Home Strategies Research Articles FAQ Team Login GET STARTED What Is Value Investing? A Beginner’s Guide Value investing is a strategy based on buying undervalued investments and holding on to them for an extended period of time. Learn about the principles of value investing. Investing·Sep 2·5min Table of contents How does value investing work? 5 value investing principles Growth vs. value investing Choosing a value stock The bottom line Share this    A value investing strategy is based on buying undervalued investments and holding on to them for an extended period of time. Generally, value investors focus on strong companies with a long history of solid returns, and aim to purchase those stocks when they appear to be underpriced. Though value investing takes time and patience, it’s a popular strategy among many well-known investors. Warren Buffett, for instance, considers himself to be a value investor. “Never count on making a good sale,” Buffett has stated. “Have the purchase price be so attractive that even a mediocre sale gives good results.” That sentiment is shared by many value investors, who intend for their stocks to trend positively over the long-term, rather than trying to time the market or pick a growth stock that may (or may not) experience meteoric short-term growth. How does value investing work? In theory, value investors buy stocks with a significant delta between the current price and the stock’s intrinsic value. Over time, and as other investors notice this delta and purchase the stock, the price corrects. In turn, the investors’ portfolios gain value. Value investing is a slower process, though. If investors can’t hold out long enough for that investment to correct—or that expected correction never comes at all—they may still find themselves losing money. All stocks are unpredictable, and there are no guarantees when it comes to investing. 5 value investing principles There are five general principles of value investing: The price is right. When it comes to choosing value investments, investors are looking for stocks that are underpriced compared to the company’s intrinsic value, and are likely to gain value over time. The companies are established. Seasoned value investors look for reliable companies with a history of steady growth, a solid financial structure, and a strong management team. Although none of that guarantees future growth, companies that have shown progress for years (or even decades) may be more likely to continue on an upward trajectory. Dividends are (usually) offered. Value investing typically involves seeking out companies that consistently pay dividends, as dividends are generally associated with more mature and established companies. (Newer companies tend to reinvest in their business.) By paying dividends to investors, these companies indicate that they are moving out of the initial growth phase and feel financially stable. Growth is slow but steady. By definition, value investing stocks are most likely to provide consistent growth in the years to come, but they generally won’t involve explosive growth. Value investing instead focuses on buying stable investments at a good price, then holding onto them as they steadily (albeit, slowly) grow. ‍ Diversification still matters. Regardless of the investments purchased, value investors still recognize the importance of portfolio diversification as a way to amplify growth and hedge against loss. Receive daily business and financial news Growth vs. value investing The value investment strategy is different from a growth investing approach. With growth investing, investors try to find and purchase stocks that they expect to have explosive short-term growth. (Think stocks like Amazon or Tesla, which have seen unprecedented success in recent decades.) These are generally newer companies; although their assets and financial history don’t necessarily support their stock price, and may even seem overvalued, these investors believe the potential for growth warrants the risk. Here are the key points of difference between value and growth investing. Typical stock price. Value investing focuses on stocks that are perceived to be reasonably or under priced, whereas growth investing focuses on stocks that may appear overpriced. Expected growth timeline. Value investing takes a long term view, whereas growth investing takes a short term view. Dividends. Value investing usually involves stocks that pay dividends, whereas dividends are uncommon in growth investing. Typical company age. Value investing focuses on older, established companies, whereas growth investing focuses on newer companies. Some investors will choose value investing vs. growth investing (or vice versa) if it better aligns with their risk tolerance. Other investors may choose to balance their portfolio with a blend of value and growth stocks. Choosing a value stock To sift through potential value stocks, investors will typically do extensive fundamental research, including the following: Examine the company’s history. Investors want to know: Does the company’s past indicate strong leadership, values, and a history of innovation? Consider the company’s assets and financial stability. Investors often analyze the company’s solvency, financial management, and asset stability. Scrutinize the company’s future plans and projections. Does the company hold patents or specialized technology that competitors don’t? Do they lead the industry in innovation or have other advantages? Determine whether dividends are offered. Dividends are not required for a stock to be a value investment. They are frequently offered by mature, financially stable companies, however, which may signal value potential to investors.‍ Analyze the industry. Certain industries are cyclical by nature. Although the stock prices may rise initially, that growth may be lost further into the cycle. Become a Titan investor today. Create an account with us in two minutes. JOIN NOW Table of contents How does value investing work? 5 value investing principles Growth vs. value investing Choosing a value stock The bottom line Share this    The bottom line Value investments are a common choice when it comes to promoting stable, long-term portfolio growth and potentially earning dividends along the way. They require patience and time, but remain popular among some of history’s most successful investors.‍ Receive daily business and financial news At Titan, we are value investors: we aim to manage our portfolios with a steady focus on fundamentals and an eye on massive long-term growth potential. 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Please see Titan’s Legal Page for additional important information.‍ Titan Partner Become the smartest investor you've ever been. Titan's editorial partners have cut their teeth at The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time, Inc., and Bloomberg. Keep reading How to Invest in Index Funds: A Beginner’s Guide An index fund is a type of fund that tries to mirror the performance of a benchmark market index, such as the S&P 500 stock market index. Investors can use a brokerage or retirement account to purchase exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds that track indexes. Investing·Nov 26·12min What Are Inverse ETFs and How Do They Work? An inverse ETF, often known as a bear or short ETF, is an exchange-traded fund designed to profit from a market decline. These short-term, publicly traded investments are utilized by investors who believe that a particular market or individual security will lose value in the near future. Investing·Nov 26·12min What Is an Index Fund & How Does It Work? 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Spread trading is a strategy of gauging how the price difference between two securities or contracts—the spread—will change. A spread trader is focused more on the price difference and less on the prices themselves. Investing·Nov 25·12min How to Build Wealth in Your 30s Wondering how to build wealth in your 30s? Here are 10 steps that may contribute to lasting wealth over time. Personal Finance·Nov 16·12min How to Retire Early: 5 Steps to Take Retiring early does require some solid financial planning, such as determining how to live in retirement, creating a retirement budget, and altering spending. Those who want to retire early need to start planning as early as possible. 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