The Australian share market is at an almost all-time high, which makes it good for people who are invested but dangerous for any new money about to be put to work.
However, just because the market is expensive doesn't mean that every share is expensive. I think there are a few shares that still offer good value for the amount of expected growth over the next few years, such as these:
Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)
Bapcor is the leading auto parts business in Australia and New Zealand. Management have done a very good job of integrating its various acquisitions over the past couple of years. The current business now has several avenues of growth it can pursue and is working on growing its margins.
I think Bapcor could have a bumper FY18, indeed management have forecast 30% net profit after tax (NPAT) this year. Considering it's only trading at 24x FY17's earnings, I think the market could react well to its half-year report next month.
BWX Limited (ASX: BWX)
BWX is the natural skincare leader of Australia with its Sukin brand. The business is experiencing strong organic growth as consumers change their beauty habits in Australia and overseas in countries like the UK and Canada.
It has made a string of acquisitions over the last year and if it can pull them together then the USA market beckons with a lot of growth for BWX. It's currently trading at 29x FY18's estimated earnings, which could be good value if the potential growth eventuates.
Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)
Challenger is Australia's leading annuity provider and is creating a lot more growth every year as more retirees look for a safe place for their capital. I think Challenger could be the best finance stock to own over the next five years as I expect Challenger's assets under management (AUM) could grow strongly.
For such a promising growth story, Challenger is only trading at 21x FY18's estimated earnings.
Greencross Limited (ASX: GXL)
Greencross is Australia's leading pet industry company and there could be a lot more growth to come. The number of pets is growing with the human population and we are spending more on our pets.
The main reason I'm excited about Greencross is that it's implementing a co-location strategy to put a Greencross vet inside a Petbarn. This should increase margins by increasing revenue and decreasing costs for each store.
Greencross is currently trading at 17x FY18's estimated earnings with a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.24%.
Zenitas Healthcare Limited (ASX: ZNT)
Zenitas is the smallest stock on the list, but by no means does it mean that it's the worst one. The healthcare company is growing strongly organically thanks to Australia's ageing demographics.
The business continues making useful bolt-on acquisitions that should be earnings accretive and help boost margins in the long run.
Zenitas is currently trading at only 13x FY18's estimated earnings.
Foolish takeaway
I believe that all five shares will beat the market quite comfortably and that's why I'm a shareholder of all five businesses. I think Zenitas and Bapcor are trading at the best value, but all of them could be good long-term buys today.
