Over the long term, stocks earn their value based on the money the underlying company is expected to generate over time. On a day-by-day basis, however, the emotions of fear and greed may dominate stock prices, leading to wild price swings.

That conflict between long-term value and near-term prices will occasionally create a situation where ordinary investors can benefit. Sometimes, the market's short-term fear will drive an individual company's share price below its long-term value, allowing investors to buy at a bargain price. When that happens, all you need to do is hold on and wait for the future to play itself out. If those decent prospects turn out to be true, you can profit as the market recognizes its mistake and reprices the company's shares.

With that in mind, here are three bargain stocks that you can buy today and may end up worthy of holding on to forever.

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Source Fool.com