Introducing the Cheap Stocks 21 Net/Net Index: The First Index of Companies Trading Below Net Current Asset Value

We’ve designed what we believe to be the first index of companies trading below their net current asset value. The main purpose of this index will be to track a passive portfolio of net/nets. This index is chock full of small companies many of which have been beaten down, and some of which may not survive. We’ve developed this index primarily as an attempt to gauge net/net performance using a basket approach.

The Cheap Stocks 21 Net/Net Index is a market cap weighted index comprised of companies that met the following criteria at index inception on Tuesday, February 12th, 2008:

•Market Cap is below net current asset value, defined as:
Current Assets – Current Liabilities – all other long term liabilities (including preferred stock, and minority interest where applicable)

•Stock Price above $1.00 per share

•Companies have an operating business; acquisition companies were excluded

•Minimum average 100 day volume of at least 5000 shares (light we know, but welcome to the wonderful world of net/nets)

*Index constituents were selected by market cap. The index is comprised of the “largest” companies meeting the above criteria.

The Index is naïve in construction in that:

•It will be rebalanced annually, and companies no longer meeting the net/net criteria will remain in the index until annual rebalancing.

•Only bankruptcies, de-listings, or acquisitions will result in replacement

•Does not discriminate by industry weighting—some industries may have heavy weights.


Cheap Stocks 21 Net/Net Index Constituents and Weights (%, rounded):

Adaptec Inc(ADPT)18.72%
Computer Systems

Audiovox Corp(VOXX)12.20%
Electronics

Trans World Entertainment(TWMC)7.58%
Retail-Music and Video

Finish Line Inc(FINL)6.30%
Retail-Apparel

Nu Horizons Electronics(NUHC)5.76%
Electronics Wholesale

Richardson Electronics(RELL)5.09%
Electronics Wholesale

Pomeroy IT Solutions(PMRY)4.61%
IT

Ditech Networks(DITC)4.31%
Communication Equip

Parlux Fragrances(PARL)3.92%
Personal Products

InFocus Corp(INFS)3.81%
Computer Peripherals

Renovis Inc(RNVS)3.80%
Biotech

Leadis Technology Inc(LDIS)3.47%
Semiconductor-Integrated Circuits

Replidyne Inc(RDYN)3.31%
Biotech

Tandy Brands Accessories Inc(TBAC)2.94%
Apparel, Footwear, Accessories

FSI International Inc(FSII)2.87%
Semiconductor Equip

Anadys Pharmaceuticals Inc(ANDS)2.49%
Biotech

MediciNova Inc(MNOV)2.33%
Biotech

Emerson Radio Corp(MSN)1.71%
Electronics

Handleman Co(HDL)1.66%
Music- Wholesale

Chromcraft Revington Inc(CRC)1.62%
Furniture

Charles & Colvard Ltd(CTHR)1.50%
Jewel Wholesale


The initial value of the Cheap Stocks Index was 100, as of the close on 2/11/08. Initially, we’ll report the index value on a weekly basis.

*The author does not have positions in any of the companies mentioned. This is neither a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. All information provided believed to be reliable and presented for information purposes only. The author will not trade any of the securities mentioned (buy, sell, short) for at least two weeks
following the date of this post.