a turnaround play. These companies are that are struggling, but the challenges look temporary. The stock has fallen to reflect those challenges, and it will bounce back if the business turns around. Turning around a business isn't as easy as it sounds, and it's definitely not automatic. One example of this kind of stock is Nike, though its new management team is still overhauling the business.

Short-term pullbacks: Another opportunity that comes up is when a stock falls by double digits because of something like missing earnings one quarter or another fleeting piece of news. Wall Street tends to exaggerate short-term events, and if the fundamentals and the underlying business remain solid, these sell-offs present good buying opportunities.

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Why do stocks become undervalued?

Stocks can fall below their true value for several reasons, and understanding those reasons is key to separating genuine bargains from value traps.

Short-term market bias is one of the most common culprits. A single bad earnings report can trigger a steep sell-off, even if the long-term business remains intact. These overreactions can set up attractive entry points for investors willing to look past a rough quarter.
Macro conditions like rising interest rates can also depress valuations across entire sectors, regardless of individual company quality. These conditions are typically temporary, and buying cyclical or rate-sensitive stocks during periods of macro weakness has historically been a winning strategy.
Narrative mismatch is another factor. When AI stocks were soaring, investors poured money into that story and largely ignored everything else, even high-quality businesses with solid fundamentals. Stocks that don't fit the prevailing market narrative can quietly become some of the best values around.

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How to find undervalued stocks

There's no universal formula for finding undervalued stocks, but a few metrics can point you in the right direction. Don't just focus on whether a stock looks "cheap" relative to its 52-week low -- prices can always go lower. Instead, evaluate the underlying business.

Profitability: Look at key metrics like operating margin and profit margin. Consistently high margins relative to peers indicate strong profitability.
Return on equity (ROE): ROE measures how effectively a company uses shareholders' equity to generate profits. A higher ROE, typically above 10%, is a good sign of management efficiency and profitability.
Return on assets (ROA): ROA indicates how efficiently a company uses its assets to generate profit. ROAs above 5% are generally considered good, but can vary by industry.
Price-to-earnings ratio: The P/E ratio measures how much investors are paying for a company's earnings. Comparing the P/E ratio to that of the S&P 500 is one way to get a sense of the relative value of a stock. You can also compare a company's P/E ratio to its peers.
Price-to-book ratio (P/B): A P/B ratio under 1 suggests the stock may be undervalued, but be cautious, as a very low P/B could indicate underlying problems. Compare it with the industry average for context.
Earnings growth: Sometimes a stock is undervalued for a reason, such as poor growth prospects. Check the company's historical and projected earnings growth rates. Consistent growth is a positive indicator, while declining earnings could be a red flag.
EV/EBITDA: This ratio compares a company's enterprise value (EV) to its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). It provides a more comprehensive view than the P/E ratio because it factors in a company's debt. Ensure you compare the EV/EBITDA ratio to peers within the same sector to gauge relative value.

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Benefits and risks of undervalued stocks

Like any other group of stocks, there are both benefits and risks to investing in undervalued stocks. Let's take a look at both sides of the coin here.

Benefits:

Undervalued stocks are well set up to outperform the market. If the investment thesis is correct, the stock should outperform as the price moves higher to reflect the true value of the stock.
Undervalued stocks often pay higher dividend yields since yields go up as price goes down.
They tend to be lower-risk stocks since their price is already down.

Risks:

The biggest risk in undervalued stocks is that you're wrong in your assessment and that the stock is a value trap.
The stock can remain undervalued for longer than you expect.
Market conditions change and push the stock even lower.

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How to invest in undervalued stocks

Open your brokerage app: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.

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Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake with undervalued stocks is confusing a value trap for a genuine bargain. The key distinction: undervalued stocks face temporary headwinds, while value traps are declining businesses whose low valuations reflect permanently diminished prospects. It's not always an easy call, but asking whether the company's core problem is fixable is a good starting point.

Timing is another pitfall. Even when you've correctly identified an undervalued stock, buying too early can mean watching it fall further before it recovers. Stocks tied to macroeconomic factors, like interest rates or economic growth, can stay depressed longer than expected. Building a position gradually rather than all at once can help manage that risk.

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FAQ

Undervalued Stocks FAQ

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About the Author

Jeremy Bowman has been a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst, covering technology, consumer goods, and macroeconomic trends since 2011. Before The Motley Fool, Jeremy was a newspaper reporter, restaurant manager, and English teacher abroad. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Colorado College and a master’s degree in business administration from American University. One of his Motley Fool headlines was briefly featured on Late Night with Stephen Colbert.

TMFHobo

@TMFBowman

Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Jeremy Bowman has positions in Bank of America, Lululemon Athletica Inc., Micron Technology, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Chevron, Lennar, Lululemon Athletica Inc., Micron Technology, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends British American Tobacco P.l.c. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

5 Most Undervalued Stocks to Buy in 2026

Key Points

Top 5 most undervalued stocks in 2026

1. Berkshire Hathaway

Key Data Points

2. Lululemon Athletica

Key Data Points

3. Micron Technology

Key Data Points

4. British American Tobacco

Key Data Points

5. Lennar

Key Data Points

Types of undervalued stocks

Why do stocks become undervalued?

How to find undervalued stocks

Benefits and risks of undervalued stocks

How to invest in undervalued stocks

Common mistakes to avoid

Related investing topics

Best Up-and-Coming Companies to Invest in for 2026

6 Best Growth ETFs to Buy in 2026: Are They Right for Your Portfolio?

Top 9 Safest ETFs to Buy in 2026

9 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for May 2026

FAQ

Undervalued Stocks FAQ

How do I start value investing?

How do I start value investing?

What are value vs. growth stocks?

What are value vs. growth stocks?

What are value stock ETFs?

What are value stock ETFs?

Are undervalued stocks good to buy?

Are undervalued stocks good to buy?

How to tell if a stock is undervalued?

How to tell if a stock is undervalued?

Can undervalued stocks generate higher returns?

Can undervalued stocks generate higher returns?

What industries tend to have more undervalued stocks?

What industries tend to have more undervalued stocks?

How does market sentiment affect an undervalued stock?

How does market sentiment affect an undervalued stock?

About the Author

Read Next

Stocks Mentioned

Premium Investing Services

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Types of undervalued stocks

Why do stocks become undervalued?

How to find undervalued stocks

Benefits and risks of undervalued stocks

How to invest in undervalued stocks

Common mistakes to avoid

Best Up-and-Coming Companies to Invest in for 2026

6 Best Growth ETFs to Buy in 2026: Are They Right for Your Portfolio?

Top 9 Safest ETFs to Buy in 2026

9 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for May 2026

Undervalued Stocks FAQ

How do I start value investing?

How do I start value investing?

What are value vs. growth stocks?

What are value vs. growth stocks?

What are value stock ETFs?

What are value stock ETFs?

Are undervalued stocks good to buy?

Are undervalued stocks good to buy?

How to tell if a stock is undervalued?

How to tell if a stock is undervalued?

Can undervalued stocks generate higher returns?

Can undervalued stocks generate higher returns?

What industries tend to have more undervalued stocks?

What industries tend to have more undervalued stocks?

How does market sentiment affect an undervalued stock?

How does market sentiment affect an undervalued stock?