GFL Environmental

GFL Environmental Inc receives a 5-star quantitative star rating, illustrating our stance that this share class offers a compelling opportunity for investors. The stock currently trades at a 13% discount to our quantitative fair value estimate of $48.16 per share; however, some caution is warranted due to this estimate's medium uncertainty rating.

The firm's balance sheet strengthens our valuation estimate. Leverage can enable a company to invest in growth, potentially boosting shareholder value more than equity financing alone. Reflecting the firm's leverage is its EBITDA/interest coverage ratio of 3.4, which ranks in the bottom 30% globally. Although the firm's ability to cover interest payments with EBITDA is limited, shares could sharply rebound if economic circumstances change or recent investments reduce fears of default. We believe this is a sign that shares could be undervalued.

Conversely, the company's lack of profitability is potentially concerning. Companies with low profitability are often less resilient in recessions and are likely to generate weaker future cash flows for shareholders. The firm's earnings yield of 1.5%, for example, ranks in the bottom 40% globally. The earnings generated by the company relative to its share price is concerning, which, despite our favorable price/fair value ratio, is a negative attribute.

The company's narrow economic moat rating suggests it should be able to maintain robust profitability for a decade or longer before competition erodes its advantage. In addition, the company's moderate financial health score is decent and doesn't seriously concern us with regard to financial distress.