Not that 2018 was a stellar year for growth companies, but it was downright miserable for value stocks. Using a pair of popular funds as proxies, growth stocks finished last year 4.5% in the hole ... but value equities lost nearly 8%.

The coming year could look quite different, however.

Yes, growth has led for a couple years now, but 2019 might well be the year value stocks take back the lead. While a full-blown bear market has faded as a fear, we do appear to be in the latter stages of an economic expansion phase. That is when growth-oriented companies begin to lose their luster and the value of underappreciated stocks starts to shine through. Qualities such as reliability and consistent income can start to matter in a big way when growth stories are threatened. This all has led some experts to predict a comeback for bargains in the year ahead.

Here are the 10 best value stocks to buy for 2019 ... and potentially for many more years to come.

United Rentals

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What happens when the economy is strong enough to spur the usage of industrial equipment but confidence in that economic strength's longevity is shaky? Do construction outfits and industrial-oriented companies rent rather than buy?

Actually, many organizations that use equipment ranging from scissor lifts to excavators to skid steer loaders prefer to lease that equipment rather than purchase it anyway. But when the future is less than clear, that environment turns United Rentals (, $124.79) from a good prospect into a great one.