Growth stocks are shares of companies with the potential to outperform the market. These stocks grow faster than the market due to strong fundamentals like a solid balance sheet, high earnings per share (EPS), and a good price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. These factors help increase profits in the medium to long term.
Any share of a firm that is expected to increase at a rate substantially faster than the market average is considered a growth stock. Typically, these stocks don't pay dividends. This is so because companies that issue growth stocks typically seek to reinvest any money they make in order to short-term accelerate growth.
This growth is often due to unique products, innovative business plans, or patents. As these companies expand their market share, their stock prices tend to rise.
For example, technology firms in the late 1920s saw significant growth, which positively affected their stock prices. Today, companies developing innovative products or expanding rapidly in new markets might be considered growth stocks.
They are shares in companies with the potential for big future growth, even if they don't offer immediate benefits.
Example: Let's consider a technology company whose stock price has grown by 20% annually over the past five years. If you invested ₹1,00,000 five years ago, your investment would now be worth around ₹2,48,832.
Characteristics
- High Growth Rate: They grow at a significantly higher rate than the average market growth rate. This means they increase in value faster than the average stock.
- Zero Dividend: They usually do not pay dividends. Instead, these companies reinvest their earnings to boost their revenue-generating capacity.
- Solid Financials: A healthy balance sheet with low debt shows financial stability.
- High Earnings Per Share (EPS): This measures a company's profit per share, indicating its profitability.
- Strong Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E Ratio): This compares a stock's price to its earnings, and a higher P/E can indicate growth potential.
Pros
- High Returns: Over time, they have the potential to deliver much higher returns than the average stock.
- Market Leaders: They might become future industry leaders, leading to long-term gains for investors.
- Gradual Investment: You don't need a huge sum to start. You can gradually increase your investment in growth stocks as your budget allows.
Cons:
- High Risk: They can be risky because their future success is not guaranteed.
- No Dividends: Growth companies typically reinvest their profits back into the business to fuel further growth, so they usually don't pay dividends (regular payouts to shareholders).
- Short-Term Performance: Growth may not happen immediately. You might not see significant returns in the short term.
Why Invest?
Investing in growth stocks is an excellent strategy for building wealth over the long term. If you plan to invest for 10 years or more, they can help you accumulate significant wealth. These stocks tend to grow at a faster rate than inflation, which means that the value of your investment increases over time, and your money maintains its buying power.
Growth companies usually reinvest their profits back into the business instead of paying out dividends to shareholders. This reinvestment fuels further growth and innovation, leading to higher stock prices. As a result, your returns benefit from compound interest. For example, if you invest ₹1,00,000 in growth stocks that appreciate by 15% each year, your investment would grow to approximately ₹4,05,000 in 10 years, thanks to the power of compounding.
This compounding effect allows your returns to grow exponentially over time. By continually reinvesting earnings, they can provide substantial returns in the long run. This makes them an ideal choice for investors looking to build wealth and secure their financial future.
Conclusion
Growth stocks are not for everyone. They involve higher risk. Investing can be a smart choice for those looking for high returns and willing to take on more risk. Consider your risk tolerance and investment goals before investing.