Is Newell Brands a Hidden Value Trap? Unpacking the Risks and Rewards

An In-depth Analysis of Newell Brands' Financial Health and Investment Potential

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Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is Newell Brands Inc (NWL, Financial). Currently priced at $10.21, the stock recorded a loss of 3.13% in a day and a 3-month increase of 18.62%. The fair valuation of Newell Brands (NWL), as indicated by its GF Value, is $17.83. But before making an investment decision, a more in-depth analysis is necessary.

Understanding GF Value

The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from GuruFocus' exclusive method. The GF Value Line on the summary page provides an overview of the fair value that the stock should trade at. This value is calculated based on historical multiples, GuruFocus adjustment factor, and future estimates of business performance. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. Conversely, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher.

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Identifying Potential Value Traps

Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with Newell Brands (NWL, Financial) should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Altman Z-score of 0.69. These indicators suggest that Newell Brands, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap, underlining the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making.

Altman Z-Score: A Measure of Financial Health

The Altman Z-score, invented by New York University Professor Edward I. Altman in 1968, is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. The Altman Z-Score combines five different financial ratios, each weighted to create a final score. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk.

A Snapshot of Newell Brands

Now, let's take a closer look at Newell Brands. An American global consumer goods company, Newell Brands operates through five segments: Commercial Solutions, Home Appliances, Home Solutions, Learning and Development, Outdoor and Recreation. The Learning and Development segment generates most of the revenue for the firm, offering products ranging from baby gear and infant care products to writing instruments and activity-based adhesive and cutting products.

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Newell Brands's Low Altman Z-Score: A Breakdown of Key Drivers

A dissection of Newell Brands's Altman Z-score reveals that the company's financial health may be weak, suggesting possible financial distress. This score, combined with the company's other financial metrics, indicates that Newell Brands might be a potential value trap.

Conclusion: Unveiling the Value Trap

Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, Newell Brands presents certain risk factors that should not be overlooked. Its low Altman Z-Score, coupled with other financial indicators, suggests a potential value trap. As always, thorough due diligence is crucial in making informed investment decisions.

GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Altman Z-Score using the following Screener: Walter Schloss Screen .

Disclosures

I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.