Research is emerging that suggests value investing could be back in vogue after a tough year for the ASX 200.
At the time of writing, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is essentially flat in 2026.
This is far below the historical average annual return of between 7% and 9%.
However with inflation persisting and value outperforming, it could be time to scoop up quality companies at a relative discount.
This is the core philosophy of value investing.
It could be a rare opportunity to gain exposure to blue-chip companies at a low price.
Here are three ASX 200 stocks that could be buy-low options for investors with long term upside.
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WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)
WiseTech shares have fallen close to the furthest of any ASX 200 company in the last 12 months.
It has been weighed down by broader tech sector negative sentiment.
However the fundamentals still remain strong, and the share price appears to have fallen beyond a fair price.
At the time of writing, WiseTech shares are trading for roughly $38 each.
As my colleague Bronwyn Allen reported recently, the Market Matters team sees 30% to 40% upside over the next 12 months for Wisetech shares.
Elsewhere, 15 analysts offering a one year forecast via TradingView have an average 12 month price target of $71.70 on these ASX 200 shares.
This indicates an 88% upside from current levels.
Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)
Seek is an online classifieds platform which has also suffered from the Aussie tech sell-off this year.
This ASX 200 stock is down 42% year to date.
However it now presents as another value option.
The Motley Fool's Mark Verhoeven covered last week the tailwinds from increased job ads that could be set to benefit the ASX 200 company.
Additionally, the analyst team at Jarden believes the shares are oversold and have a price target of $23.25 on Seek.
From yesterday's closing price of $13.49, this indicates a 72% upside.
Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)
Another value option right now is Guzman Y Gomez.
The ASX 200 company (for now) has fallen significantly over the last 12 months, but is showing signs of a rebound after refocussing on the domestic market.
At the time of writing, shares are trading hands for approximately $19.30 each.
Amongst brokers, targets are ranging from $24 to $29.40 from Morgans.
These targets indicate an upside potential between 24% and 50%.
This kind of upside can be hard to come buy for ASX 200 stocks.
