With the Australian market currently trading at an average price-to-earnings ratio of over 17 it is becoming increasingly hard for investors to find value in the market.
But if you look deep enough you'll find a few potential bargains out there. Three shares which I feel could be bargain buys today are as follows:
Money3 Corporation Limited (ASX: MNY)
Despite more than doubling in value this year this small loans provider's shares are still changing hands at just 10x estimated FY 2017 earnings according to CommSec. In August Money3 reported an impressive 54% jump in net profit after tax to $20 million. This solid growth is expected to continue for the next couple of years at least thanks to the strong performance of its auto loans segment. Furthermore, its shares are expected to provide an estimated fully franked 3.6% dividend over the next 12 months.
Pulse Health Limited (ASX: PHG)
I personally see Pulse Health as a junior version of private hospital giant Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC), but at the fraction of the size. This year Pulse grew underlying EBITDA by an impressive 38% thanks to the strong performance of its hospitals and day surgeries. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that management has forecast underlying EBITDA to come in higher by between 48% to 70% in FY 2017. So with its shares trading at 15x estimated forward earnings, I believe this growing company represents great value.
RXP Services Ltd (ASX: RXP)
Although its shares are just a touch below their 52-week high, RXP Services still looks to be great value in my opinion. In August the technology consulting services company delivered full year sales growth of 61% to $127.1 million, well ahead of management's guidance of $105 million. Whilst this is expected to slow, management still believes the strong demand for its services will result in sales growth between 10% and 15% for each of the next two years. With the company's operating performance helping to improve margins, I feel confident that earnings will grow at an even stronger rate. At under 12x full year earnings, RXP Services could prove to be a bargain buy.
