NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Average weekly trading volume of approximately 429,716 shares Fund's adviser has more than 50 years of small- and micro-cap investment experience CLOSING PRICES AS OF 12/31/25 NAV 11.79 MKT 10.43 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF 12/31/25 NAV (%) MKT (%) One-Month* 1.69 2.00 One-Year 16.57 16.13 Three-Year 15.55 15.38 Five-Year 8.85 9.51 10-Year 12.23 12.75 *Not Annualized Important Performance and Expense Information All per ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of the price-to-book (P/B) ratio as a valuation tool for identifying undervalued stocks with high growth potential, alongside more commonly used ratios like price-to-earnings (P/E) and price-to-sales (P/S) [1][5]. Group 1: Understanding P/B Ratio - The P/B ratio is calculated by dividing market capitalization by the book value of equity, helping investors assess whether a stock is under- or overvalued [1][5]. - A P/B ratio of less than one indicates that a stock is trading below its book value, suggesting it may be undervalued and a good buy, while a ratio above one may indicate overvaluation [5][6]. - 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 [8]. Group 2: Stock Recommendations - Five stocks with low P/B ratios and strong growth potential are highlighted: BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN), General Motors (GM), Harmony Biosciences (HRMY), Adient plc (ADNT), and Gibraltar Industries (ROCK) [2][9]. - BioMarin Pharmaceutical has a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 20.11% and holds a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [15]. - General Motors is projected to have a 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 10.65% and has a Zacks Rank of 1 with a Value Score of A [16]. - Harmony Biosciences has a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 25.66% and a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [16]. - Adient has a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 15.7% and a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [17]. - Gibraltar Industries has a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 15.0% and a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [18].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of the price-to-book (P/B) ratio as a valuation tool for identifying undervalued stocks with high growth potential, alongside more commonly used ratios like price-to-earnings (P/E) and price-to-sales (P/S) [1][9]. Understanding P/B Ratio - The P/B ratio is calculated by dividing the market capitalization by the book value of equity, providing insight into whether a stock is under- or overvalued [5][9]. - A P/B ratio of less than one indicates that a stock is trading below its book value, suggesting it may be undervalued and a good buy, while a ratio above one may indicate overvaluation [5][6]. Book Value Definition - 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 [3][4]. Limitations of P/B Ratio - The P/B ratio is particularly useful for industries with tangible assets, such as finance and manufacturing, but may be misleading for companies with high R&D expenses or significant debt [8][10]. Screening Parameters for Value Stocks - The article outlines a screening process that includes criteria such as P/B, P/S, P/E, and PEG ratios to identify value stocks trading above $5 with strong liquidity [11][12][13][14]. Identified Value Stocks - Five stocks identified as low P/B stocks include: - **StoneCo (STNE)**: A financial technology company with a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 30.3% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [15]. - **General Motors (GM)**: A major automaker with a projected EPS growth rate of 8.5% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [16]. - **EnerSys (ENS)**: A manufacturer of industrial batteries with a projected EPS growth rate of 15.0% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [17]. - **Deutsche Bank (DB)**: The largest bank in Germany with a projected EPS growth rate of 26.04% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [19]. - **Keros Therapeutics (KROS)**: A biotech firm with a projected EPS growth rate of 36.5% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [19].

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of various valuation metrics, particularly focusing on the price-to-book (P/B) ratio as a tool for identifying undervalued stocks with high growth potential [1][5][9]. Valuation Metrics - The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is often the first metric considered, but it becomes negative for loss-making companies, making the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio a more relevant indicator in such cases [1]. - The P/B ratio is calculated by dividing the current stock price by the book value per share, helping investors understand how much they pay for each dollar of book value [2][5]. - A P/B ratio of less than one indicates that a stock is trading below its book value, suggesting it may be undervalued and a good buy [5][6]. Book Value - Book value represents the total value left for shareholders if a company were to liquidate its assets after settling all liabilities [3][4]. - It is calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets, and in some cases, intangible assets should also be deducted [4]. Stock Examples - StoneCo (STNE), CVS Health (CVS), KT Corporation (KT), KB Financial Group (KB), and USANA Health Sciences (USNA) are highlighted as stocks with low P/B ratios and strong growth potential [9][15][16][18][19]. - STNE has a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 25.3% and a Zacks Rank of 1, while CVS has a projected EPS growth rate of 11.4% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [15][16]. Screening Parameters - Stocks are screened based on several parameters, including P/B, P/S, P/E ratios, PEG ratio, trading price, average volume, Zacks Rank, and Value Score [11][12][13][14]. - A PEG ratio of less than 1 indicates that a stock is undervalued relative to its growth prospects [13]. Limitations of P/B Ratio - The P/B ratio is most useful for companies in finance, investments, and manufacturing with tangible assets, but may be misleading for firms with high R&D expenditures or significant debt [8].

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]