10 Best High Quality Magic Formula Stocks for January 2026
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Market Overview & Selection Criteria
In the current market environment, investors seek high-quality undervalued stocks with strong fundamentals amid volatility in commodities, consumer goods, and growth sectors. This stock watchlist features 10 stocks selected using ValueSense's proprietary screening methodology, focusing on Quality rating above 6.5, attractive intrinsic value compared to market positioning, robust ROIC, healthy FCF margins, and diversified sector exposure. These picks emphasize companies generating significant free cash flow, with revenue growth potential and manageable debt profiles, ideal for best value stocks portfolios. Selection prioritizes the "Magic Formula" inspired criteria—high returns on capital paired with strong earnings power—filtered through ValueSense tools for undervalued stocks to buy.
Featured Stock Analysis
Stock #1: Unilever PLC (UL)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $161.4B |
| Quality Rating | 7.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $107.3 |
| 1Y Return | 16.0% |
| Revenue | €120.1B |
| Free Cash Flow | €14.5B |
| Revenue Growth | 2.5% |
| FCF margin | 12.1% |
| Gross margin | 71.3% |
| ROIC | 32.1% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 160.7% |
Investment Thesis
Unilever PLC (UL) stands out as a consumer staples giant with a Market Cap of $161.4B and a Quality rating of 7.2. Its intrinsic value of $107.3 suggests significant undervaluation, supported by steady Revenue of €120.1B and Free Cash Flow of €14.5B. Despite modest Revenue growth of 2.5%, the company boasts impressive Gross margin of 71.3% and ROIC of 32.1%, indicating efficient capital allocation in a stable sector. FCF margin at 12.1% provides resilience, even with elevated Total Debt to Equity of 160.7%. Over the past year, UL delivered a 16.0% 1Y Return, positioning it as a defensive play for value-oriented analysis.
Key Catalysts
- Exceptional gross margin 71.3% drives profitability in essential goods.
- High ROIC 32.1% reflects superior operational efficiency.
- Strong Free Cash Flow €14.5B supports dividends and buybacks.
Risk Factors
- Modest revenue growth 2.5% amid competitive consumer markets.
- High Total Debt to Equity 160.7% vulnerable to interest rate shifts.
Stock #2: BHP Group Limited (BHP)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $156.1B |
| Quality Rating | 6.6 |
| Intrinsic Value | $65.2 |
| 1Y Return | 28.0% |
| Revenue | $107.3B |
| Free Cash Flow | $20.7B |
| Revenue Growth | (10.1%) |
| FCF margin | 19.3% |
| Gross margin | 48.7% |
| ROIC | 28.5% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 46.9% |
Investment Thesis
BHP Group Limited (BHP), a mining leader with Market Cap $156.1B, earns a Quality rating of 6.6 and intrinsic value of $65.2, highlighting undervaluation potential. Revenue reached $107.3B, fueled by Free Cash Flow of $20.7B and a solid FCF margin of 19.3%, despite Revenue growth contraction of 10.1%. Gross margin at 48.7% and ROIC of 28.5% underscore resource sector strength, with Total Debt to Equity at a reasonable 46.9%. The 1Y Return of 28.0% reflects commodity cycle recovery, making BHP a key pick for commodities stock picks.
Key Catalysts
- Robust Free Cash Flow $20.7B and FCF margin 19.3% for reinvestment.
- Strong ROIC 28.5% in high-demand mining operations.
- Balanced debt levels 46.9% enhance financial flexibility.
Risk Factors
- Negative revenue growth (10.1%) tied to commodity price swings.
- Cyclical exposure to global mining demand fluctuations.
Stock #3: Ambev S.A. (ABEV)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $38.5B |
| Quality Rating | 7.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $2.3 |
| 1Y Return | 35.0% |
| Revenue | R$90.5B |
| Free Cash Flow | R$20.6B |
| Revenue Growth | 9.8% |
| FCF margin | 22.8% |
| Gross margin | 51.8% |
| ROIC | 25.3% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 3.1% |
Investment Thesis
Ambev S.A. (ABEV) offers beverage sector exposure with Market Cap $38.5B, Quality rating 7.2, and intrinsic value $2.3 indicating deep value. Revenue of R$90.5B pairs with Free Cash Flow R$20.6B, boasting FCF margin 22.8% and Revenue growth 9.8%. Gross margin 51.8%, ROIC 25.3%, and ultra-low Total Debt to Equity 3.1% signal financial health. 1Y Return of 35.0% highlights growth momentum for investment opportunities in emerging markets.
Key Catalysts
- Solid revenue growth 9.8% in Latin American beverages.
- High FCF margin 22.8% and low debt 3.1%.
- Efficient ROIC 25.3% supports expansion.
Risk Factors
- Currency risks from Brazilian Real (R$) exposure.
- Regional economic volatility impacting consumer spending.
Stock #4: Gold Fields Limited (GFI)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $38.0B |
| Quality Rating | 8.0 |
| Intrinsic Value | $39.4 |
| 1Y Return | 209.8% |
| Revenue | $10.9B |
| Free Cash Flow | $2,046.4M |
| Revenue Growth | 24.6% |
| FCF margin | 18.7% |
| Gross margin | 43.1% |
| ROIC | 42.7% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 40.9% |
Investment Thesis
Gold Fields Limited (GFI) shines in precious metals with Market Cap $38.0B, top Quality rating 8.0, and intrinsic value $39.4. Explosive 1Y Return of 209.8% accompanies Revenue $10.9B, Free Cash Flow $2,046.4M, and Revenue growth 24.6%. FCF margin 18.7%, Gross margin 43.1%, and ROIC 42.7% demonstrate mining prowess, balanced by Total Debt to Equity 40.9%. Ideal for gold stock picks in inflationary hedges.
Key Catalysts
- Stellar 1Y Return 209.8% and revenue growth 24.6%.
- Exceptional ROIC 42.7% from gold production ramps.
- Healthy FCF generation $2,046.4M.
Risk Factors
- Gold price dependency creates volatility.
- Operational risks in mining jurisdictions.
Stock #5: Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (HMY)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $12.1B |
| Quality Rating | 7.3 |
| Intrinsic Value | $16.1 |
| 1Y Return | 130.8% |
| Revenue | ZAR 103.7B |
| Free Cash Flow | ZAR 14.9B |
| Revenue Growth | 18.9% |
| FCF margin | 14.4% |
| Gross margin | 35.7% |
| ROIC | 39.8% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 4.6% |
Investment Thesis
Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (HMY) provides gold exposure at Market Cap $12.1B, Quality rating 7.3, and intrinsic value $16.1. 1Y Return 130.8% reflects strength, with Revenue ZAR 103.7B, Free Cash Flow ZAR 14.9B, and Revenue growth 18.9%. FCF margin 14.4%, Gross margin 35.7%, ROIC 39.8%, and low Total Debt to Equity 4.6% position it as a high-return value play.
Key Catalysts
- Strong 1Y Return 130.8% and revenue growth 18.9%.
- High ROIC 39.8% and minimal debt 4.6%.
- Solid Free Cash Flow (ZAR 14.9B).
Risk Factors
- South African ZAR currency and political risks.
- Gold market cyclicality.
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Stock #6: Pearson plc (PSO)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $9,194.0M |
| Quality Rating | 7.1 |
| Intrinsic Value | $21.5 |
| 1Y Return | -14.3% |
| Revenue | £7,069.0M |
| Free Cash Flow | £1,140.0M |
| Revenue Growth | (6.4%) |
| FCF margin | 16.1% |
| Gross margin | 51.0% |
| ROIC | 28.0% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 41.6% |
Investment Thesis
Pearson plc (PSO), in education publishing, has Market Cap $9,194.0M, Quality rating 7.1, and intrinsic value $21.5. Despite 1Y Return -14.3% and Revenue growth 6.4%, Revenue £7,069.0M generates Free Cash Flow £1,140.0M with FCF margin 16.1%. Gross margin 51.0%, ROIC 28.0%, and Total Debt to Equity 41.6% suggest turnaround potential in digital learning.
Key Catalysts
- Healthy gross margin 51.0% and ROIC 28.0%.
- Steady FCF £1,140.0M for transformation.
- Undervalued intrinsic value positioning.
Risk Factors
- Negative revenue growth (6.4%) and 1Y Return -14.3%.
- Shift to digital education disruptions.
Stock #7: PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (PTCT)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $6,118.3M |
| Quality Rating | 7.4 |
| Intrinsic Value | $110.0 |
| 1Y Return | 67.3% |
| Revenue | $1,779.2M |
| Free Cash Flow | $702.5M |
| Revenue Growth | 97.5% |
| FCF margin | 39.5% |
| Gross margin | 96.6% |
| ROIC | 111.2% |
| Total Debt to Equity | (263.3%) |
Investment Thesis
PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (PTCT) in biotech shows Market Cap $6,118.3M, Quality rating 7.4, and high intrinsic value $110.0. Revenue growth 97.5% drives Revenue $1,779.2M and Free Cash Flow $702.5M, with FCF margin 39.5%, Gross margin 96.6%, and standout ROIC 111.2%. Negative Total Debt to Equity 263.3% reflects cash-rich balance sheet; 1Y Return 67.3% signals healthcare stock picks momentum.
Key Catalysts
- Explosive revenue growth 97.5% and ROIC 111.2%.
- High gross margin 96.6% in therapeutics.
- Strong 1Y Return 67.3%.
Risk Factors
- Negative debt to equity (263.3%) from cash burn history.
- Biotech pipeline and regulatory risks.
Stock #8: H&R Block, Inc. (HRB)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $5,643.1M |
| Quality Rating | 6.7 |
| Intrinsic Value | $110.0 |
| 1Y Return | -19.2% |
| Revenue | $3,770.7M |
| Free Cash Flow | $946.2M |
| Revenue Growth | 4.2% |
| FCF margin | 25.1% |
| Gross margin | 46.9% |
| ROIC | 45.2% |
| Total Debt to Equity | (370.5%) |
Investment Thesis
H&R Block, Inc. (HRB) in tax services has Market Cap $5,643.1M, Quality rating 6.7, and intrinsic value $110.0. Revenue $3,770.7M yields Free Cash Flow $946.2M (FCF margin 25.1%), Gross margin 46.9%, ROIC 45.2%, despite 1Y Return -19.2% and Revenue growth 4.2%. Negative Total Debt to Equity 370.5% indicates net cash strength.
Key Catalysts
- High ROIC 45.2% and FCF margin 25.1%.
- Seasonal cash generation reliability.
- Attractive intrinsic value upside.
Risk Factors
- Negative 1Y Return -19.2% from cyclical tax demand.
- Competition in digital filing space.
Stock #9: Kanzhun Limited (BZ)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $4,798.8M |
| Quality Rating | 7.5 |
| Intrinsic Value | $19.6 |
| 1Y Return | 53.3% |
| Revenue | CN¥8,012.6M |
| Free Cash Flow | CN¥4,221.4M |
| Revenue Growth | 12.7% |
| FCF margin | 52.7% |
| Gross margin | 84.5% |
| ROIC | 87.5% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 0.9% |
Investment Thesis
Kanzhun Limited (BZ), a job platform, features Market Cap $4,798.8M, top Quality rating 7.5, and intrinsic value $19.6. Revenue CN¥8,012.6M grows 12.7%, with Free Cash Flow CN¥4,221.4M (FCF margin 52.7%), Gross margin 84.5%, ROIC 87.5%, and minimal Total Debt to Equity 0.9%. 1Y Return 53.3% underscores China tech recovery.
Key Catalysts
- Exceptional FCF margin 52.7% and ROIC 87.5%.
- Steady revenue growth 12.7% in recruitment.
- Near-zero debt 0.9% for agility.
Risk Factors
- Geopolitical risks in Chinese markets.
- Economic slowdown affecting hiring.
Stock #10: Hess Midstream LP (HESM)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $4,203.9M |
| Quality Rating | 6.8 |
| Intrinsic Value | $135.0 |
| 1Y Return | -6.3% |
| Revenue | $1,610.4M |
| Free Cash Flow | $712.7M |
| Revenue Growth | 10.6% |
| FCF margin | 44.3% |
| Gross margin | 80.8% |
| ROIC | 25.9% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 889.8% |
Investment Thesis
Hess Midstream LP (HESM) in energy infrastructure has Market Cap $4,203.9M, Quality rating 6.8, and intrinsic value $135.0. Revenue $1,610.4M grows 10.6%, generating Free Cash Flow $712.7M (FCF margin 44.3%), Gross margin 80.8%, ROIC 25.9%. High Total Debt to Equity 889.8% reflects midstream leverage, offset by 1Y Return -6.3%.
Key Catalysts
- Strong FCF margin 44.3% and gross margin 80.8%.
- Stable revenue growth 10.6% from pipelines.
- High intrinsic value potential.
Risk Factors
- Elevated debt to equity 889.8% sensitive to rates.
- Energy price and volume volatility.
Portfolio Diversification Insights
This stock watchlist balances sectors: consumer staples (UL), mining/commodities (BHP, GFI, HMY), beverages (ABEV), education (PSO), biotech (PTCT), tax services (HRB), tech/job platforms (BZ), and energy midstream (HESM). Gold miners (GFI, HMY) hedge inflation, while UL and ABEV provide stability. High ROIC leaders like PTCT and BZ add growth, with average Quality rating ~7.2. Allocation: 40% commodities, 20% consumer, 20% growth/tech/health, 20% services—reducing correlation risks and enhancing portfolio diversification for investment ideas.
Market Timing & Entry Strategies
Consider entry during sector dips, such as commodity pullbacks for BHP/GFI/HMY or biotech volatility for PTCT. Monitor intrinsic value gaps widening on ValueSense; dollar-cost average into high ROIC names like BZ. Watch gold prices for miners, economic data for UL/ABEV. Use stock screener tools for ongoing validation, entering when Quality ratings hold amid 5-10% price corrections.
Explore More Investment Opportunities
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FAQ Section
How were these stocks selected?
These top stocks to buy now were screened using ValueSense criteria: Quality rating >6.5, strong ROIC, high FCF margins, and favorable intrinsic value vs. market cap, drawn from high-quality Magic Formula scans.
What's the best stock from this list?
Gold Fields (GFI) leads with Quality rating 8.0, 209.8% 1Y Return, and 42.7% ROIC, though "best" depends on risk tolerance—compare via ValueSense dashboards.
Should I buy all these stocks or diversify?
Diversification across sectors like commodities and consumer staples reduces risk; allocate based on portfolio needs rather than holding all, using ValueSense charting for correlations.
What are the biggest risks with these picks?
Key concerns include commodity cycles (BHP, GFI), high debt (UL, HESM), negative growth (PSO, HRB), and regional risks (ABEV, HMY, BZ)—always review Total Debt to Equity and macro factors.
When is the best time to invest in these stocks?
Optimal timing aligns with intrinsic value discounts expanding, sector rotations (e.g., gold rallies), or earnings beats; use ValueSense screeners for real-time undervalued stocks signals.