Fund Performance - Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund outperformed the Russell Midcap Value Index in Q4 2025, returning 4.07% compared to the index's 1.42% [1] - For the full year 2025, the Fund gained 15.95%, exceeding the benchmark's return of 11.05% [1] - The S&P 500 Index rose 2.7% in Q4 and 17.9% for the full year, while the Russell Midcap Index only increased by 0.2% in Q4 [1] Investment Strategy - The Fund's excess return of 2.82% in Q4 was primarily driven by selection effects, highlighting a quantitative value discipline focused on fundamental undervaluation, improving momentum, and risk control [1] - Management noted that mid- and small-cap value stocks are trading at more attractive multiples compared to AI-driven large-cap stocks, positioning the Fund to capitalize on opportunities in economically sensitive and cash-generative businesses [1] Company Focus: Amkor Technology, Inc. - Amkor Technology, Inc. is a semiconductor packaging and test services provider, with a one-month return of 0.39% and a market capitalization of approximately $11.999 billion [2] - The stock price of Amkor traded between $14.03 and $57.09 over the last 52 weeks, closing at about $48.52 on February 26, 2026 [2] - The Fund trimmed its position in Amkor due to concerns over valuation despite strong stock price momentum, as earnings and cash flow have not kept pace with the stock price increase [3]

Core Insights - The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is a popular metric for assessing stock value but has notable shortcomings [1] - The EV-to-EBITDA ratio is often considered a more accurate valuation metric, providing a clearer view of a company's value and earnings potential [2][3] Valuation Metrics - EV-to-EBITDA is calculated by dividing a company's enterprise value (EV) by its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), offering a better understanding of profitability by excluding non-cash expenses [3] - A lower EV-to-EBITDA ratio indicates a potentially undervalued stock and is particularly useful for valuing acquisition targets due to its consideration of debt [4] - Unlike P/E, EV-to-EBITDA can be applied to loss-making firms that are EBITDA-positive, making it a versatile tool for assessing companies with varying debt levels [5] Limitations of Valuation Metrics - EV-to-EBITDA varies across industries, making it less appropriate for comparing stocks in different sectors due to diverse capital requirements [6] - A strategy based solely on EV-to-EBITDA may not yield optimal results; it is recommended to combine it with other ratios like P/B, P/E, and P/S for a comprehensive analysis [7] Screening Criteria for Value Stocks - Parameters for screening value stocks include a lower EV-to-EBITDA ratio compared to the industry median, a P/E ratio below the industry median, and a P/B ratio less than the industry average [8][9] - Additional criteria include a minimum average 20-day trading volume of 50,000 shares, a current price of at least $5, and a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2, indicating strong buy potential [10][11] Selected Stocks - DNOW Inc. is highlighted as a leading energy and industrial solutions provider with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of A, expected to have a 20.5% earnings growth rate for 2026 [11][12] - FirstSun Capital Bancorp, a financial holding company, also holds a Zacks Rank of 1 with a Value Score of A and an expected earnings growth rate of 13.8% for 2026 [12][13] - Safehold Inc., a real estate investment trust, has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of B, with an expected earnings growth rate of 7.1% for 2026 [13][14] - Amkor Technology, a semiconductor packaging provider, has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of B, with an expected earnings growth rate of 27.2% for 2026 [14] - CEMEX, a global construction materials company, has a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Value Score of B, with an expected earnings growth rate of 218.5% for 2026 [15]