Value Investing vs Growth Investing: Choosing the Right Approach

Value Investing vs Growth Investing: Choosing the Right Approach

19 March 2024 | By INDIE

The stock markets are popular for their volatility, which makes the price of any stock unpredictable. Regardless of this, the stock market gives you a lot of opportunities to generate wealth and earn additional income. To utilise these opportunities, two popular investment approaches stand out from the numerous strategies available, i.e., value and growth investing. Before you enter the stock market, you must understand these two unique investing strategies and their differences. It will help you choose the right approach to achieve your financial objectives. 
 

What Is Value Investing?

Value investing is an investment strategy where you identify undervalued stocks that trade at a price lower than their intrinsic value. In other words, you purchase value stocks at a discounted price with the expectation of price appreciation over time. Investors who use this strategy must look out for undervalued companies with solid fundamentals, high dividend yields, low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios, and robust balance sheets. 
 

Also Read: Value Investing- Definition, How It Works, Strategies, and Risks 
 

What Is Growth Investing?

Growth investing is an investment strategy where you identify companies having strong growth potential in addition to having the capacity to generate high earnings. Investors must research and identify companies known for their innovative products/services, having rapid growth in earnings and revenue, and being market leaders. As a growth investor, you aim to profit from the growth potential of such companies, though they could be priced in the moderate-high range at present. 
 

Differences Between Value and Growth Investing 
 

  Value Investing
Growth Investing

 

 

Meaning

In value investing, undervalued businesses with sound fundamentals and indicating slow growth are identified.

Generally, value stocks are priced lower in contrast to their peers due to instability in their industry.

In growth investing, specific growth stocks are assumed to grow quickly in contrast to others.

Generally, growth stocks outperform their competitors and are backed by strong financials and fundamentals.

Company considered for investment
Undervalued companies whose intrinsic value is higher than their current value.
Companies having growth potential.
Risk Level This strategy’s risk level lies between low to medium. However, the odds of losing your investment are present even in this strategy. This strategy’s risk level is high. Growth stocks are highly volatile and are accompanied by high risk.
Investment Horizon Investments are made in value stocks over a short or a long investment horizon (depending on the investor’s preference). Investments are made in growth stocks over a long investment horizon.
Expenses
Investing in value stocks is less expensive than investing in growth stocks.
Investing in growth stocks is very expensive in contrast to value stocks.
Dividend Yield
Value investments generally have high dividend yields.
Growth investments generally have low dividend yields.
P/E Ratio
Low
High
P/B Ratio
Low
High

 
How to Choose the Right Approach?

Incorporating growth and value stocks into your investment portfolio is an effective way of portfolio diversification. However, there are a few key factors that must be considered before you opt for either of these strategies. They are: 
 

1. Online Trading Platform

Get started by using the best stock broking platform to make your investment in either growth or value stocks. To do so, get registered on some of the best online trading platforms like INDIE stock broking. It gives you real-time data on various stocks and offers charts and tools to optimise your strategies. 
 

2. Research

Before you opt for any investment approach, do your research. Identify the growth stocks and value stocks; investigate their financials, fundamentals, revenue and profit history, etc. Research is key to developing a strong investment portfolio and ensuring the safety of your funds. 
 

3. Investment Goals

Gain clarity on all your investment goals, both long-term and short-term. Additionally, be clear about whether you prefer capital appreciation or income generation. Having a mix of growth stocks and value stocks will help you meet all your financial goals.  
 

4. Risk Tolerance

Evaluate your risk appetite levels before you invest your funds. Conservative investors might opt for value stocks, whereas investors with a high-risk appetite might prefer investing in growth stocks. 
 

5. Investment Time Horizon

Always consider the time horizon for any investment you wish to make. Generally, investing in value stocks is associated with a short investment period. This is because the goal is to capitalise on the correction of the potential undervaluation in the near future. It can also be associated with a longer investment period, especially if investors are willing to stay invested till the intrinsic value is fully recognised.

On the contrary, investing in growth stocks is apt for those with a longer investment period, as earnings of growth companies are generally reinvested to aid expansion. Growth stocks might require time to realise their full potential. 
 

Conclusion

Value investing and growth investing offer numerous wealth creation and income generation opportunities to investors. However, it is crucial to evaluate your current financial position, risk appetite, financial goals, and investment horizon before you select any strategy. Regardless of the approach chosen, the key to successful investing involves a lot of patience, discipline, and staying invested for the long term with the help of a digital investing app.

Explore stock broking on INDIE in partnership with Paytm Money and embark on your investment journey today.

 
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is generic and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your circumstances. Hence, you are advised to consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision. IndusInd Bank Limited (IBL) does not influence the views of the author in any way. IBL and the author shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for making any financial decisions based on the contents and information.