I'm buying JB Hi-Fi stock now while it's under $44

Here's one cheap ASX 200 share I would happily pick up today.

| More on:
person with large headphones looking puzzled holding their hand to their chin.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • 2022 has been kind to some ASX 200 shares, but cruel to others
  • Retailer JB Hi-Fi is in the latter camp
  • But here are two reasons I think JB Hi-Fi is a compelling buy

I'm seriously considering buying JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) stock right now. Especially at the current price of $42.22 (at the time of writing).

So why JB Hi-Fi? Well, two reasons.

The first is that this is undoubtedly a top-quality ASX 200 retail share. JB stores are ubiquitous across the shopping centres of Australia. It is the go-to store for many, if not a majority, of Australians looking to buy a new TV, record, game, or home appliance.

The company has employed innovative marketing and pricing strategies for years now and has proven to be adept at moving with the times. Its decision to branch out into home appliances a few years ago proved prudent, as the market for its traditional audio and electronics shifted. Today, it sells far more TVs and fridges than CDs, records, and hi-fi equipment.

We can see JB's quality in the numbers it posts. Over FY2022, this company managed to increase its sales by 3.5% to a record high of $9.23 billion. That includes online sales growth of 52.8%. This helped lift the company's net profit after tax (NPAT) by a healthy 7.7% to another record high of $545 million.

And yet this quality, which I think is on clear display, doesn't seem to be reflected in the current JB Hi-Fi share price. Which takes us to our second reason: JB Hi-Fi shares are cheap today.

JB Hi-Fi stock: cheap quality

How cheap? Well, for one, the company has lost close to 15% of its value over 2022 to date. It's also down more than 23% from its most recent all-time share price high.

But, more tellingly, the company is trading on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 8.9 right now. That's an incredibly low P/E ratio. Consider that ASX 200 bank share Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is sitting on a P/E of 19.57 today.

This low share price relative to JB's earnings gives it a rather massive trailing dividend yield of 7.5% today. That's fully franked too, so we can gross it up to a hefty 10.7% with that full franking.

I reckon JB shares are good value at anywhere under $44 a share. But under $43? I think we have a bargain here.

Sure, JB Hi-Fi is a discretionary retailer, and would probably get a whack next time there is a recession.

But in my view, there is almost zero chance this business will not be bigger, better, and more profitable in 10 years' time. So I'm seriously considering buying this company before 2022 is out.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Jb Hi-Fi. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Retail Shares

A little girls sings her heart out on stage with tinsel sparkling behind her, she is a star.
Retail Shares

Do you own Lovisa shares? It's dividend day!

Lovisa shareholders are getting a sparkling payment today.

Read more »

A woman standing on the street looks through binoculars.
Retail Shares

What is the earnings forecast to 2026 for Wesfarmers shares?

This stock could keep making enormous profits.

Read more »

A man and woman in an office look at a laptop and discuss investing, budget strategies or other financial concepts
Retail Shares

How much passive income would $10,000 in Wesfarmers shares generate?

The owner of Bunnings is paying pleasing dividends.

Read more »

a woman wearing fashionable clothes and jewellery checks her phone with a satisfied smile on her face in a luxurous home setting.
Retail Shares

This hot ASX 300 stock is down 30% since February. Is it a buy?

This stock has fallen hard, but should investors buy the dip?

Read more »

A man eases back onto his sofa, happy with the relaxed vibe from his furniture.
Retail Shares

Why I just sold half my shares in this ASX 300 stock even though I still love it!

I’m still a big fan of this business.

Read more »

Two fashionable asx investors dancing among confetti.
Retail Shares

2 'very high-quality' ASX retail shares with significant inside ownership

A fund manager has named two appealing stocks to own.

Read more »

A man sits on a bench atop a mountain with a laptop, making investments with a green ESG mind.
Earnings Results

ASX All Ords stock KMD tumbles as interim dividend cancelled

Investors are hitting the sell button on ASX All Ords stock KMD today.

Read more »

Close-up Of Empty Shopping Cart Near Person's Hand Using Calculator Over White Desk
Retail Shares

Better buy: Coles or Woolworths stock?

Which stock should go in the shopping basket?

Read more »