Cheaper Stocks on the Market: Return Opportunities in 2025-2026

In 2025-2026, the Brazilian stock market presents a landscape full of opportunities for investors seeking cheaper stocks. Especially for those starting out or wanting to diversify their assets without large investments, the most affordable stocks offer a strategic entry point for potential gains in the medium and long term.

The recovery of sectors like construction, retail, and renewable energy has brought to light several stocks trading below their book value. These discounted assets are increasingly attracting investors looking to combine affordability with appreciation potential. This guide provides an updated analysis of the cheapest stocks on the exchange, the criteria to identify them, and how to develop a consistent investment strategy.

How to Identify Cheaper Stocks: The P/VPA Indicator

To accurately recognize the cheapest stocks, it’s essential to understand the P/VPA (Price over Book Value) indicator. This widely used metric compares a stock’s market price with the company’s book value.

A low P/VPA suggests the company is trading below its actual asset worth, indicating possible undervaluation. The table below shows the top 20 cheapest stocks on the exchange based on early 2025 data, ordered by P/VPA:

Sectors with the Greatest Potential Among the Cheapest Stocks

The most affordable stocks are concentrated in specific sectors showing interesting dynamics. Construction and real estate dominate the list, reflecting expectations of renewed infrastructure investments. Retail and food sectors also stand out, attracting investors betting on domestic consumption recovery.

Energy, whether renewable or traditional, emerges as a segment with solid prospects. Brazil’s energy transition opens opportunities for companies to execute long-term projects. Simultaneously, steel and metallurgy benefit from global demand cycles and domestic investments.

The 5 Highlights: Why These Cheap Stocks Are Drawing Attention

PDG Realty (PDGR3) – P/VPA: 0.00

Still undergoing restructuring, PDG Realty presents an extreme case of devaluation. Its zero P/VPA attracts speculative investors seeing potential for a turnaround. The risk is high, but the potential return could be significant if the company manages to normalize operations.

Americanas (AMER3) – P/VPA: 0.05

After going through judicial recovery in 2023, Americanas has resumed trading with strategic restructuring and a focus on digital transformation. The price remains depressed, attracting investors who believe profitability will return. Constant monitoring is recommended.

Helbor (HBOR3) – P/VPA: 0.15

Operating across multiple real estate segments, Helbor maintains resilient operational indicators despite the discounted price. The company continues delivering quality projects, positioning itself as an interesting alternative for sector believers.

HBR Realty (HBRE3) – P/VPA: 0.19

Focused on corporate and logistics properties, HBR Realty expands its asset base with disciplined financial management. Its business model offers cash flow stability, suitable for buy & hold investors seeking predictable returns.

Gerdau Steel (GOAU3) – P/VPA: 0.20

Steel companies are benefiting from infrastructure recovery in the country. GOAU3 is the most discounted option in the segment, even with consistent profits. Its potential lies in margin expansion as the economy accelerates.

Beyond Price: Essential Criteria for Evaluation

Low price alone doesn’t guarantee an opportunity. Before investing in the cheapest stocks, carefully analyze:

• Profitability indicators: ROE (Return on Equity) should be positive and preferably increasing
• Financial health: Debt/EBITDA ratio indicates whether the company can meet its obligations
• Sector outlook: What is the segment’s perspective? Declining or recovering?
• Corporate governance: Transparency, board structure, dividend policies
• Recent news: Watch for restructurings, mergers, leadership changes, and regulatory developments

How to Start: Practical Strategy for Beginners

To build a portfolio of cheap stocks in a structured way:

1. Diversify across sectors: Don’t concentrate on just one industry. Combining construction, retail, energy, and others reduces risk.

2. Invest small amounts: Start with modest positions, increasing gradually as you gain experience and confidence.

3. Set a time horizon: Cheap stocks often require patience. Think medium (2-3 years) or long-term (5+ years).

4. Perform periodic reviews: Reassess your holdings quarterly, monitoring results and company indicators.

5. Focus on education: Study reports, webinars, and fundamental analyses to accelerate your asset selection learning.

Conclusion

Investing in cheap stocks can be an intelligent strategy to maximize returns with limited capital, especially when combined with thorough analysis. Opportunities exist, but they require research, patience, and discipline.

Avoid the trap of chasing only the lowest price. Look for companies with solid fundamentals, recovering sectors, and revaluation potential. With a long-term vision and clear criteria, cheap stocks can become significant multipliers of your wealth.