SSE PLC Could Be Worth 1,530p

Gains of 20%+ look achievable for investors in SSE PLC (LON: SSE). Here’s why…

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With the stock market having re-rated upwards significantly over 2013, it’s more difficult than ever to find stocks that scream value on an absolute basis.

However, SSE (LSE: SSE) (NASDAQOTH: SSEZY.US)  could prove to be an example of a company that is cheap based on its relative valuation to the wider stock market.

Indeed, SSE currently trades on a historic price to earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.2, which doesn’t sound too high on an absolute basis.

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However, when compared to the FTSE 100, it becomes clear that SSE could be good value on a relative basis, too. For example, the FTSE 100 currently trades on a P/E of 13.7, which means that SSE trades at a discount of 18.2% to the wider market.

Of course, some of this discount may be deserved, because of the political risk that comes with investing in utilities. Opposition leader, Ed Miliband, recently stated that if Labour win the next election there will be a price freeze on energy bills and a new, tougher regulator will be set up.

So, while SSE does deserve a discount to the wider index, a discount of 18.2% sounds rather large.

In addition, SSE continues to offer a yield that is significantly above the average yield of the  market. While the FTSE 100 currently yields 3.4%, SSE has a dividend yield of 6.4%.

This equates to a premium of 88% over the FTSE 100 yield and, although SSE is undoubtedly a defensive share that should offer a yield premium to make up for below average earnings growth over the long run, such a premium seems excessive — even when the additional political risk is taken into account.

Indeed, were SSE to trade on a yield of 5.5% (still a premium of 61% versus the FTSE 100 yield), it would mean shares trade at around 1530p, which is 16% higher than the current share price.

Add to that the current yield of 6.4% and it appears as though a potential total return of over 20% could be on offer for investors in SSE. Certainly, the political risk is evident but, based on risk versus reward, this could prove to be an attractive stock.

Like buying £1 for 31p

This seems ridiculous, but we almost never see shares looking this cheap. Yet this Share Advisor pick has a price/book ratio of 0.31. In plain English, this means that investors effectively get in on a business that holds £1 of assets for every 31p they invest!

Of course, this is the stock market where money is always at risk — these valuations can change and there are no guarantees. But some risks are a LOT more interesting than others, and at The Motley Fool we believe this company is amongst them.

What’s more, it currently boasts a stellar dividend yield of around 10%, and right now it’s possible for investors to jump aboard at near-historic lows. Want to get the name for yourself?

See the full investment case

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Peter owns shares in SSE.

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