Core Insights - Value investors traditionally use the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio to identify value stocks, but for loss-making companies, the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is more relevant. The price-to-book (P/B) ratio is also a useful tool for identifying undervalued stocks with high return potential [1][5][9]. Valuation Ratios - The P/B ratio is calculated as market capitalization divided by book value of equity, helping to identify low-priced stocks with high growth prospects [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, while a ratio above one may indicate overvaluation [5][6]. - The P/B ratio is particularly useful for industries with tangible assets, such as finance and manufacturing, but can be misleading for companies with high R&D expenses or significant debt [8]. 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]. Screening Parameters - Stocks with a P/B ratio lower than the industry median are considered to have potential for price appreciation [11]. - Additional screening criteria include a P/S ratio below the industry median, a P/E ratio below the industry median, a PEG ratio less than 1, a current price of at least $5, an average 20-day volume of at least 100,000, and a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 [12][13][14]. Selected Stocks - Five stocks identified with low P/B ratios and solid growth potential include: - **StoneCo (STNE)**: Financial technology solutions provider with a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 30.3% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [15]. - **Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD)**: Largest U.S. dredging services provider with a projected EPS growth rate of 12.0% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [16]. - **EnerSys (ENS)**: Manufacturer of industrial batteries with a projected EPS growth rate of 15.0% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [17]. - **MillerKnoll (MLKN)**: Design solutions provider with a projected EPS growth rate of 12.0% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [17]. - **Keros Therapeutics (KROS)**: Clinical-stage biotech with a projected EPS growth rate of 23.6% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [18].

Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hathaway has been downgraded to underperform by analyst Meyer Shields, indicating potential challenges ahead for the company [2][3]. Group 1: Analyst Concerns - Meyer Shields highlights that a significant portion of Berkshire's portfolio is concentrated in insurance, particularly with GEICO, which operates in a commoditized auto insurance market [4][5]. - GEICO's strategy of slowing down rate increases could negatively impact Berkshire's profitability margins [5]. - The Federal Reserve's anticipated loosening of monetary policy may lead to lower yields on Berkshire's substantial cash and short-term U.S. Treasury holdings, currently valued at $382 billion [7]. - Changes in energy policies under the Trump administration could phase out green energy tax credits, affecting the profitability of Berkshire's energy subsidiaries [8]. - Declining railroad activity, attributed to trade tensions with China, poses a risk to Berkshire's infrastructure investments [9]. Group 2: Historical Performance and Valuation - Despite current concerns, Berkshire Hathaway has demonstrated resilience over the long term, with a stock return of 5,502,284% from 1965 to 2024, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [10][12]. - The company's price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 1.5 is only slightly above its 10-year average, suggesting that the stock is reasonably valued [13][15]. - The S&P 500 Shiller CAPE ratio is around 40, indicating that overall market valuations may be stretched, which could lead to corrections [18]. - Berkshire's strategy of maintaining a cash-rich balance sheet with Treasuries is viewed as a calculated move, positioning the company defensively in a volatile market [19].

Core Insights - The article critiques the high premium of AGNC Investment (AGNC) compared to its historical valuations, emphasizing the importance of evaluating price-to-book (P/B) and price-to-net asset value (NAV) ratios over time [2][4][16] - It highlights that while AGNC trades at a premium, other mortgage REITs, such as MFA Financial (MFA), are trading at significant discounts despite better protection of book value [11][12][22] Group 1: Valuation Metrics - Price-to-BV and price-to-NAV are crucial metrics for understanding valuations in the mortgage REIT sector [4][22] - AGNC has the highest premium to projected book value among mortgage REITs, while most other types have seen their price-to-book ratios decline significantly [5][6][22] Group 2: Historical Context - Historical comparisons show that AGNC's book value has deteriorated significantly since mid-2021, while MFA has managed to protect its book value more effectively [11][13][21] - The article presents charts that illustrate the price-to-trailing book value ratios, indicating AGNC's exceptionally high valuations [14][16] Group 3: Dividend Yield Analysis - AGNC's dividend yield of 14.4% is not higher than MFA's 16.1%, challenging the notion that AGNC's premium is justified by its dividend yield [12][22] - The article argues that simply looking at dividend yields is insufficient for thorough due diligence, especially when premiums to NAV are large [25][22] Group 4: Broader Market Implications - The article warns investors to be cautious of large premiums to NAV, as most investments do not sustain such premiums indefinitely [24][22] - It emphasizes that while some mortgage REITs may trade at lower price-to-book ratios, the overall trend suggests a need for vigilance regarding valuations [24][22]

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 the more commonly used price-to-earnings (P/E) and price-to-sales (P/S) ratios [1][5]. 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 [1][5]. - A P/B ratio of less than one indicates that a stock is trading below its book value, suggesting it may be 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 significant debt [8][9]. Screening Parameters for Low P/B Stocks - The article identifies five stocks with low P/B ratios that also exhibit strong growth prospects: StoneCo, PagSeguro Digital, General Motors, Itron, and Newmont [11]. - These stocks are characterized by a strong Value Score, favorable Zacks Rank, and solid long-term earnings per share (EPS) growth outlook [11][16][17][18][19][21]. - The screening criteria include a P/B ratio below the industry median, a P/S ratio below the industry median, a P/E ratio using forward estimates below the industry median, and a PEG ratio of less than one [12][13][14]. Company Profiles - **StoneCo (STNE)**: A financial technology provider based in Brazil, with a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 30.3% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [16]. - **PagSeguro Digital (PAGS)**: Offers digital payment solutions primarily in Brazil, with a projected EPS growth rate of 14.2% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [17]. - **General Motors (GM)**: One of the largest automakers globally, with a projected EPS growth rate of 7.0% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [18]. - **Itron (ITRI)**: A technology and services company focused on utility and municipal sectors, with a projected EPS growth rate of 30.0% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [19]. - **Newmont (NEM)**: A leading gold producer with significant reserves and a projected EPS growth rate of 26.05%, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 [21].

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of the price-to-book (P/B) ratio as a tool for value investing, highlighting its utility in identifying undervalued stocks with strong growth potential [1][2]. Group 1: Understanding P/B Ratio - The P/B ratio is calculated by dividing the current stock price by the book value per share, indicating how much investors pay for each dollar of book value [2][6]. - A P/B ratio of less than one suggests that a stock is undervalued, while a ratio greater than one indicates overvaluation [6][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 significant debt [9][10]. Group 2: Screening Criteria for Value Stocks - Stocks with a P/B ratio lower than the industry median are considered attractive, as they have room for price appreciation [12]. - Additional screening parameters include a lower price-to-sales (P/S) ratio than the industry median, a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio below the industry average, and a PEG ratio of less than one, indicating undervaluation relative to growth prospects [13][14][15]. - Stocks must also have a minimum trading price of $5 and a substantial average trading volume to ensure liquidity [14][15]. Group 3: Selected Low P/B Stocks - StoneCo (STNE) offers financial technology solutions and has a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 30.3%, with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of B [16]. - PagSeguro Digital (PAGS) provides digital payment solutions and has a projected EPS growth rate of 14.2%, also holding a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of B [17]. - KT Corporation (KT) is a telecommunications provider with a projected EPS growth rate of 51.7% and a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [19]. - Arrow Electronics (ARW) is a major distributor of electronic components, with a projected EPS growth rate of 20.7% and a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [19]. - CVS Health has a projected EPS growth rate of 14.3% and holds a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [20].

Core Insights - The Royce Micro-Cap Trust, Inc. aims for long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity securities of companies with market capitalizations of $1 billion or less [10] Performance Summary - As of August 31, 2025, the Net Asset Value (NAV) is $11.54, while the market price (MKT) is $10.17 [1] - The average annual total return for the Fund as of August 31, 2025, is as follows: - One-Month: NAV 7.25%, MKT 7.39% - Year to Date: NAV 9.64%, MKT 8.81% - One-Year: NAV 12.74%, MKT 12.85% - Three-Year: NAV 13.82%, MKT 13.45% - Five-Year: NAV 12.70%, MKT 13.69% - Ten-Year: NAV 11.35%, MKT 11.81% [1] Portfolio Diagnostics - The average market capitalization of the portfolio is $795.9 million [4] - The weighted average Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio is 1.9x [5] - The net assets of the Fund total $606.9 million, with a net leverage of 1.4% [4] Portfolio Composition - The top ten positions in the portfolio, each representing 1.2% of net assets, include: - CECO Environmental - Montrose Environmental Group - nLIGHT - NWPX Infrastructure - NPK International [6][8] - The top five sectors by percentage of net assets are: - Industrials: 27.8% - Information Technology: 20.1% - Financials: 17.1% - Health Care: 10.7% - Consumer Discretionary: 9.9% [9] Trading and Management - The average weekly trading volume of the Fund is approximately 580,845 shares [7] - The Fund's adviser has over 50 years of experience in small- and micro-cap investments [7]

Core Viewpoint - Royce Micro-Cap Trust, Inc. focuses on long-term capital growth by investing primarily in micro-cap companies with market capitalizations of $1 billion or less, aiming to provide investors with a diversified portfolio and potential for significant returns [8][12]. Performance Summary - As of August 31, 2025, the Net Asset Value (NAV) is $11.54, while the market price is $10.17 [1]. - The average annual total return for the fund as of August 31, 2025, is as follows: - One-Month: NAV 7.25%, MKT 7.39% - Year to Date: NAV 9.64%, MKT 8.81% - One-Year: NAV 12.74%, MKT 12.85% - Three-Year: NAV 13.82%, MKT 13.45% - Five-Year: NAV 12.70%, MKT 13.69% - Ten-Year: NAV 11.35%, MKT 11.81% [1]. Portfolio Diagnostics - The average market capitalization of the portfolio is $795.9 million [4]. - The weighted average Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio is 1.9x [4]. - The net assets of the fund total $606.9 million, with a net leverage of 1.4% [4]. Portfolio Composition - The top ten positions in the portfolio, each representing approximately 1.2% of net assets, include: - CECO Environmental - Montrose Environmental Group - nLIGHT - NWPX Infrastructure - NPK International - Lindblad Expeditions Holdings - EVI Industries - Bel Fuse Cl. B - IES Holdings - Magnite [6][8]. - The top five sectors by percentage of net assets are: - Industrials: 27.8% - Information Technology: 20.1% - Financials: 17.1% - Health Care: 10.7% - Consumer Discretionary: 9.9% [8]. Trading Information - The average weekly trading volume is approximately 580,845 shares [7]. - The fund's adviser has over 50 years of experience in small- and micro-cap investments [7][13].

Core Insights - The Royce Micro-Cap Trust, Inc. focuses on long-term capital growth by investing primarily in micro-cap companies with market capitalizations of $1 billion or less [9] Performance Summary - As of July 31, 2025, the Net Asset Value (NAV) is $10.76, while the market price (MKT) is $9.47 [1] - The average annual total return for the Fund as of July 31, 2025, is as follows: - One-Month NAV: 1.89%, MKT: 2.38% - Year to Date NAV: 2.23%, MKT: 1.32% - One-Year NAV: 4.46%, MKT: 3.60% - Three-Year NAV: 10.51%, MKT: 9.98% - Five-Year NAV: 12.47%, MKT: 13.60% - Ten-Year NAV: 10.08%, MKT: 10.33% [1] Portfolio Diagnostics - The average market capitalization of the portfolio is $740.7 million [4] - The weighted average Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio is 1.8x [5] - The net assets of the Fund total $565.8 million, with a net leverage of 2.3% [4] Portfolio Composition - The top ten positions in the portfolio and their respective percentages of net assets are: - CECO Environmental: 1.4% - American Superconductor: 1.3% - Bel Fuse: 1.3% - Graham Corporation: 1.3% - Argan: 1.1% - IES Holdings: 1.1% - Universal Technical Institute: 1.1% - NPK International: 1.1% - Richardson Electronics: 1.1% [6] - The top five sectors by percentage of net assets are: - Industrials: 29.0% - Information Technology: 20.7% - Financials: 17.3% - Health Care: 9.9% - Consumer Discretionary: 9.7% [8] Trading Information - The average weekly trading volume of the Fund is approximately 660,208 shares [7] - The Fund's adviser has over 50 years of experience in small- and micro-cap investments [7]

Core Insights - RLI Corp. shares have decreased by 9.6% over the past year, underperforming compared to the Finance sector and the S&P 500, which returned 16% and 14.3% respectively [1] - The stock is currently trading at $68.40, approximately 25% below its 52-week high of $91.14, and below both the 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages [1] Valuation - RLI's forward 12-month price-to-book ratio stands at 3.62X, significantly higher than the industry average of 1.53X [2] Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a 7.3% year-over-year increase in RLI's earnings per share for 2025, with revenues expected to reach $1.77 billion, reflecting a 6.3% improvement [3] - For 2026, revenue estimates indicate a further increase of 3.4% compared to 2025 [3] Return on Capital - RLI's return on equity (ROE) has improved to 15.8%, well above the industry average of 7.6%, indicating effective utilization of shareholders' funds [4] Price Target and Upside Potential - The average price target for RLI, based on short-term estimates from three analysts, is $74 per share, suggesting an 8.9% upside from the last closing price [5] Business Strengths - RLI has maintained 29 consecutive years of underwriting profitability, showcasing its operational strength [7][10] - The company has a strong dividend history, having raised regular dividends for 50 years and paid special dividends since 2011, making it appealing to yield-seeking investors [11] Strategic Initiatives - RLI is focused on product diversification, introducing new products, and expanding distribution, which positions the company for improved top-line growth [9] - A conservative underwriting and reserving policy allows RLI to achieve favorable reserve releases despite incurring catastrophe losses [10] Financial Health - RLI is enhancing its balance sheet by improving liquidity and leverage, which supports its long-term operational capabilities and book value growth [12] Conclusion - RLI is recognized as one of the most profitable property and casualty writers in the industry, with a strong local branch network and a focus on specialty insurance lines contributing to its profitability [13]

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of the price-to-book (P/B) ratio in value investing, highlighting its utility in identifying undervalued stocks with strong growth potential [1][2]. Group 1: Understanding P/B Ratio - The P/B ratio is calculated by dividing the current stock price by the book value per share, indicating how much investors pay for each dollar of book value [2][6]. - A P/B ratio of less than one suggests that a stock is undervalued, while a ratio greater than one indicates it may be overvalued [6][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 [9][10]. Group 2: Investment Opportunities - Five stocks identified as having low P/B ratios include StoneCo (STNE), CVS Health (CVS), KT Corporation (KT), KB Financial Group (KB), and USANA Health Sciences (USNA) [11][16]. - These stocks have Zacks Rank 1 or 2 and Value Scores of A or B, with projected EPS growth rates ranging from 11.9% to 49.9%, indicating strong potential [11][17][19][20][21]. Group 3: Screening Parameters - Screening parameters for identifying attractive stocks include P/B ratio less than the industry median, P/S ratio less than the industry median, and P/E ratio less 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 an average trading volume of at least 100,000 are also considered [14][15].