Investing term

What is P/B ratio (price-to-book)?

Market cap ÷ book value of equity. What you're paying for a dollar of accounting net worth.

The price-to-book ratio (P/B) compares a company's market value to its accounting net worth (book value). A low P/B can flag a bargain — or a troubled business the market has written off. It's most meaningful for asset-heavy companies like banks and insurers, and least useful for asset-light firms whose real value lies in brands or software the balance sheet barely captures.

For example

A bank trading at a P/B of 0.8 is priced below its accounting net worth — possibly cheap, possibly a sign the market expects loan losses.

P/B ratio (price-to-book) is taught hands-on in Stage 15Valuation for Investors.

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