Value Investing in 2025: Unlocking Opportunities in Low P/B Stocks with Strong Fundamentals

The current market environment has reinvigorated interest in value investing, a strategy historically championed by Warren Buffett. As of late 2025, stocks with low P/B ratios, such as AXIS Capital Holdings (AXS), Enersys (ENS), and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD), have demonstrated resilience amid macroeconomic volatility. These companies trade at discounts to their book values while maintaining strong capital-allocation practices and earnings growth, making them prime candidates for value-driven portfolios.

Case Studies: Strong Fundamentals and Upside Potential

AXIS Capital (AXS): Insurance Resilience and Earnings Growth

AXIS Capital, a global specialty insurer, reported third-quarter 2025 results that underscore its operational strength. The company generated $294 million in net income and $3.25 in operating EPS, a 20% year-over-year increase. Its annualized return on average common equity (ROACE) of 20.6% and a combined ratio of 89.4% highlight its underwriting discipline and profitability. Analysts project an 8.2% EPS growth over the next three to five years, with a 15.44% upside potential based on a $115.00 average 12-month price target according to Nasdaq analysis.

Enersys (ENS): Energy Storage and Debt Management

Enersys, a leader in battery technologies, delivered 55% year-over-year EPS growth in Q3 2025, with a 18.19% ROE and a net leverage ratio of 1.5X EBITDA. The company's ability to balance aggressive earnings expansion with prudent debt management-its debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49-positions it as a low-risk, high-reward play. According to investor reports, Enersys is rated with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a Value Score of B, reflecting its long-term growth potential.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD): Infrastructure and Backlog Strength

GLDD, a dredging and marine construction firm, reported $17.7 million in net income for Q3 2025 and a $934.5 million dredging backlog. With a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and a Value Score of A, the company is projected to grow EPS by 31% and sales by 11.6% in 2025. Despite a debt-to-equity ratio of 96.91%, its low P/E ratio of 11.97 and strong earnings surprises (0.2% trailing four-quarter) justify its undervalued status according to investor reports.

Keros Therapeutics (KROS): Biotech Turnaround and Capital Efficiency

Keros Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical firm, reduced its Q3 2025 net loss to $7.3 million from $53 million in 2024, driven by revenue from its Takeda Pharmaceuticals license agreement. The company's $693.5 million cash reserves and a 36.5% projected 3-5-year EPS growth rate signal a compelling turnaround. While its ROE of -4.34% remains negative, the board's decision to return $375 million in excess capital to shareholders enhances its appeal according to investor reports.

Broader Market Trends and Strategic Considerations

The success of these stocks aligns with broader value-investing principles. Morningstar's 2025 analysis highlights companies like Campbell's (CPB), Clorox (CLX), and Keros Therapeutics (KROS) as undervalued due to their low P/E ratios and disciplined capital allocation. Similarly, Comcast (CMCSA) and Charter Communications (CHTR) are trading below fair value, offering exposure to stable cash flows in the S&P 500 according to NerdWallet research.

Investors should prioritize metrics such as P/B ratios, ROE, and debt-to-equity ratios to identify mispriced assets. For instance, AXIS Capital's 20.6% ROACE and Enersys's 18.19% ROE demonstrate efficient capital utilization, while GLDD's 31% EPS growth forecast underscores its operational scalability.

Conclusion

The 2025 value-investing landscape is rich with opportunities for investors willing to dig into low P/B stocks. Companies like AXIS Capital, Enersys, and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock exemplify the blend of strong fundamentals, earnings momentum, and undervaluation that defines this strategy. As macroeconomic uncertainties persist, these stocks offer a balance of risk mitigation and long-term growth, making them essential considerations for value-focused portfolios.