Market Overview - Major U.S. stock market indices experienced a decline on February 3 due to a tech sell-off, particularly affecting software stocks as fears arose that AI could replace traditional software models [1] - Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and Iran, have added to market unease, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals in the current high-rate environment [2] Value Investing Focus - The current market conditions are driving a renewed focus on value investing, which seeks fundamentally strong stocks trading below their intrinsic value [11] - Earnings yield is a key metric for value investors, calculated as earnings per share (EPS) divided by the current stock price, indicating potential undervaluation [5] Stock Picks - Harmony Biosciences Holdings Inc. (HRMY) is noted for its focus on therapies for rare neurological disorders, with a projected 2026 sales growth of 17% and earnings growth of 27% [12] - Adecoagro S.A. (AGRO) is highlighted for its agricultural operations, with a projected 2026 sales growth of 30% and an impressive earnings growth of 452% [13] - Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) is recognized for its production of specialty nutrients and lithium derivatives, with projected sales growth of 55% and earnings growth of 181% by 2026 [14] - Angi, Inc. (ANGI) operates a digital marketplace for home services, with expected sales growth of 3% and earnings growth of 36% by 2026 [15] - PHINIA Inc. (PHIN) specializes in automotive systems, with projected sales growth of 2% and earnings growth of 15% by 2026 [16]
5 Value Picks Amid AI-Driven Tech Sell-Off & U.S.-Iran Tensions