Is price-to-book ratio important when assessing investments?

The price-to-book ratio, often called the P/B ratio, is a useful measure for financial advisors who want to evaluate stocks when helping clients build their portfolios. In this article, Wealth Professional Canada explains what the price-to-book ratio is and how it is calculated. 

We’ll also explore how to interpret this metric and what it means in different industries. Want to learn how you can include the P/B ratio in client conversations? Read on for more. 

What is the price-to-book ratio? 

The price-to-book ratio compares a company’s market value to its book value. The market value is what investors are willing to pay for the company’s shares. On the other hand, the book value is the value of the company’s assets minus its liabilities, as shown on the balance sheet. 

In simple terms, the P/B ratio shows how much investors are paying for each dollar of a company’s net assets. Watch this video to better understand this metric: 

Like other measures, it’s beneficial if the P/B ratio is evaluated when conducting fundamental analysis. 

How to calculate the price-to-book ratio 

The formula for the price-to-book ratio is straightforward: 

To find the market price per share, look at the current stock price. To find the book value per share, subtract the company’s total liabilities from its total assets, then divide by the number of shares outstanding. 

Let’s use an example. Suppose a certain company has the following: 

• assets of $100 million 
• liabilities of $75 million 
• 10 million outstanding shares 

The book value is $25 million since you’ll deduct $75 million from $100 million. The book value per share is $2.50, taken when you divide $25 million by 10 million shares. Using the formula above, if the stock price is $5 per share, the P/B ratio is two. 

Why the price-to-book ratio matters 

The price-to-book ratio helps financial advisors and investors understand how the market values a company compared to its actual net assets. A low P/B ratio can signal that a stock is undervalued, while a high P/B ratio can mean the stock is overvalued. 

Still, context is important. The P/B ratio should be compared to similar companies in the same industry. Watch this video to learn how you can tell when a stock is overvalued or undervalued: 

Once you can tell when a stock is overvalued or undervalued, you might want to start recommending stock picks to build your clients’ portfolios. For starters, check out some of best Canadian bank stocks to invest in now. 

What is the preferred price-to-book ratio? 

There is no single good P/B ratio. In general, a P/B ratio below one can suggest a stock is undervalued. This means the market price is less than the company’s book value. 

However, a low P/B ratio can also signal problems, such as weak earnings or poor management. In some industries, low P/B ratios are common, while in others, higher ratios are normal. 

What is a bad price-to-book ratio? 

A persistently low P/B ratio, especially below one, can indicate a weak business or poor management. It might also mean the company’s assets are overvalued or that the market expects the company’s performance to decline. A low P/B ratio is not always a bargain; it can be a warning sign. 

How to interpret the price-to-book ratio 

The meaning of the P/B ratio depends on the industry and the company’s situation. For example, banks and insurance companies often have P/B ratios close to one because their assets are easier to value. Technology companies might have higher P/B ratios because their value comes from intangible assets like intellectual property, which are not fully captured on the balance sheet. 

A high P/B ratio can mean investors expect strong growth or believe the company has valuable intangible assets. A low P/B ratio can mean the stock is overlooked or that the company is facing challenges. 

Limitations of the price-to-book ratio 

The P/B ratio is most useful for companies like banks and manufacturers that have lots of tangible assets. The same is true for real estate firms. It is less useful for companies with mostly intangible assets, like technology or service businesses. 

In fact, the P/ B ratio does not account for differences in accounting methods, asset depreciation, or changes in asset values over time. With this, some investors might choose not to use this metric when analyzing stocks. 

Even Warren Buffet said that book value does not matter when choosing public companies to invest in: 

You might want to look at other metrics instead. For instance, you can check the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio or the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio. 

Which is better, P/E or P/B ratio? 

Neither ratio is universally better because both are useful. The P/B ratio and the P/E ratio are both popular valuation tools, but they measure different things. The P/B ratio focuses on a company’s assets, while the P/E ratio looks at its earnings. 

The P/E ratio is better for companies where profits are the main value driver. On the contrary, the P/B ratio is better for asset-heavy companies. 

Comparing companies using the price-to-book ratio 

To use the P/B ratio effectively, compare companies within the same industry. For example, a bank with a P/B ratio of 1.2 might be considered expensive if most banks trade at 1.0. 

As for a manufacturing company with a P/B ratio of 0.8, it might be undervalued if its peers trade at 1.5. Always consider industry averages and trends. 

Other practical examples: 

• Example A: Let’s say a certain bank has a P/B ratio of 1.1. Most other banks in Canada have P/B ratios between 1.0 and 1.2. This suggests the bank is valued fairly by the market. 

• Example B: Suppose that a real estate company has a P/B ratio of 0.7. If most real estate companies trade at 1.0 or higher, this low ratio could mean the market is worried about the company’s assets or future earnings. 

• Example C: A technology company has a P/B ratio of 10. This is common in the tech sector, where much of the value comes from intangible assets. The high ratio reflects investor optimism about future growth. 

How financial advisors can use the price-to-book ratio 

If you’re working as financial advisor or aspiring to be one, you can use the P/B ratio to screen for: 

• checking undervalued or overvalued stocks 
• comparing companies in the same industry 
• identifying potential value traps 

The P/B ratio is also helpful when building portfolios for clients who want exposure to asset-heavy sectors. When looking at this ratio, financial advisors should: 

• look at trends over time, not just one period 
• use the P/B ratio with other metrics, such as the P/E ratio 
• consider the quality of the company’s assets and management 

A low P/B ratio can sometimes signal a value trap. This happens when a stock looks cheap but is actually risky because of poor business performance or declining assets. Weak management can also be a factor. Always investigate why the P/B ratio is low before recommending a stock to your clients. 

The role of intangible assets 

The P/B ratio does not capture the value of intangible assets like brand reputation or customer relationships. In industries where intangible assets are vital, this ratio might not reflect the company’s true value. For these companies, other valuation methods might be more appropriate. 

Price-to-book ratio and return on equity 

Return on equity (ROE) is another important metric for financial advisors. ROE measures how efficiently a company uses its equity to generate profits. Firms with high ROE often have higher P/B ratios, as investors are willing to pay more for strong performance. 

When you compare the P/B ratio and ROE together, you’ll be able to see a fuller picture of a company’s value and profitability. 

Price-to-book ratio and debt 

The P/B ratio does not directly account for a company’s debt. Companies with high debt might have lower book values, which can affect the ratio. It’ll be helpful to review the company’s balance sheet and debt levels when interpreting the P/B ratio. 

Using the price-to-book ratio in client conversations 

When discussing the P/B ratio with investors, explain what it measures and how it fits into the overall investment strategy. Use simple examples and compare companies in the same sector. 

Remind your clients that no single ratio or measure tells the whole story and that it is important to look at a range of financial metrics. 

P/B ratios are more useful with other measures 

The price-to-book ratio is a valuable tool for financial advisors in Canada. It helps compare companies and spot potential bargains. However, it should be used alongside other financial ratios and industry knowledge. 

By learning about the strengths and limits of the P/B ratio, you'll be able to make better recommendations and help clients reach their investment goals. 

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