Strategies for Investing in Stocks
Courtesy : MassResources.org
Below are ten guidelines that are smart and often necessary to follow in order to be successful at long term investing in stocks.
1. "Buy low and sell high."
This is a very obvious bit of advice but achieving this goal can be more difficult than it might seem and this simple rule can be easy to forget. An obvious key to successfully investing in stocks is to pick investments to buy that will increase in value over time and then eventually sell the stock at a higher price. Some of the recommendations and guidelines that follow may be helpful in following this first principle.In order to "buy low" and "sell high" it is sometime necessary to do the opposite of what the majority of investors seem to be doing. This is called being a contrarian. When everyone else is pessimistic about a company they have likely acted on their negative opinions and sold shares of its stock. On the other hand, when investors are very optimistic about the prospects of a company, they have likely already acted on their hopefulness and purchased the stock. An investor who can buy at an extreme moment when others have been selling and sell when others have been aggressively buying may be able to accomplish the goal of "buying low/selling high" more often than those who follow the general consensus.
Unfortunately, this strategy doesn't always work! Sometimes there are good reasons for investors' pessimism and a company is headed from bad to worse. Someone who buys when everyone else is selling may end up owning stock in a company with grim long term prospects. Alternatively, selling shares of a great company with wonderful long term potential (e.g., Microsoft in the early 1990s; Apple in the early 2000s) too soon can be very frustrating as well. Needless to say, successfully investing in stocks is never easy.
2. Understand what you are buying.
Some investors meet with success by investing in companies for which they already have a very good understanding (or hold a good opinion of) because they like what the company makes or the service they provide. This is a perfectly valid and, often, useful strategy. At the same time, it is a good idea to do some research about the past financial performance of a company and projections for its future earnings. Personal experience can help, but there are many reasons why it will not always lead to accurate predictions about the future stock price of a company.
3. Patience is a virtue.
4. "Growth at a reasonable price" investing.
The major risk that growth investors run into with their approach is that they will pay a very rich price for a company with seemingly good long term prospects. Even a small disappointment in the earnings of a company with an expensive stock price (i.e., high P/E ratio) can result in a big drop in the share price as investors reconsider how fast the company will grow its earnings and sell the stock. A major setback in a company with a high P/E ratio can devastate its share price (e.g., the price of a stock could drop 25% or more on bad earnings news). Alternatively, with a value-oriented investment approach, the risk in owning what appears to be a cheap stock is that what seems like a temporary setback is actually much more serious or permanent in nature. A low share price, which looks like a bargain, may be well justified and the price could head much lower as more investors sell the stock after they come to recognize the long term nature of the company's problems.
Another investment strategy that attempts to blend the best of the growth and value-oriented strategies is called "growth-at-a-reasonable price" (GARP). Investors who follow this approach pay particular attention to a stock's PEG ratio. This is the P/E of a stock divided by its annual earnings growth rate. PEG ratios under 1.0 indicate that a company's P/E ratio is less than its growth rate. The lower the PEG ratio the more it suggests that the stock is reasonably valued (or even undervalued). Alternatively, the greater the PEG ratio, the more expensive the share price would seem to be.
A GARP investment strategy can offer protection against the problematic risks of both growth and value-style approaches. Investors who follow a GARP approach in a disciplined manner will draw a limit on what they are willing to pay for a stock with fast growing earnings. GARP investors like companies with fast growing earnings (the denominator in the PEG ratio) but, at the same time, will insist that this growth rate be high enough to justify a stock with a high P/E ratio. Likewise, GARP investors will not purchase a stock simply because it has a very low P/E ratio. If the company's earnings are not also increasing at a decent rate, they will avoid buying the stock for fear that the company's earnings have stopped growing (or worse have begun to decline).
5. Some of the "secrets" to Warren Buffett's success as an investor.
Buffett is a great illustration of an investor who has followed the above listed guidelines virtually to perfection. He has a keen knack for "buying low, then selling high." He is very patient in his approach, both in terms of waiting until the right opportunity comes along before making a stock purchase and then owning shares of stock in a company for a long period of time to allow his investment thesis (i.e, the reasons why he likes the company and purchased the stock) to be borne out. Buffett tends to stick to investments where he can understand the business the company is in well enough to make thoughtful and independent decisions. For example, he personally is uncomfortable owning technology-oriented companies as he does not feel he understands the products these companies make (nor trends in the broader industry) well enough to make smart investment decisions. Buffett's investment approach is probably best categorized as a "growth-at-a-reasonable-price" strategy. Some people consider Buffett to be a value-oriented investor, given his tendency to buy shares of stock in companies when they appear to be "bargains" but Buffett is careful to avoid companies that do not appear to have bright prospects for their future earnings.
When Buffett discusses his investment philosophy he will highlight several things he is looking for in a company that he wants to invest in. The following include some of the most important things he looks for:
a) "A durable, competitive advantage." By this
Buffett means that he wants a company that is relatively difficult to
compete against; hence it will likely be able to sustain a high profit
margin over time. Companies which have strong brand-name products (e.g.,
Coca Cola, Proctor & Gamble), or have patent protections
on their products (pharmaceutical companies), or have very strong
customer loyalty and high customer retention rates tend to have a
"durable competitive advantage" over their competitors.
b) A competent and honest management. For obvious reasons, Buffett is only interested in investing in companies for which he respects and trusts the key managers of that company. An incompetent, and especially a dishonest, management team at a company can spell big problems and Buffett wants nothing to do with investing in a company where he has reason to doubt the abilities, strategies, or ethics of the managers of the company.
c) Pay a "reasonable" price for a stock. An indication of Warren Buffett's patience as an investor is that he refuses to overpay for a company's stock. While he may love the company, if the price is not right, he will not like the stock and seek out alternative investment opportunities or wait until the stock price becomes more attractively priced. Nevertheless, Buffett is not a cheapskate. A well known quote of his is that "it is far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price." This is spoken like a true GARP investor: Buffett is willing to pay a reasonable price for a company with great future prospects and would choose to invest in such a business over a company that has a cheap stock but only modest potential for improved future earnings.
Another key to Buffet's success is his temperament. He seems much
better than most investors at staying calm when others are panicking
over short term concerns about the stock market or a particular company.
In fact, Buffet welcomes it when other investors are very worried, as
it may create potential to buy companies that others have hastily sold.
Another famous quote of his is as follows: "You pay a very high
price in the stock market for a cheery consensus. Uncertainty is
actually the friend of the buyer of long-term values."b) A competent and honest management. For obvious reasons, Buffett is only interested in investing in companies for which he respects and trusts the key managers of that company. An incompetent, and especially a dishonest, management team at a company can spell big problems and Buffett wants nothing to do with investing in a company where he has reason to doubt the abilities, strategies, or ethics of the managers of the company.
c) Pay a "reasonable" price for a stock. An indication of Warren Buffett's patience as an investor is that he refuses to overpay for a company's stock. While he may love the company, if the price is not right, he will not like the stock and seek out alternative investment opportunities or wait until the stock price becomes more attractively priced. Nevertheless, Buffett is not a cheapskate. A well known quote of his is that "it is far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price." This is spoken like a true GARP investor: Buffett is willing to pay a reasonable price for a company with great future prospects and would choose to invest in such a business over a company that has a cheap stock but only modest potential for improved future earnings.
6. Don't take a big loss.
Warren Buffet's first rule of investment is "Don't take a big loss." His second rule of investment is: "Don't forget Rule #1!"
A corollary to Buffet's rule is a piece of advice offered by Jim Cramer of the CNBC show "Mad Money": "Ring the register; no one ever lost money taking a profit." In
particular, he directs this advice to investors who have seen shares of
stock they own go up significantly in value. It may not be necessary to
sell all shares, but it is a good idea to sell some shares in
order to ensure that you realize a profit. For instance, if a stock
doubles in price, some investors will sell half the shares they own,
thereby recovering their initial investment and knowing that the
remaining shares they own represent pure profit. Such a disciplined
approach in taking profits helps to protect investment gains. However,
it is a good idea not to reinvest the proceeds of such sales in
companies within the same industry (e.g., selling stock in one energy
company, then buying another company in the energy industry) in case the
entire industry runs into difficulty and the stock price of all
companies in that industry go down.7. Be aware of your emotional tolerance for losses
The stock market swings between extremes of human greed and fear. The best investors recognize these extremes and try to take advantage of them. Always set aside some of your investment money in the form of "cash" for extreme events that cause the stock market to significantly sell off. Such a cash cushion allows investors to better weather a market downturn and to take advantage of companies that suddenly see their stock price drop for no good reason due to widespread investor panic. Taking advantage of a good buying opportunity when many other investors are fearful is only possible if you yourself are not also in a panic. Be aware of the extreme emotions of greed and fear in yourself. Succumbing to either these emotions (selling due to fear and buying due to over optimism and greed) is the cause of a lot of investment mistakes.
8. Dividends are important.
9. "Don’t confuse a bull market for genius."
10. Adapt to changing circumstances.
An easy "mistake" to make is to invest in a company that make products (or provides services) that can be made obsolete by newer technologies which come along. When a new technology develops or something else changes in a significant way that will harm the future earnings of a company, it may be wise to see the "writing on the wall" and sell the stock. Circumstances change and developments emerge that were not easily foreseen. All good investors take in new information and reassess their investment decisions based on new facts. Good investors force themselves to "listen to what they don't want to hear." In other words, if there is bad news about a company, it should be acknowledged and one must then think about the long term implications such news has for the earnings potential of the business.
Thanks for these valuable information..
ReplyDeleteSir
ReplyDeleteYour comment on result of zf steering?
Good Result .Hold
DeleteDear Sir,
ReplyDeleteKudos to you and the way you looks at the things.
In your recent call of "South India Paper Mill" your logic that e-commerce companies will start their own logistics arms (as the case has been like flipkart's E-Kart, Jabongs Go-Javas, Myntra's delivery service), but they will in most probabilities will not not start their own packaging material factories, is nothing but a very fine example of sound logic and out of the box thinking.
I have benefited immensely since I have started following this blog.
Thanks for the great help and genuine opinions that you are sharing with the masses.
Dear Sir,
ReplyDeleteI had a query on Gitanjali Gems. Could you please check? I know you are not strictly tracking it; but there were some comments earlier. Asa gold import duty cut is expected in coming budget; will it help them?
Cut in import duty is positive , but company's high debt and difficulties to raise further debt for working capital creating issues .Let us wait and watch
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeletewe miss you on the net from last two days.
This is also the BEST Article.
Any view on A2z Infra.
Thanks
Not tracking A2Z
DeleteSir,
ReplyDeleteNext media works is posting better results quarter over quarter this year. Please advise on the same...
More than result, its ability to raise funds for next round of bidding is the crucial point
Deleteexcellent learning. kudos to you sir
ReplyDeleteVP sir nice article.....also provide resource to bottom up and top down strategy for stock picking....and its relation to growth and value oriented stock picking approach....thanxs again for sharing wonderful article
ReplyDeleteIt's excellent post thanks for sharing :) I am holding ifb industries please let me know your view on that .
ReplyDeleteIf ready to take bit risk still Hold
Deletesir, wats ur views on excel industries q3 numbers?? bio division doesnt seem to be performing well
ReplyDeleteGood result. In my posting itself I clearly mentioned about the situation of waste processing division . It is a business of future with good potential and it need to scale up over a period of time , never expect miracles from this division over night.
DeleteBut it reported profit this Q. Which is good sign I guess.
Deletethanks for the reply sir
DeleteGood article very use full for beginners thank you sir for your great effort
ReplyDeleteThanks sir great idea . Will I continue to hold polyplex. Orchid chemical. Aksh optifiber. And triveni turbine if any negative view at present time please reply sir
ReplyDeleteHold for time time being and review post result.
DeleteSir,
ReplyDeletePlease suggest one stock of index for investing in RGESS [Rajib Gandhi Equity Sevings Scheme] for tax benefit.
If I am correct , Only certain large caps are eligible for this , which I am generally not tracking
DeleteSir,
ReplyDeleteYour take on Ludlow Jute?
jiva
This stock once suggested when Govt initiated steps to make packaging of certain items mandatory in jute bags . But later this plan not implemented strictly and then I suggested to exit . I don't think there is any specific reason to enter in it at the moment.
DeleteHello sir
ReplyDeleteI am new to stock market and I have recently opened a trade account in icici. Planning to invest for long term like one to five years. Please suggest me some good stock names.
Thanks in advance.
Lakshman
Sorry, not suggesting anything personally to anyone. My views are sharing through this open blog . Do own due diligence and further study and take a call based on your risk profile.
DeleteHi VP sir,
ReplyDeleteCan you please share views on MIRC ELECTRONICS LTD.
Not tracking MIRC Electronics.
DeleteWow !!! Such a nice article. I am big Fan of yours Sir
ReplyDeleteDear VP sir
ReplyDeleteVery Good Article. Thanks lot.
Dear VP sir,
ReplyDeletePlease suggest about Sicagen, UB Holding and Punj Lloyd. Thanks
Not tracking any of these
Delete"The general trend of the market may be more behind an investor's current success than his or her skill at picking stocks."- The best line in the best article.
ReplyDeleteIn this bull market tips provider , research analysts can be seen here there and everywhere. Most of them will disappear in bear market.
I never disappeared even during the peak of previous bear market and global recession :)))
DeleteHi VP,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the Strategy....U r doing great service....May god bless u...
I chose JM financial to invest in long term about 1 year.....Results were good for last 3 quarters...And i hope it fundamentally strong...Kindly give me your view on the same...Many thanks again...
JM,Edelweiss and Geojit BNP are decent cos from the sector.
DeleteNice article. Thanks Sir for providing the insight in a very simple way. It is just like the value picks which one wait for on Saturdays :). Hope this will help us in becoming a better investor. God bless.
ReplyDeleteSir What's your view on IPCA LABS for long term ?
ReplyDeleteNot a bad company but in temporary trouble ,Since it is related with USFDA issue , it may take time to resolve and we can't predict a time frame for that.
DeleteDear sir please share your view on PHOENIX LAMPS?
ReplyDeleteNot tracking it
DeleteDear Sir,
ReplyDeleteEverything is fine and make sense in the ideal world, all these approaches make sense if we are sure about the sanctity of the books (quoting Satyam here). But, as you know that the things are far from perfection, need to understand how to determine the management quality.
How to avoid getting into news planted in media and dressed up books ?
May be an article on the subject is the need of an hour.
Yes, that is very true . If Govt wants to protect the interest of retail investors , the first think they need to take steps to prevent erring promoters ..At present we have limited options- Analyse the books as far as possible, analyse the history of promoters, check the cash flow and dividend payment,promoter holding ( excluding pledge) , serious inquiry about the integrity of promoters using our local contacts..etc.
Deletewhats ur view on astra micro results?
ReplyDeleteAs expected
DeletePlease share your view on Info-edge,will Zomata be game changer for it
ReplyDeleteThey are spending lot of money on it .Let us wait and watch
DeleteDEAR VP SIR,
ReplyDeleteThanks to attach with all members of this blog by giving your valuable views.
sir after result of gujarat borosil what is your view ? Should continue with hold ?
Thanks.
No change in views. But study the current status of Gas supply issue ( which I explained through various replies in recent past) and take a final call.
DeleteVp sir sintex posted good results.business seems good future. I would like u to add some more colour on sintex business,valuation n good entry point n target
ReplyDeleteEverything is good except their plans to setting up of new Spinning Unit at a cost of approx Rs. 1700 Crores before strengthening their balance sheet
DeleteSir,
DeleteManagement has clarified that 1200 Cr. debt availed for the spinning unit carries interest rate @ 2%. May not be a bad idea it appears.
Anitha M
Dear Sir,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information.
Any update on MIC Electronics results and performance?
Pls let me have your inputs.
Best Regards,
Ajit
Not expecting anything in this quarter,Let first they start implementing the projects.
DeleteDear sir
ReplyDeleteYour opinion on gs auto international.
Ramesh
Not tracking it.
DeleteDear sir,
ReplyDeleteKindly suggest on Shirpur Gold refinery stock. We can hold it for long term.
Worst may be over
Deletesir please advise enginerrslnd and schneider elect,sonata software,time tecno big holding please advise
ReplyDeleteTracking only Schneider and it recommended around Rs.69.Long term investors with some risk appetite can still hold it at CMP of Rs.160
DeleteDear sir
ReplyDeletePls have your opinion on results of intrasoft technology...
Ramesh
Actually, Intrasoft is the only listed e-commerce play in true sense in Indian exchanges ( running business through its US subsidiary 123stores.com) . Company reported stunning performance in latest quarter and more upside may possible even from current 52 week high rate.
DeleteSir, can you comment on putting some money in Cairn India that is beaten down due to slump in Oil prices, pays gd dividend too, thanks and Regards, Raghavan
ReplyDeleteNot strictly tracking post management change.
DeleteSir.morning. what's your view in tech mahindra. Giving bonas and stock spilt.after a good result what's your view
ReplyDeleteSir wats ur view on sks micro and fcel will both be a multibagger?
ReplyDeleteDear vp sir
ReplyDeleteI brought ramco industry
shall i go for long term
Not tracking above stocks
DeleteDear VP,
ReplyDeleteCan you share your views on Neulad Pharma in the light of the recent results.
Regards
Vipul
Already suggested to book partial profit . One can sell the remaining too at CMP
DeleteDear sir
ReplyDeleteplease advice Rss software
Dear vpji,
ReplyDeletePlease give advise regarding tata power.
Dear sir
ReplyDeleteYour view on Cosco India.
Rakesh
Pls share your views on Ratnamani Metals & Tubes. Thanks
ReplyDeleteNot tracking above stocks
DeleteSir ur early recommended rajvir industry. ..u still like this company...
ReplyDeleteAlready suggested to SELL , not tracking now
DeleteSir hindustan tin works limited 70 again ..from where we had taken anything wrong sir?
ReplyDeleteNot aware of any negative on fundamental side till now.
DeleteSir holding indosolar from rs 6 now its 16.50 shuld i wait or exit any view on this stock?
ReplyDeleteNot tracking it
DeleteSir,
ReplyDeletePlease share your view on cranex for long term .
Thanks in advance.
Please let me know - anything special in it ?
Deletesuper article for long term genuine investors...thank you very much VP sir...
ReplyDeleteI understood all above points..