5 Low P/B Stocks to Add to Your Portfolio in March

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges and methodologies of value investing, emphasizing the importance of identifying stocks trading below their intrinsic value [1][2]. Group 1: Value Investing Concepts - Value investing focuses on selecting stocks priced below their intrinsic value, contrasting with growth investing which targets stocks with high growth potential [2]. - The Price-to-Earnings (P/E) and Price-to-Book (P/B) ratios are essential tools for value investors to identify undervalued stocks [2][3]. - The P/B ratio compares a stock's market price to its book value, calculated as market price per share divided by book value of equity per share [3][7]. Group 2: Book Value Definition - Book value represents the total value remaining for shareholders if a company were to liquidate its assets after settling all liabilities [5]. - It is calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets, often equating to common stockholders' equity [6]. Group 3: P/B Ratio Analysis - A P/B ratio of less than one indicates that a stock is undervalued, while a ratio greater than one suggests it may be overvalued [7]. - The P/B ratio is particularly relevant for industries with tangible assets, such as finance and manufacturing, but may be misleading for companies with high R&D expenses or negative earnings [10][11]. Group 4: Screening Parameters for Value Stocks - Screening parameters include a P/B ratio less than the industry median, a Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio below the industry average, and a P/E ratio using forward estimates that is lower than the industry median [12][13]. - A PEG ratio of less than 1 indicates undervaluation relative to future growth prospects, while a minimum stock price of $5 and a trading volume of at least 100,000 are also considered [14][15]. Group 5: Low Price-to-Book Stocks - General Motors (GM) has a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 6.3% and currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [16][17]. - KT Corporation has a projected EPS growth rate of 17.6% and holds a Zacks Rank of 1 with a Value Score of A [18][19]. - The Greenbrier Companies has a projected EPS growth rate of 11.7% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 1 with a Value Score of A [19]. - Itron has a projected EPS growth rate of 29.0% and holds a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of B [20][21]. - EnerSys has a projected EPS growth rate of 18.0% and holds a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [21].