“Know what you own, and know why you own it.” — Peter Lynch
Imagine blindly investing in a company just because someone on a WhatsApp group said it’s the next multibagger. Feels risky? That’s because it is. Stock selection is more art than science—but when done right, it’s a rewarding journey into wealth creation.
🧠 Why Stock Picking Matters (More Than Ever)
In a market where even chaiwallahs talk crypto and your uncle is giving stock tips during weddings, disciplined stock picking can set you apart from the herd.
As per SEBI’s 2024 retail participation data, over 4 crore new demat accounts were opened in the last 2 years. But 9 out of 10 retail investors still lose money in the derivatives market. Why? Because they skip the basics — like picking fundamentally good stocks for long term investment.
🔍 Step-by-Step Guide to Picking Stocks in the Indian Market
1. Understand the Business (Circle of Competence)
Don’t invest in pharma stocks if you can’t pronounce the medicines they make. Stick to industries you understand.
Example: A banker investing in HDFC Bank makes sense. You already know the sector’s ins and outs.
2. Check Financial Ratios
Look at Revenue Growth, Net Profit Margin, Return on Equity (ROE), Debt-to-Equity Ratio, and Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E).
3. Look for a Moat (Competitive Advantage)
Think Asian Paints or Titan—brands with loyal customer bases and pricing power.
4. Analyze Promoter Holding and Pledging
Low or declining promoter holding? Red flag. Pledging of shares? 🚩🚩
5. Corporate Governance & Transparency
Check past news for scams, shady boardroom drama, or frequent auditor exits.
Example: The fall of YES Bank in 2020 is a case study in poor governance despite high stock popularity.
📊 Quick Comparison Table: What to Check While Picking Stocks
Criteria |
Good
Sign |
Bad
Sign |
Revenue Growth |
Consistent YOY > 10% |
Fluctuating or declining |
Profit Margins |
Stable or improving |
Negative or volatile |
ROE |
>15% |
<10% or falling |
Debt-to-Equity |
<1 |
>2 |
Promoter Holding |
>50% and increasing |
<30% or decreasing |
P/E Ratio |
Moderate and sector-aligned |
Too high or too low |
🗞 Recent Example (2024 News)
In April 2024, Tata Technologies saw a significant correction after initial euphoria postlisting. Despite solid fundamentals, valuation concerns brought it down. A reminder: price ≠ value.
😂 Humor with a Pinch of Truth
“Investing in stocks without doing research is like proposing marriage after a Tinder right swipe.”
❤️ Emotional Hook
Your stock portfolio is more than numbers—it's your child’s education, your parents’ comfort, your own freedom at 50. Make every investment count.
📢 Let’s Talk!
Have you ever regretted investing without research? Or hit gold with a stock you understood deeply? Drop your experiences in the comments. Let’s learn from each other!
📤 Found this article helpful? Share it with someone who’s been blindly following stock market influencers!
Asian paints is a good stock
ReplyDeleteAlso available to reasonable price, HUL, Reliance, SBI, Icici Bank, HDFC Bank, ITC, TCS all are available at competitive price compared to life time highs
DeleteA portfolio of HUL, Reliance, SBI, Icici Bank, HDFC Bank, ITC, TCS for 3 years should yield good returns, as these stocks are available at competitive price compared to life time highs
ReplyDelete