ASGN Inc (ASGN) Price

Analysts Identify Laureate Education, ASGN, and Invesco as Potential Value Traps

Market Analysts Flag Three Stocks as Potential Value Traps Recent market analysis has singled out Laureate Education (LAUR), ASGN (ASGN), and Invesco (IVZ), cautioning investors that these companies may represent "value traps." This assessment suggests that while their valuation metrics might appear attractive, underlying fundamental issues and sustained underperformance could lead to continued investor disappointment. Detailed Performance Review of Flagged Companies Laureate Education (LAUR), a global higher education provider, currently trades at a forward Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 14.8x, notably lower than the education services industry average of 26.89x. However, this discount is accompanied by significant concerns. Over the past five years, the company has experienced a 9.3% annual decline in earnings per share (EPS), battling low student enrollment and less profitable incremental sales. While Laureate reported an EPS of $0.65 for Q2 2025, missing the forecasted $0.72, its revenue reached $524 million, surpassing an anticipated $502 million. Despite beating revenue expectations and achieving an impressive Piotroski Score of 9, the market reacted with a 1.23% pre-market decline in its stock price, reflecting persistent skepticism regarding its long-term profitability and growth challenges in key markets like Mexico and Peru. ASGN (ASGN), a technology consulting and staffing solutions provider, exhibits a forward P/E ratio of 9.6x, significantly below the consulting services industry average of 24.96x. StockStory analysts express caution due to a 6.8% annual revenue decline over the last two years, driven by customers postponing purchases. The company’s EPS has fallen by 1.8% annually over the past five years, indicating that even with some revenue growth, profitability has suffered. In Q2 2025, ASGN reported revenue of $1,020.6 million, a 1.4% decrease year-over-year, and diluted EPS dropped to $0.67 from $1.02 in the prior year, missing analyst estimates. Management