9 Best Publishing for January 2026
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Market Overview & Selection Criteria
The publishing and media sectors face evolving challenges from digital transformation, shifting consumer habits, and economic pressures, yet opportunities emerge in companies showing resilient cash flows and undervaluation based on intrinsic metrics. This stock watchlist features 9 picks curated via ValueSense's proprietary screening for undervalued stocks with strong quality ratings, attractive intrinsic values relative to market caps, and balanced financial health indicators like ROIC, FCF margins, and debt levels. Selection prioritizes firms with Quality ratings above 5.0, positive free cash flow where possible, and sectors like media, energy, consumer goods, and tech for diversification. These top stocks to buy now highlight best value stocks in publishing-heavy themes, analyzed using ValueSense tools for educational insights into investment opportunities.
Featured Stock Analysis
Stock #1: News Corporation (NWS)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $16.8B |
| Quality Rating | 6.1 |
| Intrinsic Value | $16.8 |
| 1Y Return | -2.0% |
| Revenue | $8,500.0M |
| Free Cash Flow | $606.0M |
| Revenue Growth | (16.4%) |
| FCF margin | 7.1% |
| Gross margin | 74.8% |
| ROIC | 6.8% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 30.7% |
Investment Thesis
News Corporation (NWS) presents a balanced media profile with a Market Cap of $16.8B and a Quality rating of 6.1, trading at its Intrinsic value of $16.8, suggesting fair valuation in the publishing space. Despite a 1-year return of -2.0% and revenue contraction of 16.4% to $8,500.0M, the company maintains solid profitability with a Gross margin of 74.8%, FCF of $606.0M (7.1% margin), and ROIC of 6.8%. Moderate Total Debt to Equity at 30.7% supports financial stability, positioning NWS as a core holding for investors analyzing NWS analysis in undervalued media plays.
This analysis underscores NWS's high-margin operations amid sector headwinds, with consistent FCF generation providing a buffer for potential recovery in advertising and content revenues.
Key Catalysts
- High Gross margin 74.8% enables resilience in content monetization
- Steady Free Cash Flow $606.0M for reinvestment or dividends
- Manageable debt (30.7% Debt/Equity) aids balance sheet flexibility
Risk Factors
- Revenue decline (16.4% growth) signals digital transition challenges
- Modest 1Y Return -2.0% reflects market skepticism
- Competitive pressures in global media landscape
Stock #2: The New York Times Company (NYT)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $11.3B |
| Quality Rating | 7.8 |
| Intrinsic Value | $34.3 |
| 1Y Return | 33.8% |
| Revenue | $2,749.2M |
| Free Cash Flow | $536.5M |
| Revenue Growth | 8.4% |
| FCF margin | 19.5% |
| Gross margin | 51.6% |
| ROIC | 26.1% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 0.0% |
Investment Thesis
The New York Times Company (NYT) stands out with a Market Cap of $11.3B, strong Quality rating of 7.8, and Intrinsic value of $34.3, indicating significant upside potential. Boasting a robust 1Y Return of 33.8% and revenue growth of 8.4% to $2,749.2M, NYT delivers impressive FCF of $536.5M (19.5% margin), Gross margin of 51.6%, and top-tier ROIC of 26.1%. Zero Total Debt to Equity 0.0% highlights pristine financial health, making it a standout in NYT analysis for growth-oriented stock picks.
NYT's digital subscription momentum and profitability metrics position it as a leader in adapting traditional publishing to modern revenue streams.
Key Catalysts
- Exceptional ROIC 26.1% and FCF margin 19.5% drive efficiency
- Positive revenue growth 8.4% from digital expansions
- Debt-free balance sheet 0.0% enhances stability
Risk Factors
- Dependence on subscription model amid content saturation
- Potential economic slowdowns impacting ad revenues
- Valuation stretch if growth moderates
Stock #3: 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), with a Market Cap of $9,194.0M and Quality rating of 7.1, offers an Intrinsic value of $21.5 amid education publishing shifts. Facing a 1Y Return of -14.3% and revenue dip of 6.4% to £7,069.0M, it generates strong FCF of £1,140.0M (16.1% margin), Gross margin of 51.0%, and leading ROIC of 28.0%. Total Debt to Equity at 41.6% is reasonable, supporting PSO analysis as a value play in international learning markets.
PSO's high ROIC and FCF underscore operational strength despite growth hurdles, appealing for long-term undervalued stocks to buy.
Key Catalysts
- Superior ROIC 28.0% signals capital efficiency
- Robust FCF £1,140.0M for strategic acquisitions
- Solid Gross margin 51.0% in core education content
Risk Factors
- Revenue contraction (6.4% growth) from market adaptations
- Currency risks with £-denominated metrics
- Negative 1Y Return -14.3% amid sector volatility
Stock #4: TXNM Energy, Inc. (TXNM)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $5,490.3M |
| Quality Rating | 5.6 |
| Intrinsic Value | $73.9 |
| 1Y Return | 22.8% |
| Revenue | $2,109.3M |
| Free Cash Flow | ($555.8M) |
| Revenue Growth | 10.6% |
| FCF margin | (26.4%) |
| Gross margin | 56.4% |
| ROIC | 8.4% |
| Total Debt to Equity | (12.1%) |
Investment Thesis
TXNM Energy, Inc. (TXNM) features a Market Cap of $5,490.3M, Quality rating of 5.6, and compelling Intrinsic value of $73.9, highlighting deep undervaluation. With a 1Y Return of 22.8% and revenue growth of 10.6% to $2,109.3M, it shows Gross margin of 56.4% and ROIC of 8.4%, though FCF is negative at $555.8M (-26.4% margin). Negative Total Debt to Equity -12.1% reflects equity strength, positioning TXNM for TXNM analysis in energy-media crossovers.
Despite FCF challenges, growth and margins suggest capex-driven potential in utilities tied to content distribution.
Key Catalysts
- Strong revenue expansion (10.6% growth)
- Healthy Gross margin 56.4% supports operations
- Positive 1Y Return 22.8% indicates momentum
Risk Factors
- Negative FCF -$555.8M from high capex needs
- FCF margin strain -26.4%
- Sector regulatory exposures
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Stock #5: Post Holdings, Inc. (POST)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $5,372.9M |
| Quality Rating | 6.0 |
| Intrinsic Value | $133.7 |
| 1Y Return | -12.1% |
| Revenue | $8,158.1M |
| Free Cash Flow | $619.1M |
| Revenue Growth | 3.0% |
| FCF margin | 7.6% |
| Gross margin | 28.7% |
| ROIC | 6.1% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 197.2% |
Investment Thesis
Post Holdings, Inc. (POST) has a Market Cap of $5,372.9M, Quality rating of 6.0, and high Intrinsic value of $133.7, signaling undervaluation. 1Y Return of -12.1% accompanies modest revenue growth of 3.0% to $8,158.1M, with FCF of $619.1M (7.6% margin), Gross margin of 28.7%, and ROIC of 6.1%. Elevated Total Debt to Equity 197.2% warrants caution in this consumer-media adjacent play for POST analysis.
POST's FCF generation amid steady growth offers a foundation for deleveraging and expansion.
Key Catalysts
- Reliable FCF $619.1M for debt reduction
- Positive revenue trajectory (3.0% growth)
- Scalable operations in branded foods
Risk Factors
- High leverage (197.2% Debt/Equity)
- Subdued 1Y Return -12.1%
- Lower Gross margin 28.7% vs. peers
Stock #6: Polaris Inc. (PII)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $3,745.7M |
| Quality Rating | 5.3 |
| Intrinsic Value | $52.7 |
| 1Y Return | 19.7% |
| Revenue | $6,985.5M |
| Free Cash Flow | $581.4M |
| Revenue Growth | (9.4%) |
| FCF margin | 8.3% |
| Gross margin | 19.2% |
| ROIC | 1.8% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 112.0% |
Investment Thesis
Polaris Inc. (PII), at Market Cap $3,745.7M and Quality rating 5.3, trades below Intrinsic value $52.7. 1Y Return of 19.7% offsets revenue decline of 9.4% to $6,985.5M, with FCF $581.4M (8.3% margin), Gross margin 19.2%, and ROIC 1.8%. Total Debt to Equity of 112.0% is elevated, but supports PII analysis in recreational products with media synergies.
Resilient FCF amid cyclical pressures highlights defensive qualities.
Key Catalysts
- Solid FCF $581.4M generation
- Recent 1Y Return strength 19.7%
- Brand loyalty in powersports segment
Risk Factors
- Revenue drop (9.4% growth)
- High debt (112.0% Debt/Equity)
- Low ROIC 1.8%
Stock #7: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLY)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $1,621.3M |
| Quality Rating | 6.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $34.3 |
| 1Y Return | -31.6% |
| Revenue | $1,665.8M |
| Free Cash Flow | $148.3M |
| Revenue Growth | (5.3%) |
| FCF margin | 8.9% |
| Gross margin | 70.3% |
| ROIC | 8.9% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 130.3% |
Investment Thesis
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLY) boasts Market Cap $1,621.3M, Quality rating 6.2, and Intrinsic value $34.3. 1Y Return -31.6% pairs with revenue fall of 5.3% to $1,665.8M, yet FCF $148.3M (8.9% margin), high Gross margin 70.3%, and ROIC 8.9%. Total Debt to Equity 130.3% is notable for WLY analysis in academic publishing.
High margins provide a path for recovery in digital learning.
Key Catalysts
- Exceptional Gross margin 70.3%
- Decent ROIC 8.9% and FCF
- Pivot potential to online education
Risk Factors
- Sharp 1Y Return decline -31.6%
- Revenue contraction (5.3% growth)
- Debt burden 130.3%
Stock #8: Agora, Inc. (API)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $368.0M |
| Quality Rating | 5.4 |
| Intrinsic Value | $12.7 |
| 1Y Return | -7.6% |
| Revenue | $137.4M |
| Free Cash Flow | ($18.5M) |
| Revenue Growth | 1.9% |
| FCF margin | (13.4%) |
| Gross margin | 66.8% |
| ROIC | (8.3%) |
| Total Debt to Equity | 13.5% |
Investment Thesis
Agora, Inc. (API), small-cap at $368.0M Market Cap and Quality rating 5.4, has Intrinsic value $12.7. 1Y Return -7.6% with slight revenue growth 1.9% to $137.4M, but negative FCF $18.5M (-13.4% margin), Gross margin 66.8%, and ROIC -8.3%. Low Total Debt to Equity 13.5% aids API analysis in real-time engagement tech for media.
Growth in niche tech could turn profitability.
Key Catalysts
- High Gross margin 66.8%
- Modest revenue uptick 1.9%
- Low debt 13.5% for agility
Risk Factors
- Negative FCF and ROIC
- Small-cap volatility
- 1Y Return weakness -7.6%
Stock #9: Reading International, Inc. (RDI)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $24.1M |
| Quality Rating | 5.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $12.9 |
| 1Y Return | -21.0% |
| Revenue | $195.9M |
| Free Cash Flow | $5,029.0K |
| Revenue Growth | (0.7%) |
| FCF margin | 2.6% |
| Gross margin | (47.0%) |
| ROIC | 1.3% |
| Total Debt to Equity | (1,523.4%) |
Investment Thesis
Reading International, Inc. (RDI) is micro-cap at $24.1M Market Cap, Quality rating 5.2, near Intrinsic value $12.9. 1Y Return -21.0% with flat revenue 0.7% decline to $195.9M, minimal FCF $5,029.0K (2.6% margin), negative Gross margin -47.0%, and low ROIC 1.3%. Extreme Total Debt to Equity -1,523.4% reflects restructuring for RDI analysis in cinemas and real estate.
Turnaround potential in post-pandemic recovery.
Key Catalysts
- Intrinsic value alignment for speculation
- Positive albeit small FCF
- Diversified assets in entertainment
Risk Factors
- Negative Gross margin -47.0%
- High negative debt ratio
- Poor 1Y Return -21.0%
Portfolio Diversification Insights
These 9 stocks cluster around publishing stock picks (NWS, NYT, PSO, WLY), with extensions into energy (TXNM), consumer staples (POST), recreational (PII), tech (API), and entertainment (RDI), offering sector allocation across media 50%, consumer/energy 30%, and small-cap growth 20%. High-quality leaders like NYT (ROIC 26.1%) complement undervalued plays like TXNM (intrinsic $73.9), reducing correlation risks—publishing for steady margins, others for growth. This mix balances large-cap stability (NWS $16.8B) with micro-cap upside (RDI $24.1M), ideal for portfolio diversification in best value stocks.
Market Timing & Entry Strategies
Consider entry on dips below intrinsic values, such as NYT under $34.3 or POST below $133.7, using ValueSense charting for ROIC/FCF trends. Monitor quarterly earnings for revenue inflection (e.g., PSO's FCF strength), favoring positions post-corrections in media cycles. Scale in over 3-6 months for volatility, prioritizing quality ratings >7 (NYT, PSO) during economic softening, and pair with stock screener backtests for historical outperformance.
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FAQ Section
How were these stocks selected?
These 9 best stock picks were screened using ValueSense criteria emphasizing Quality ratings >5.0, favorable intrinsic values, ROIC, and FCF metrics, focusing on publishing and related undervalued opportunities for diversified stock watchlist analysis.
What's the best stock from this list?
NYT emerges with the highest Quality rating 7.8, top ROIC 26.1%, debt-free status, and 33.8% 1Y Return, ideal for investment ideas in strong media performers—though all offer unique educational insights.
Should I buy all these stocks or diversify?
Diversification across publishing heavyweights (NYT, PSO) and complements (TXNM, POST) mitigates risks like revenue declines; allocate based on risk tolerance rather than concentrating in one area for balanced stock picks.
What are the biggest risks with these picks?
Common concerns include revenue contractions (e.g., NWS -16.4%), high debt (POST 197.2%), and negative FCF (TXNM, API), alongside sector shifts—ValueSense ratings help quantify these for informed analysis.
When is the best time to invest in these stocks?
Target entries when prices approach intrinsic values (e.g., PSO $21.5) or post-earnings beats on growth metrics; use ValueSense heatmaps for timing amid media volatility, focusing on FCF-positive names like NYT.