What is the  QVAL ETF ?
5 min read
By Beqa Bumbeishvili, ETF Insider

What is the QVAL ETF ?

In the ever-changing world of finance, investors are always on the lookout for opportunities that can provide attractive returns while managing risks effectively. One such investment option that has gained popularity in recent years is the QVAL ETF, which stands for the Quantitative Value ETF. This article explores the QVAL ETF, its underlying strategies, and why it might be worth considering for your investment portfolio.

QVAL ETF: Overview

The QVAL ETF is an actively managed fund, overseen by Empowered Funds, LLC dba EA Advisers. The ETF employs a proprietary methodology developed by Empirical Finance, LLC, dba Alpha Architect, and licensed to the Adviser. The primary objective of the fund is to identify undervalued U.S. equity securities that have the potential for capital appreciation.

QVAL ETF: Underlying and Exposure - What Does it Track and How?

The ETF's investment strategy involves a multi-step, quantitative, rules-based approach to select a portfolio of approximately 50 to 100 undervalued U.S. equity securities. The fund begins by analyzing a universe of liquid stocks primarily traded on U.S. exchanges. These stocks generally have a market capitalization above $1 billion.
Next, the Adviser eliminates illiquid securities, real estate investment trusts, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), American Depositary Receipts, stocks of financial firms, and those with less than twelve months of available financial data. The remaining universe comprises highly liquid small-, mid-, and large-cap stocks.
The Adviser then employs proprietary screens to identify potential "value traps" and eliminate firms with negative characteristics. These screens take into account various factors, including accounting practices, to ensure the selection of companies with genuine undervaluation.
The ETF follows a value-driven approach, identifying the cheapest companies based on the "enterprise multiple," which is a firm's total enterprise value (TEV) divided by its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT). Additionally, other common value metrics, such as book-to-market, cash-flow to price, and earnings to price, are considered to pinpoint the cheapest companies. Quality screens are then applied to select the top 50 to 100 stocks from the cheapest ones.

QVAL overlap What is the  QVAL ETF ?QVAL overlap What is the QVAL ETF ?

QVAL ETF: Benefits of Investing in This ETF

Investing in the QVAL ETF offers several benefits to investors. By focusing on undervalued companies with strong potential for growth, the ETF provides an opportunity to capitalize on market inefficiencies. The active management and comprehensive screening process help in reducing the risk associated with value investing. Additionally, the fund's exposure to a diversified portfolio of undervalued securities can potentially lead to attractive returns over the long term.

QVAL ETF: Considerations Before Investing

As with any investment, there are important considerations to keep in mind before investing in the QVAL ETF. While the fund's active management aims to optimize returns, it also means incurring management fees. Investors should carefully assess these fees and compare them with the potential returns.
Moreover, it is crucial to understand that all investments carry inherent risks, and the value of the ETF's holdings can fluctuate based on market conditions. A thorough understanding of the ETF's investment strategy and risk tolerance is necessary for making informed decisions.

Conclusion:

The QVAL ETF, driven by a quantitative value-centric methodology, aims to unlock the potential of undervalued U.S. equity securities. Empowered Funds, LLC dba EA Advisers actively manages the fund using a multi-step approach, ensuring the selection of companies with genuine undervaluation and growth potential. As with any investment, it is essential to carefully assess your investment goals and risk tolerance before considering the QVAL ETF or any other financial instrument.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide any investment advisory services.

Sources:
Empowered Funds, LLC dba EA Advisers - Fund's Investment Strategy.
Empirical Finance, LLC, dba Alpha Architect - Proprietary Methodology.
QVAL ETF - Fund Allocation and Holdings as of September 30, 2022.

QVAL ETF issuer
QVAL ETF official page

QVAL quote and analysis

Discover the top holdings, correlations, and overlaps of ETFs using our visualization tool.
Our app allows you to build and track your portfolio.
To learn more about the QVAL Alpha Architect US Quantitative Value ETF, access our dedicated page now.

Get started

FAQ

  • What is the QVAL ETF?

    The QVAL ETF, also known as the Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF, is an exchange-traded fund that aims to provide investors with exposure to U.S. stocks selected based on their value characteristics.

  • How does the QVAL ETF select its holdings?

    The QVAL ETF follows a quantitative approach to select its holdings. It uses a systematic process that identifies U.S. stocks considered undervalued based on factors such as low price-to-earnings ratio, low price-to-book ratio, and high dividend yield.

  • What types of companies are included in the QVAL ETF?

    The QVAL ETF includes a diversified range of U.S. companies across various sectors. These companies are selected based on their value metrics, indicating that they may be trading at a discount relative to their intrinsic value.

  • What are the potential benefits of investing in the QVAL ETF?

    Investing in the QVAL ETF offers the potential for long-term capital appreciation as value stocks may have room for price appreciation if their true value is recognized by the market. Additionally, the fund's systematic approach provides a rules-based strategy for value investing.

  • What are the risks associated with investing in the QVAL ETF?

    Like all investments, the QVAL ETF carries certain risks. Value stocks may experience prolonged periods of underperformance compared to growth stocks, and the systematic nature of the fund's approach means it may not capture all market opportunities. Additionally, market fluctuations and economic conditions can impact the fund's performance.