Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) Stock Analysis
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) trades at $30.37. Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) is an actively managed fund focused on US small- to mid-cap companies. Market cap: $38.8M, Sector: Financial services.
Price as of Aug 21, 2026 · Last analyzed: Mar 16, 2026Analyst Coverage for IVSS: IVSS does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates IVSS against Financial Services peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
Not enough scored data yet to form a council read on IVSS.
How is this calculated? →Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) Financial Services Profile
Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) is an actively managed fund concentrating on U.S. small- to mid-cap equities, employing an Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) model. The fund targets undervalued companies with market capitalizations below $15 billion, seeking superior returns through a concentrated portfolio of at least 150 holdings across diverse sectors.
What Is the Investment Thesis for IVSS?
The investment thesis for IVSS centers on its active management approach and focus on identifying undervalued small- to mid-cap companies with strong intrinsic value. The fund's IVS model aims to pinpoint companies with sustainable profitability, competitive advantages, and efficient capital allocation. A key value driver is the potential for these smaller companies to outperform larger, more established firms as they grow and mature. The fund's concentrated portfolio of at least 150 holdings allows for meaningful exposure to its highest-conviction ideas. However, the non-diversified nature of the fund introduces higher volatility. The fund's success depends on the effectiveness of its IVS model and the ability of its investment team to identify and capitalize on market inefficiencies in the small- to mid-cap space. The fund's performance will be influenced by broader economic conditions and investor sentiment towards smaller companies.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
IVSS Key Highlights
IVSS allocates approximately 80% of its net assets to equity securities of US small- to mid-cap companies.
- The fund's investment process incorporates an Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) analytical model.
- IVSS aims to hold at least 150 positions across various sectors.
- The fund may take larger positions exceeding 5% in certain holdings or sectors.
- IVSS may invest in convertible securities, preferred stocks, rights, warrants, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and American depositary receipts (ADRs).
Who Are IVSS's Competitors?
IVSS is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF | $297.64 | -1.35% | $81.9B | 47 |
| IJH iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF | $76.37 | -0.87% | $124B | 47 |
| VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF | $247.49 | -1.06% | $68.6B | 47 |
| BCG Binah Capital Group, Inc. | $1.40 | +0.72% | $23.5M | 78 |
| EEA The European Equity Fund, Inc. | $11.15 | -0.59% | $74.7M | 67 |
| HNNA Hennessy Advisors, Inc. | $9.89 | -1.30% | $78.2M | 81 |
| ETHT ProShares - Ultra Ether ETF | $12.57 | +19.94% | $92.2M | 68 |
| TPZ Tortoise Electrification Infrastructure ETF | $21.62 | -0.18% | $127M | 70 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are IVSS's Key Strengths?
Proprietary Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) model for stock selection.
- Active management approach with potential for outperformance.
- Focus on undervalued small- to mid-cap companies.
- Experienced investment team.
What Are IVSS's Weaknesses?
Non-diversified fund, leading to higher volatility.
- Reliance on the effectiveness of the IVS model.
- Higher expense ratio compared to passive ETFs.
- Small market capitalization.
What Could Drive IVSS Stock Higher?
Potential outperformance of small- to mid-cap equities relative to large-cap equities.
- Successful implementation of the Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) model.
- Increased investor demand for active ETF strategies.
- Strategic partnerships with financial advisors and wealth management firms.
What Are the Key Risks for IVSS?
Market downturns impacting small- to mid-cap equities.
- Underperformance of the IVS model.
- Competition from other active and passive ETFs.
- Changes in investor sentiment towards active management.
- Non-diversified nature of the fund leading to higher volatility.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for IVSS?
- Increased Adoption of Active ETFs: The growing acceptance of active ETFs presents a significant growth opportunity for IVSS. As investors seek strategies that can potentially outperform passive benchmarks, particularly in specific market segments like small- to mid-cap equities, demand for actively managed ETFs like IVSS is likely to increase. The ETF market is projected to continue its expansion, providing a favorable backdrop for IVSS to attract new assets. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Expansion of the IVS Model: IVSS can expand the application of its Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) model to other asset classes or geographic regions. By adapting its analytical framework to identify undervalued opportunities in different markets, IVSS can diversify its product offerings and attract a broader range of investors. This expansion could involve launching new ETFs or offering separately managed accounts based on the IVS model. Timeline: 2-3 years.
- Strategic Partnerships and Distribution Agreements: Forming strategic partnerships with financial advisors, wealth management firms, and institutional investors can significantly enhance IVSS's distribution reach. By leveraging the existing networks of these partners, IVSS can gain access to a wider pool of potential investors and increase its assets under management. These partnerships can also provide valuable insights into investor preferences and market trends. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Enhanced Marketing and Investor Education: Investing in targeted marketing campaigns and investor education initiatives can help raise awareness of IVSS's unique investment approach and its potential benefits. By clearly communicating the fund's IVS model and its focus on identifying undervalued small- to mid-cap companies, IVSS can attract investors who are seeking differentiated investment strategies. These efforts can include webinars, white papers, and social media campaigns. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Development of ESG-Focused Strategies: Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into the IVS model can appeal to the growing segment of investors who prioritize sustainable investing. By identifying companies with strong ESG profiles, IVSS can attract socially responsible investors and enhance its long-term performance. This could involve launching a dedicated ESG-focused ETF or incorporating ESG considerations into the existing IVSS fund. Timeline: 1-2 years.
What Are IVSS's Competitive Advantages?
- Proprietary Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) analytical model.
- Expertise in identifying undervalued small- to mid-cap companies.
- Established track record of active management.
What Does IVSS Do?
Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund designed to provide investors with exposure to the U.S. small- to mid-cap equity market. The fund was created to identify and invest in companies believed to have the potential for superior returns. IVSS allocates approximately 80% of its net assets to equity securities of U.S. small- to mid-cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations below $15 billion at the time of purchase. The fund's investment process incorporates an Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) analytical model. This model assesses various factors, including profitability, competition, growth rate, cost of capital, and financing activities, to determine the intrinsic value of potential investments. IVSS aims to hold at least 150 positions across a diverse range of sectors. While the fund invests across various sectors, it may take larger positions, exceeding 5% of its assets, in specific holdings or sectors that the investment team believes offer particularly attractive opportunities. As a non-diversified fund, IVSS invests in a smaller number of securities compared to diversified funds, which can lead to higher volatility. In addition to common stocks, the fund may also invest in convertible securities, preferred stocks, rights, warrants, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and American depositary receipts (ADRs).
What Products and Services Does IVSS Offer?
- Actively manages a portfolio of U.S. small- to mid-cap equity securities.
- Employs an Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) analytical model to assess investment opportunities.
- Invests primarily in companies with market capitalizations below $15 billion at the time of purchase.
- Holds at least 150 positions across various sectors.
- May take larger positions exceeding 5% in certain holdings or sectors.
- Invests in convertible securities, preferred stocks, rights, warrants, REITs, and ADRs.
How Does IVSS Make Money?
- Generates revenue through management fees charged on assets under management (AUM).
- Fees are calculated as a percentage of the fund's average daily net assets.
- The fund's profitability is directly tied to its ability to attract and retain assets.
What Industry Does IVSS Operate In?
IVSS operates within the asset management industry, which is characterized by intense competition and evolving investor preferences. The ETF market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing popularity of passive investment strategies and the demand for low-cost investment vehicles. However, active ETFs like IVSS seek to differentiate themselves by offering the potential for outperformance through skilled security selection. The competitive landscape includes both large, established asset managers and smaller, specialized firms. IVSS's focus on small- to mid-cap companies and its IVS model position it as a niche player within the broader asset management industry.
Who Are IVSS's Key Customers?
- Individual investors seeking exposure to U.S. small- to mid-cap equities.
- Financial advisors allocating client portfolios.
- Institutional investors seeking active management strategies.
Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) Valuation Context
Valued at $38.8M, IVSS is classified as a micro-cap stock.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF stands at 0.0%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 0.0%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. IVSS trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 0.00, below the Financial Services sector average of ~18x. Its free cash flow yield is 0.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.00 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is 0.0%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
IVSS Financials
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in the ETF's strategy, indicating that key players believe in its potential.
- Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting the ETF's diverse holdings as a hedge against market volatility.
- Market perception is buoyed by a growing interest in small to mid-cap investments, which are seen as undervalued in the current economic climate.
- Recent fund inflows indicate renewed investor interest, suggesting that many are positioning themselves for future growth opportunities.
Bear Case
- Concerns over inflation persist, leading some investors to question the sustainability of small to mid-cap performance in a tightening economic environment.
- Social sentiment has shown some skepticism, with discussions around potential overexposure to sectors that may struggle in a downturn.
- Recent volatility in the broader market has raised doubts about the ETF's ability to weather economic headwinds, prompting caution among traders.
- Some community members express worries about the ETF's management fees, suggesting that they could eat into returns in a challenging market.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
IVSS Latest News
No recent news available for IVSS.
IVSS Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for IVSS.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for IVSS.
IVSS MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates IVSS 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Leadership: Paul Donald Blinn
CEO
Paul Donald Blinn serves as CEO. Additional background information regarding Mr. Blinn's career history, education, and previous roles is not available in the provided source data.
Track Record: Information regarding Paul Donald Blinn's specific achievements, strategic decisions, and company milestones under their leadership is not available in the provided source data.
Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF Financial Services Stock: Key Questions Answered
What does Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF do?
Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) is an actively managed fund that invests primarily in U.S. small- to mid-cap companies. The fund utilizes a proprietary Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) model to identify companies that are believed to be undervalued and have the potential for superior returns.
What are the main risks for IVSS?
The main risks for IVSS include market risk, which is the possibility of losses due to declines in the overall stock market, particularly in the small- to mid-cap segment. The fund's non-diversified nature can amplify these market risks. There is also the risk that the fund's IVS model may not accurately identify undervalued companies, leading to underperformance.
How does Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF generate revenue in the financial services sector?
Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF generates revenue primarily through management fees. These fees are calculated as a percentage of the fund's average daily net assets. The ETF charges investors a fee to manage the fund's portfolio and provide investment expertise. The more assets the fund manages, the higher the revenue generated.
How does the Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) model impact Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF's investment decisions?
The Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) model is central to Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF's investment process. This model is used to assess various factors, including profitability, competition, growth rate, cost of capital, and financing activities, to determine the intrinsic value of potential investments.
What are the key factors to evaluate for IVSS?
Evaluate IVSS on fundamentals, analyst consensus, and risk factors. The investment thesis for IVSS centers on its active management approach and focus on identifying undervalued small- to mid-cap companies with strong intrinsic value. Not financial advice.
How frequently does IVSS data refresh on this page?
IVSS's price was last updated on Aug 21, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours — it is not a real-time exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven IVSS's recent stock price performance?
Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Proprietary Intrinsic Value Stewardship (IVS) model for stock selection. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider IVSS overvalued or undervalued right now?
Applied Finance IVS US SMID ETF (IVSS) has no trailing P/E available here, so lean on price-to-sales and cash flow in the Financials tab. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- AI analysis is pending for IVSS, limiting the availability of analyst consensus and valuation metrics.
- Information regarding the CEO's background and track record is limited.