Redeeming the Punished: Under the Radar

"Under the Radar" uncovers little-known companies worthy of investors' consideration. Check out the rest of this week's picks

BOSTON (TheStreet) -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.'s(AJG Quote) stock sold off sharply this week after missing analysts' third-quarter earnings estimate by just 1 cent a share. Despite being shunned by Wall Street and punished by the stock market, the company deserves a spot on your watch list.

Arthur J. Gallagher, based in Itasca, Illinois, mainly sells insurance but has gradually shifted its focus from sales to consulting, a strategy that benefits clients and bolsters the company's reputation as a prudent adviser. Arthur J. Gallagher helps individuals and organizations manage all varieties of risk.

The company's third-quarter net income rose 10% to $42 million, but earnings per share declined 7% to 41 cents due to a higher share count. Revenue inched up 1% to $440 million. Arthur J. Gallagher's gross margin rose from 19% to 21% and its operating margin ascended from 15% to 16%.

The stock trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 17, a discount to the market and insurance peers. But investors dumped the shares during Wednesday's sharp sell-off, sending the stock price down nearly 7% during the trading session. Large insurers, such as MetLife(MET Quote) and Hartford Financial(HIG Quote), also tumbled.

The reason: growth expectations. Arthur J. Gallagher has achieved a modest three-year growth rate of 4.6% for revenue and 3.7% for earnings. Given economic pressure, these numbers aren't too bad. But analysts expect slower earnings growth for the foreseeable future.

To make matters worse, Arthur J. Gallagher is trading at a 35% premium to insurance-broker peers based on projected earnings and a 143% premium based on book value.