Stocks Less Than Book Value - List of Below Book Value Stocks
In the stock market, some companies have a share price lower than their book value per share (BVPS). This means the total market value of the company is less than the value of its assets on paper. While this can sometimes look like an undervaluation, it may also be a sign of weak finances or industry challenges. In this article, we will look at both the possible benefits and the risks of investing in such stocks trading below book value.
Stock Less than Book Value
Tuesday, 16 September, 2025
| symbol | Company | ticker | slug | Sector | Market Price | 52W High | 52W Low | Market Cap (Cr.) | PE Ratio | Industry PE | PB Ratio | Div. Yield (%) | ROE (%) | 1YReturns | 3YReturns | 5YReturns | Market Cap Label | Industry Group | Industry | Sub Industry | percentageChange |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOB | Bank of Baroda Ltd | BANKBARODA | /stocks/bank-of-baroda-BOB | Public Banks | 240.58 | 266.95 | 190.70 | 124,412.63 | 6.01 | 17.04 | 0.84 | 3.48 | 15.43 | 0.60 | 75.29 | 417.93 | Largecap | Banks | Banks | Diversified Banks | 0.64 |
| BOI | Bank of India Ltd | BANKINDIA | /stocks/bank-of-india-BOI | Public Banks | 117.53 | 130.24 | 90.05 | 53,507.51 | 5.60 | 17.04 | 0.66 | 3.45 | 12.59 | 4.00 | 130.00 | 154.95 | Midcap | Banks | Banks | Diversified Banks | -0.39 |
| CNBK | Canara Bank Ltd | CANBK | /stocks/canara-bank-CNBK | Public Banks | 113.23 | 119.30 | 78.60 | 102,706.98 | 5.86 | 17.04 | 0.96 | 3.53 | 17.56 | 6.13 | 131.70 | 464.74 | Largecap | Banks | Banks | Diversified Banks | 0.64 |
| INBK | Indusind Bank Ltd | INDUSINDBK | /stocks/indusind-bank-INBK | Private Banks | 742.25 | 1,498.00 | 606.00 | 57,826.91 | 22.45 | 17.04 | 0.89 | 0.00 | 4.02 | -49.51 | -39.52 | 19.40 | Midcap | Banks | Banks | Diversified Banks | 0.32 |
| ONGC | Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd | ONGC | /stocks/oil-and-natural-gas-corporation-ONGC | Oil & Gas - Exploration & Production | 235.09 | 302.00 | 205.00 | 295,749.78 | 8.16 | 18.49 | 0.79 | 5.21 | 9.87 | -19.63 | 79.12 | 221.82 | Largecap | Energy | Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | Integrated Oil & Gas | 1.22 |
| PNBK | Punjab National Bank | PNB | /stocks/punjab-national-bank-PNBK | Public Banks | 108.44 | 115.71 | 85.46 | 124,629.48 | 6.74 | 17.04 | 0.93 | 2.67 | 15.10 | -2.14 | 173.49 | 222.74 | Largecap | Banks | Banks | Diversified Banks | -0.06 |
| PWFC | Power Finance Corporation Ltd | PFC | /stocks/power-finance-corporation-PWFC | Specialized Finance | 403.05 | 523.90 | 357.25 | 133,010.60 | 5.79 | 17.04 | 0.86 | 3.92 | 15.89 | -17.92 | 342.43 | 431.73 | Largecap | Financial Services | Diversified Financial Services | Specialized Finance | 0.30 |
| SAIL | Steel Authority of India Ltd | SAIL | /stocks/steel-authority-of-india-SAIL | Iron & Steel | 132.94 | 144.20 | 99.15 | 54,911.20 | 23.15 | 28.43 | 0.93 | 1.20 | 4.09 | -0.08 | 64.84 | 249.84 | Midcap | Materials | Metals & Mining | Steel | 0.11 |
| UNBK | Union Bank of India Ltd | UNIONBANK | /stocks/union-bank-of-india-UNBK | Public Banks | 134.29 | 158.65 | 100.81 | 102,511.69 | 5.69 | 17.04 | 0.90 | 3.54 | 17.05 | 8.99 | 190.36 | 381.33 | Midcap | Banks | Banks | Diversified Banks | -0.26 |
| VODA | Vodafone Idea Ltd | IDEA | /stocks/vodafone-idea-VODA | Telecom Services | 7.94 | 13.50 | 6.12 | 86,024.37 | -3.14 | 116.65 | -1.22 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -40.03 | -13.70 | -30.96 | Midcap | Telecommunication Services | Wireless Telecommunication Services | Wireless Telecommunication Services | -2.46 |
Disclaimer: Please note that the above list of stocks less than book value is for educational purposes only, and is not recommendatory. Please do your own research or consult your financial advisor before investing.
Note: The data on this list of stocks lower than book value is dynamic in nature and subject to real-time changes. This data is derived from Tickertape Stock Screener.
What are Stocks Less Than Book Value?
A stock is said to be “less than book value” when its market price per share is lower than its book value per share (BVPS).
Book Value per Share (BVPS) = (Total Assets – Total Liabilities) ÷ Number of Shares.
The BVPS represents the company’s net assets per share, or how much each share would be worth if the company sold all assets and paid off all debts.
For example, if a company owns assets worth ₹100 cr. and owes ₹40 cr., its net assets are ₹60 cr. If it has 10 cr. shares, the BVPS is ₹60 cr./10 cr., which is equal to ₹6. If the stock trades at ₹4, then the Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio is ₹4 ÷ ₹6 = 0.67, which is below book value.
Overview of Stock Less Than Book Value
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC): ONGC is a government-owned company engaged in oil and gas exploration, production, and related energy activities across India and abroad.
- Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC): PFC is a non-banking financial company that provides funding and financial services to the power sector, supporting electricity generation, transmission, and distribution projects.
- Punjab National Bank (PNB): PNB is one of India’s oldest public sector banks, offering a wide range of banking and financial services through its large branch network across the country.
- Bank of Baroda Ltd (BoB): Bank of Baroda is a public sector bank with domestic and international presence, providing retail, corporate, and digital banking solutions to individuals and businesses.
- Union Bank of India Ltd: Union Bank of India is a state-owned commercial bank offering banking, financial, and digital services to individuals, businesses, and institutions across India and overseas.
How to Invest in Stocks Less Than Book Value?
Here is how one can invest in the below book value stocks:
- Open a demat/trading/stockbroker account. You can open a demat account with smallcase!
- Conduct thorough research into shares below book value that match your investment thesis. Tools like the Tickertape Stock Screener, with 200+ filters, can help explore stocks lower than book value.
- Place a ‘Buy’ Order on the stocks lower than book value of your choosing.
Benefits of Investing in Stocks Less Than Book Value
- Potential Undervaluation: In some cases, certain shares with less than book value may present undervaluation opportunities. If such stocks later move closer to their fair value, they could provide better returns to investors.
- Possibility of Market Re-Rating: If business performance improves or market perception changes, such stocks may experience a re-rating. Due to this, their prices may move closer to book value over time.
- Margin of Safety: When a stock trades below its book value, in some cases, investors may be buying it for less than the company’s assets are worth on paper. This lower price may reduce the risk of heavy losses if the company faces difficulties, because the entry point is already low compared to its assets.
Risks of Investing in Stocks Less Than Book Value
- Value Traps: In some cases, stocks trading below book value may look appealing, but continue to trade at low prices for years. This could happen due to weak business models, poor earnings, or structural industry issues rather than undervaluation.
- Overstated Assets: Sometimes, the assets shown in a company’s books may not be worth as much in reality. For example, old factories, outdated machinery, or unpaid loans can reduce the actual value of assets. This can inflate book value, making a stock look cheaper than it truly is.
- Sectoral Decline: Sometimes, an entire industry struggles for years due to various factors. In such cases, many below book value stocks may stay cheap, not because they are hidden opportunities, but because the whole sector is weakening.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in Stocks Below Book Value
- Balance Sheet Strength: A stock less than book value is only one possible signal of undervaluation. In some cases, reviewing financial metrics like debt levels, cash flows, and asset quality provides better insight into the company’s true strength.
- Asset Quality: Reviewing the quality of assets is important when looking at below book value stocks. For example, non-performing loans in banks or outdated equipment in manufacturing may increase the book value on paper.
- Industry Outlook: Sectors facing long-term challenges may have several under book value stocks in NSE. That’s why analysing industry trends and outlook can offer valuable insights into whether the low price reflects real problems or possible opportunities.
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To Wrap It Up…
A stock less than book value may sometimes appear attractive, but book value alone is not the only factor to consider. Earnings consistency, asset quality, balance sheet health, and industry outlook all play a role in understanding why a share price is below book value. Looking at these together can offer a more complete view of the company’s position.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Stocks Less Than Book Value
1. What is a stock less than book value?
A stock is considered less than book value when its market price per share is lower than the company’s book value per share, which is calculated as net assets divided by the number of shares.
2. What does it mean when a stock trades below book value?
It means the stock’s market price per share is lower than the company’s book value per share, which represents its net assets per share. This simply shows how the market is currently pricing the stock compared to its accounting value.
3. Are all stocks trading below book value undervalued?
A share price below book value can be due to various reasons, such as weak earnings, high debt, or industry decline. It doesn’t always imply undervalued opportunities, as the low price may reflect genuine challenges.
4. How to find stocks less than book value?
Investors who want to explore stocks below their book value can use tools like an under book value stock screener on platforms such as Tickertape. By applying a filter where the PB ratio is set to less than 1, the screener lists companies trading below book value.
5. Is it good to buy stock less than book value?
A stock trading below book value may look appealing, but the reasons for low valuation can vary. Investors should always do thorough research and, if needed, consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
6. What does a share price lower than book value mean?
A share price less than book value means the market is valuing the company’s stock lower than its net assets per share. This shows that investors are paying less than the company’s accounting worth.
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