Image Source: Value investors and income seekers will want to pay attention to several stocks that are standing out among the coveted Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) list.Edging toward new 52-week highs, here are three of these highly-ranked stocks that still stand out in terms of valuation while offering very generous dividends.Finance Stocks: AB & AXAHYThe financial sector has moved to new highs and two stocks mirroring this move are financial investment management firm AllianceBernstein ( – ) and multi-line insurance provider Axa Group ( – ).Trading near their 52-week peaks of just under $40 a share, AllianceBernstein and Axa Group’s stock are still at attractive forward earnings multiples of 12.1X and 9.9X respectively. Notably, this is nicely beneath the broader Zacks Financial Market’s average of 18X forward earnings and the benchmark S&P 500’s 24.6X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchPlus, AllianceBernstein is expecting 12% EPS growth in fiscal 2024 with Axa Group’s bottom line slated to increase 8%. Further suggesting they are undervalued is that high double-digit EPS growth is in the forecast for these finance stocks in FY25 and AllianceBernstein has a 7.75% annual dividend yield with Axa Group’s at 3.98%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchTechnology Services Leader: QFINIt’s a rarity to find a technology services stock that offers a significant dividend but Qifu Technology ( – ) has a 3.77% annual payout. Operating a credit-tech platform in China, the Shanghai-based company provides a comprehensive suite of services to assist financial institutions and consumers in the loan lifecycle.
Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchAttributed to the recent announcement of China’s economic stimulus, Qifu’s stock has rallied nearly +30% in the last month and has now soared over +100% year to date.Despite being one of the market’s top performers, QFIN trades at just 6.1X foward earnings. Trading near its one-year high of $33 a share, Qifu’s EPS is projected to increase 38% this year to $5.08 with annual earnings expected to expand another 6% in FY25.
Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchBottom LineThese top-rated stocks could be in store for higher highs considering their attractive earnings outlook makes their P/E valuations look cheap. Furthermore, AllianceBernstein, Axa Group, and Qifu Technology should be viable long-term investments with their generous dividends making them more attractive in this regard.More By This Author:3 Large-Cap Value Funds With Upside To Avoid Present Market Volatility Bull Of The Day: JD.com 4 Permian-Focused Energy Stocks To Put In Your Watchlist
Top Value Stocks Nearing 52-Week Highs With Stellar Dividends
