Best Value Stocks to Buy Now in April

Why It Matters

The screen offers investors a data‑driven way to capture undervalued stocks with strong earnings momentum, a rare opportunity amid a broadly overbought market.

Key Takeaways

• Zacks screen targets Rank #1 or #2 stocks with sub‑median P/E.
• Atlanticus Holdings surged 160% in two years, outpacing finance sector.
• Screen emphasizes earnings growth above industry median and positive revisions.
• ATLC trades at 55% discount to finance peers on forward earnings.
• Analysts project 72% revenue growth for ATLC in FY26.

Pulse Analysis

The early‑quarter rally sparked by big‑bank earnings has lifted major indices, but it also inflates tech valuations, prompting many investors to search for more grounded opportunities. Value‑oriented investors traditionally look for stocks priced below fundamental benchmarks, such as price‑to‑earnings (P/E) and price‑to‑sales (P/S) ratios, while still exhibiting solid earnings momentum. In a market that can swing quickly on macro headlines—from geopolitical tensions to policy shifts—having a systematic screen helps separate genuine bargains from temporary price distortions.

Zacks’ value screen, labeled bt_sow_value_method1, applies a disciplined filter: only stocks with Zacks Rank #1 or #2 are considered, ensuring a consensus bullish outlook. It then narrows the pool to companies trading under the median P/E and P/S for their industry, a clear indicator of relative cheapness. The final layer adds a requirement for earnings growth that outpaces the sector median and positive rating revisions, which together signal both current affordability and forward‑looking strength. This multi‑factor approach reduces reliance on any single metric and aligns with modern quantitative investing principles.

Atlanticus Holdings illustrates the screen’s potential. The fintech firm, which serves under‑banked consumers, has delivered a 160% share price gain over the past two years and trades at a 55% discount to its finance peers on a forward earnings basis. Zacks forecasts a 72% revenue jump in FY26, driven by expanding credit‑card and loan origination platforms, and expects adjusted earnings to rise 36% in FY26 and FY27. Such growth, combined with a sizable valuation gap, makes ATLC a compelling case study for investors seeking high‑conviction, value‑driven positions in a market that continues to chase growth narratives.