But many investors are still seeking alternative investments when cash is producing such dismal returns. In such times, value stocks tend to regain favourability. These are companies able to produce earnings that are also trading on reasonable multiples.

Below are 3 ASX shares that are profitable and are currently trading at below-industry-average P/E ratios.

How do these ASX shares compare to their peers?

Tribune Resources Ltd (ASX: TBR)

Tribune Resources is a small gold mining company with projects in East and West Kundana in Western Australia. It's been a bumpy ride for shareholders over the years, and the last 12 months have been rather fruitless. Disappointingly, this ASX gold mining share has fallen by around 27% in the past year.

However, the company is profitable and generated $47.35 million in net profits after tax for the full year ending 31 December 2020. Based on Tribune's current market capitalisation of $275 million, that puts it on a 6.1 P/E ratio.

It's worth noting that earnings are highly dependent on the price of gold. Though, comparing Tribune's earnings multiple to the industry average of 13.6, it appears to be trading at a discount.

Aurelia Metals Ltd (ASX: AMI)

Upping the size of the company, Aurelia Metals is a $493 million gold and base metals miner. Holding three operational gold mines across New South Wales, Aurelia has had a good run. The past year has seen the company's share price surge by around 32%.

Despite the rally, Aurelia is still trading at a discount compared to the industry average. Delivering earnings per share (EPS) of 3.7 cents ending 31 December 2021, Aurelia is trading on an earnings multiple of 10.7.

Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW)

Now we're talking large caps. Brickworks is a $3.11 billion company specialising in property, investments, and building products. This company has certainly stood the test of time, dating back to 1930.

Holding a 39.4% interest in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL), Brickworks extends beyond a simplistic ASX-listed brickmaker share. The diversified business pulled in $71 million in statutory profits for 1HFY21.

Based on company filings, Brickworks delivered earnings per share of $2.15 for the period ending 31 January 2021. That puts the company on an earnings multiple of 9.4 times. This represents a significant discount to the materials industry average of 22.5 times.

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