10 Best Publishing for October 2025
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Market Overview & Selection Criteria
The current market landscape is defined by volatility and sector rotation, with investors seeking resilient, undervalued opportunities across publishing, technology, and energy. Our selection methodology leverages ValueSense’s proprietary intrinsic value models, focusing on stocks with strong quality ratings, attractive valuations, and clear catalysts for future growth. Each pick is evaluated for financial health, sector positioning, and risk profile to build a diversified, high-potential watchlist.
Featured Stock Analysis
Stock #1: News Corporation (NWS)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $16.7B |
| Quality Rating | 6.8 |
| Intrinsic Value | $18.5 |
| 1Y Return | 5.8% |
| Revenue | $8,933.0M |
| Free Cash Flow | $571.0M |
| Revenue Growth | (11.4%) |
| FCF margin | 6.4% |
| Gross margin | 100.0% |
| ROIC | 7.7% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 31.3% |
Investment Thesis
News Corporation stands out as a global media conglomerate with a market cap of $16.7B and a ValueSense quality rating of 6.8. Despite a recent revenue decline (down 11.4% YoY), the company maintains robust free cash flow $571M and a healthy FCF margin 6.4%. Its intrinsic value is estimated at $18.5, suggesting potential upside from current levels. The company’s diversified portfolio across news, digital real estate, and book publishing provides resilience against sector-specific downturns.
Key Catalysts
- Ongoing digital transformation and monetization of digital assets
- Strong gross margin 100% supports profitability
- Strategic cost management and operational efficiency
- Potential for M&A activity in the media sector
Risk Factors
- Revenue contraction in traditional publishing segments
- Moderate leverage (Total Debt to Equity: 31.3%)
- Exposure to cyclical advertising markets
Stock #2: Pearson plc (PSO)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $9,819.9M |
| Quality Rating | 7.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $17.7 |
| 1Y Return | 9.2% |
| 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, a leader in global education publishing, boasts a market cap of $9.8B and a high quality rating of 7.2. With an intrinsic value of $17.7 and a one-year return of 9.2%, Pearson demonstrates resilience amid sector headwinds. The company’s strong free cash flow £1,140M and impressive FCF margin 16.1% reflect operational efficiency. Its focus on digital learning and assessment platforms positions it for long-term growth as education shifts online.
Key Catalysts
- Expansion of digital and online learning solutions
- High ROIC 28% and gross margin 51%
- Strong cash generation supports reinvestment and shareholder returns
- Strategic partnerships in emerging markets
Risk Factors
- Revenue decline (down 6.4% YoY) in legacy print segments
- Moderate leverage (Total Debt to Equity: 41.6%)
- Currency fluctuations impacting international revenue
Stock #3: The New York Times Company (NYT)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $9,089.4M |
| Quality Rating | 7.8 |
| Intrinsic Value | $30.8 |
| 1Y Return | 0.4% |
| Revenue | $2,688.6M |
| Free Cash Flow | $455.2M |
| Revenue Growth | 7.8% |
| FCF margin | 16.9% |
| Gross margin | 50.0% |
| ROIC | 24.0% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 0.0% |
Investment Thesis
The New York Times Company is a premier digital media brand with a $9.1B market cap and the highest quality rating in this collection 7.8. With a 7.8% revenue growth and a robust FCF margin 16.9%, NYT is capitalizing on the shift to digital subscriptions. Its intrinsic value of $30.8 suggests undervaluation relative to fundamentals. The company’s zero debt and high ROIC 24% highlight financial strength and operational discipline.
Key Catalysts
- Continued growth in digital subscriptions and advertising
- Expansion into podcasts and multimedia content
- Strong balance sheet with no debt
- Brand leadership in trusted journalism
Risk Factors
- Slower one-year return 0.4% versus peers
- Competitive digital media landscape
- Dependence on consumer sentiment and news cycles
Stock #4: Informatica Inc. (INFA)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $7,521.8M |
| Quality Rating | 6.0 |
| Intrinsic Value | $33.1 |
| 1Y Return | -7.6% |
| Revenue | $1,662.0M |
| Free Cash Flow | $425.0M |
| Revenue Growth | 1.2% |
| FCF margin | 25.6% |
| Gross margin | 78.7% |
| ROIC | 2.6% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 78.5% |
Investment Thesis
Informatica Inc. is a data management and cloud integration leader with a $7.5B market cap and a ValueSense quality rating of 6.0. The company’s intrinsic value of $33.1 points to potential upside, despite a modest 1.2% revenue growth and a negative one-year return -7.6%. Informatica’s high gross margin 78.7% and strong FCF margin 25.6% underscore its ability to generate cash in a competitive tech landscape.
Key Catalysts
- Growing demand for cloud data integration and analytics
- High free cash flow $425M enables strategic investments
- Expanding enterprise customer base
Risk Factors
- Elevated leverage (Total Debt to Equity: 78.5%)
- Modest revenue growth in a fast-evolving sector
- Intense competition from larger cloud providers
Stock #5: Post Holdings, Inc. (POST)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $5,764.4M |
| Quality Rating | 6.0 |
| Intrinsic Value | $151.0 |
| 1Y Return | -10.8% |
| Revenue | $7,921.2M |
| Free Cash Flow | $563.7M |
| Revenue Growth | 0.8% |
| FCF margin | 7.1% |
| Gross margin | 29.2% |
| ROIC | 6.5% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 183.4% |
Investment Thesis
Post Holdings, Inc. is a diversified consumer packaged goods company with a $5.8B market cap and a quality rating of 6.0. The company’s intrinsic value is $151.0, and while its one-year return is negative -10.8%, Post maintains steady revenue $7.9B and free cash flow $563.7M. Its broad product portfolio and focus on operational efficiency provide stability in uncertain markets.
Key Catalysts
- Product innovation and brand diversification
- Consistent free cash flow generation
- Strategic acquisitions in the food sector
Risk Factors
- High leverage (Total Debt to Equity: 183.4%)
- Low revenue growth 0.8%
- Margin pressure from commodity price volatility
Stock #6: TXNM Energy, Inc. (TXNM)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $5,300.1M |
| Quality Rating | 6.1 |
| Intrinsic Value | $62.4 |
| 1Y Return | 33.3% |
| Revenue | $2,031.4M |
| Free Cash Flow | ($790.6M) |
| Revenue Growth | 10.2% |
| FCF margin | (38.9%) |
| Gross margin | 64.0% |
| ROIC | 4.0% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 179.8% |
Investment Thesis
TXNM Energy, Inc. is an energy sector standout with a $5.3B market cap, quality rating of 6.1, and a strong one-year return 33.3%. The company’s intrinsic value is $62.4, and it has achieved double-digit revenue growth 10.2%. However, negative free cash flow -$790.6M and a high debt load reflect aggressive investment in growth and expansion.
Key Catalysts
- Strong revenue growth driven by energy demand
- Attractive gross margin 64%
- Potential for operational leverage as investments mature
Risk Factors
- Negative free cash flow and high leverage (Total Debt to Equity: 179.8%)
- Commodity price volatility
- Execution risk on capital projects
Stock #7: Polaris Inc. (PII)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $3,767.3M |
| Quality Rating | 5.1 |
| Intrinsic Value | $49.9 |
| 1Y Return | -18.3% |
| Revenue | $6,866.3M |
| Free Cash Flow | $417.4M |
| Revenue Growth | (16.6%) |
| FCF margin | 6.1% |
| Gross margin | 19.2% |
| ROIC | 2.7% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 164.2% |
Investment Thesis
Polaris Inc. is a leader in powersports vehicles with a $3.8B market cap and a quality rating of 5.1. The company’s intrinsic value is $49.9, but it has faced headwinds with a negative one-year return -18.3% and revenue contraction -16.6%. Despite these challenges, Polaris maintains a solid free cash flow $417.4M and is positioned for recovery as consumer demand stabilizes.
Key Catalysts
- New product launches and innovation in electric vehicles
- Brand strength in recreational and utility vehicles
- Cost management initiatives
Risk Factors
- High leverage (Total Debt to Equity: 164.2%)
- Sensitivity to consumer discretionary spending
- Margin compression from input costs
Stock #8: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLY)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $1,973.3M |
| Quality Rating | 6.1 |
| Intrinsic Value | $33.6 |
| 1Y Return | -26.5% |
| Revenue | $1,670.6M |
| Free Cash Flow | $129.4M |
| Revenue Growth | (8.5%) |
| FCF margin | 7.7% |
| Gross margin | 71.1% |
| ROIC | 8.6% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 126.0% |
Investment Thesis
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is a global publishing and education company with a $2.0B market cap and a quality rating of 6.1. The company’s intrinsic value is $33.6, but it has experienced a significant one-year decline -26.5%. Wiley’s strong gross margin 71.1% and positive free cash flow $129.4M support ongoing investment in digital transformation.
Key Catalysts
- Expansion of digital learning and research platforms
- High gross margin supports profitability
- Strategic cost reductions
Risk Factors
- Revenue decline -8.5% and negative investor sentiment
- High leverage (Total Debt to Equity: 126.0%)
- Competitive pressures in academic publishing
Stock #9: Gannett Co., Inc. (GCI)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $520.5M |
| Quality Rating | 5.8 |
| Intrinsic Value | $14.0 |
| 1Y Return | -36.2% |
| Revenue | $2,390.1M |
| Free Cash Flow | $43.2M |
| Revenue Growth | (8.0%) |
| FCF margin | 1.8% |
| Gross margin | 53.5% |
| ROIC | 12.0% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 497.8% |
Investment Thesis
Gannett Co., Inc. is a major news publisher with a $520.5M market cap and a quality rating of 5.8. The company’s intrinsic value is $14.0, but it has faced significant challenges, including a -36.2% one-year return and declining revenue -8.0%. Despite these headwinds, Gannett generates positive free cash flow $43.2M and maintains a strong gross margin 53.5%.
Key Catalysts
- Digital transformation initiatives
- Cost restructuring and asset sales
- Potential for turnaround as digital revenue grows
Risk Factors
- Extremely high leverage (Total Debt to Equity: 497.8%)
- Ongoing revenue declines
- Execution risk on digital strategy
Stock #10: Agora, Inc. (API)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $81.5M |
| Quality Rating | 5.0 |
| Intrinsic Value | $67.2 |
| 1Y Return | 23.5% |
| Revenue | $133.6M |
| Free Cash Flow | ($23.3M) |
| Revenue Growth | (3.4%) |
| FCF margin | (17.5%) |
| Gross margin | 67.0% |
| ROIC | (17.2%) |
| Total Debt to Equity | 11.2% |
Investment Thesis
Agora, Inc. is a technology company specializing in real-time engagement platforms, with a market cap of $81.5M and a quality rating of 5.0. The company’s intrinsic value is $67.2, and it has delivered a 23.5% one-year return. Despite negative free cash flow -$23.3M and revenue contraction -3.4%, Agora’s high gross margin 67% and low leverage (Total Debt to Equity: 11.2%) provide a foundation for future growth.
Key Catalysts
- Expansion of real-time video and audio solutions
- High gross margin supports reinvestment
- Low debt enhances financial flexibility
Risk Factors
- Negative free cash flow and declining revenue
- Competitive pressures in the communications technology sector
- Execution risk on growth initiatives
Portfolio Diversification Insights
This collection spans publishing, technology, consumer goods, and energy, offering broad sector diversification. Media and publishing stocks (NWS, NYT, PSO, WLY, GCI) provide defensive qualities and stable cash flows, while technology picks (INFA, API) offer growth potential. Consumer and energy names (POST, TXNM, PII) add cyclical and commodity exposure, balancing risk and opportunity. The mix of high and moderate leverage, varying growth rates, and both positive and negative recent returns helps mitigate sector-specific risks and smooth portfolio volatility.
Market Timing & Entry Strategies
Given the current market volatility, staggered entry and dollar-cost averaging can help manage risk. Investors may consider monitoring technical support levels and earnings announcements for optimal entry points. Stocks with recent price weakness but strong fundamentals (e.g., NYT, WLY) may offer value opportunities, while momentum names (TXNM, API) could benefit from trend-following strategies. Always align entry timing with individual risk tolerance and market outlook.
Explore More Investment Opportunities
For investors seeking undervalued companies with high fundamental quality, our analytics team provides curated stock lists:
📌 50 Undervalued Stocks (Best overall value plays for 2025)
📌 50 Undervalued Dividend Stocks (For income-focused investors)
📌 50 Undervalued Growth Stocks (High-growth potential with strong fundamentals)
🔍 Check out these stocks on the Value Sense platform for free!
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FAQ Section
Q1: How were these stocks selected?
These stocks were chosen using ValueSense’s intrinsic value models, focusing on quality ratings, financial health, sector diversification, and clear growth catalysts as shown in the platform’s proprietary analysis.
Q2: What's the best stock from this list?
While each stock has unique strengths, The New York Times Company (NYT) stands out for its high quality rating, strong revenue growth, and zero debt, making it a compelling candidate for further analysis.
Q3: Should I buy all these stocks or diversify?
Diversification is key to managing risk. This list is designed to provide exposure across sectors, allowing investors to build a balanced portfolio rather than concentrating in a single stock or industry.
Q4: What are the biggest risks with these picks?
Risks include sector-specific headwinds (e.g., publishing disruption, commodity volatility), high leverage in some companies, and negative free cash flow in select names. Each stock’s risk profile is detailed in its analysis above.
Q5: When is the best time to invest in these stocks?
Optimal timing depends on market conditions, company-specific catalysts, and individual risk tolerance. Consider staggered entry, monitoring earnings, and using dollar-cost averaging to manage volatility.
For more in-depth analysis and the latest stock ideas, visit ValueSense and explore our full suite of research tools.