Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of preferred shares and baby bonds for achieving strong risk-adjusted returns, alongside the positive performance of Business Development Companies (BDCs) [1][19] - It highlights the irrational behavior of the market, where some investors continue to buy underperforming stocks despite deteriorating fundamentals [2] - The article discusses the current favorable environment for agency mortgage REITs to issue new shares due to high price-to-book ratios, while hybrid mortgage REITs are struggling [3][6] Agency Mortgage REITs - AGNC Investment (AGNC) maintains a high price-to-book ratio, allowing it to issue new shares effectively [3] - The top three agency mortgage REITs, Dynex Capital (DX), Annaly Capital (NLY), and AGNC, have the highest price-to-book ratios and are expected to capitalize on this by issuing additional shares [4] - A projection indicates that agency mortgage REITs will see a decline in book value in Q2 2025, affecting their price-to-book ratios [5] Hybrid Mortgage REITs - The environment is unfavorable for hybrid mortgage REITs, with only Ellington Financial (EFC) trading close to its projected book value [6] Business Development Companies (BDCs) - Main Street Capital (MAIN) is recognized as a leading BDC, but it is challenging to find it at a bargain valuation [7] - MAIN's Total Economic Return (TER) reflects its performance through changes in book value and dividends, with share issuance above NAV enhancing its value [7][9] - The article notes that MAIN's ability to drive NAV per share higher is attributed to successful investments and effective management [13] Preferred Shares - There are emerging opportunities in preferred shares, which have historically provided strong risk-adjusted returns [14] Market Outlook - The year 2025 is identified as a prime opportunity for investing in REITs, preferred shares, and BDCs due to increasing demand and insufficient supply in key real estate sectors [19]

Valuation Metrics - The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is a common valuation metric, but for companies with losses or minimal profits, the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is more effective in identifying undervalued stocks [1] - The price-to-book (P/B) ratio is another useful tool for identifying low-priced stocks with high growth potential, calculated by dividing the stock's current price by its book value per share [2][6] Book Value - Book value represents the total value remaining for shareholders if a company were to liquidate its assets after settling all liabilities, calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets [4][5] - A P/B ratio of less than one indicates that a stock is trading below its book value, suggesting it may be undervalued, while a ratio above one may indicate overvaluation [6][7] Stock Examples - Centene Corporation (CNC) is a diversified healthcare company with a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 11.5%, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of A [16][17] - Pediatrix Medical Group (MD) provides specialized physician services with a projected EPS growth rate of 9.5% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of A [18][19] - Pfizer (PFE), a major pharmaceutical company, has a projected EPS growth rate of 13.8% and maintains a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of A [19] - StoneCo (STNE) offers financial technology solutions with a projected EPS growth rate of 26.3%, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of B [20] - Banco Santander (SAN), the largest bank in Spain, has a projected EPS growth rate of 9.6% and a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [21][22] Screening Parameters - Stocks with a P/B ratio less than the industry median indicate potential for price appreciation [12] - A P/S ratio lower than the industry average makes a stock more attractive [12] - A P/E ratio (F1) below the industry median is considered favorable [13] - A PEG ratio of less than 1 suggests that a stock is undervalued relative to its growth prospects [14] - Stocks should have a minimum trading price of $5 and an average 20-day volume of at least 100,000 for better liquidity [15]