ZACKSยท2025-05-22 12:45Core Insights - Investing in stocks based on valuation metrics, particularly the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio, is a strategic approach for evaluating companies, especially those that are unprofitable or in early growth stages [1][3][5] Group 1: Price-to-Sales Ratio - The price-to-sales ratio is a valuable metric that reflects how much investors pay for each dollar of revenue generated by a company [3] - A P/S ratio below 1 indicates a good bargain, as investors pay less than a dollar for a dollar's worth of revenue [4] - The P/S ratio is often preferred over the price-to-earnings ratio due to the difficulty of manipulating sales figures compared to earnings [5] Group 2: Screening Parameters - Companies should have a price-to-sales ratio less than the median for their industry, along with a price-to-earnings ratio below the industry median [7] - A debt-to-equity ratio less than the industry median is also recommended, as lower debt levels contribute to a stable P/S ratio [8] - Stocks should be trading at a minimum price of $5 and have a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) to ensure better performance [8] Group 3: Company Profiles - Green Dot (GDOT) is a pro-consumer bank holding company with a strong position in prepaid cards and Banking-as-a-Service, boasting a Zacks Rank 1 and a Value Score of A [10][11] - JAKKS Pacific (JAKK) has diversified through acquisitions and focuses on online retailing, currently holding a Zacks Rank 2 and a Value Score of A [12][13] - PCB Bancorp (PCB) offers a range of banking products and has a strategic expansion plan, with a Value Score of A and a Zacks Rank 2 [14][15] - Gibraltar Industries (ROCK) focuses on operational improvements and has a Value Score of B with a Zacks Rank 2, benefiting from high demand in agricultural facilities [16][17] - Pfizer (PFE) is committed to developing treatments across various therapeutic areas and expects better non-COVID operational revenue growth, holding a Value Score of A and a Zacks Rank 2 [18][19]