Skip to main content

Sound Advice: September 6, 2023

All About Penny Stocks

Penny stocks refer to shares of small companies that trade at low prices per share, typically under $5 in the U.S.  These stocks are often associated with small-cap or micro-cap companies with relatively low market capitalizations (stock price multiplied by the number of shares outstanding).  Here are some key points to know about penny stocks:

  1. Low Price and Market Capitalization: Penny stocks have a low price per share, making them accessible to investors with limited funds.  The low market capitalization also means they are generally more volatile and less liquid than larger, more established stocks.
  2. Higher Risk and Volatility: Penny stocks are considered speculative investments and carry a higher level of risk compared to more prominent, well-established companies.  Due to their small size and limited financial resources, penny stocks can be more sensitive to market fluctuations and company-specific news.
  3. Lack of Information: Many penny stocks are traded on over-the-counter (OTC) markets, which often have fewer regulatory requirements and reporting standards than major stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or NASDAQ.  As a result, there may be limited information available about the companies, making it challenging for investors to conduct thorough due diligence.
  4. Potential for Large Gains (and Losses): Penny stocks can experience significant price movements over short periods.  Although some investors are attracted to the potential for large gains, it’s essential to recognize that the same volatility can lead to substantial losses.
  5. Lack of Liquidity: Penny stocks may have a limited number of buyers and sellers, which can make it difficult to buy or sell shares quickly, especially in large quantities.  This lack of liquidity can result in wider bid-ask spreads, potentially leading to higher trading costs.
  6. Risk of Fraud and Manipulation: Given the lack of stringent regulation and reporting requirements for penny stocks, they are sometimes associated with pump-and-dump schemes and fraudulent activities.  Some unscrupulous individuals may attempt to artificially inflate the stock price before selling their shares at a profit, leaving other investors with significant losses.
  7. Not Suitable for All Investors: Due to their higher risk and speculative nature, penny stocks are generally not suitable for inexperienced investors or those with a low risk tolerance.  Investors interested in penny stocks should be prepared to conduct thorough research and understand the risks involved.
  8. Listing Requirements: In some countries, there are specific listing requirements for stocks traded on major exchanges.  If a stock fails to meet those requirements, it may be delisted or relegated to trading on OTC markets.

Penny stocks can be enticing due to their low price and the potential for significant gains.  Even so, they come with substantial risks and limited information, making them unsuitable for many investors.  If you are considering investing in penny stocks, it’s essential to conduct thorough research, understand the risks involved, and be prepared for the potential volatility in this market segment.  Diversification and a long-term investment approach are generally considered prudent strategies for managing risk in any investment portfolio.

N. Russell Wayne, CFP

Any questions?  Please contact me at nrwayne@soundasset.com

  

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Sound Advice: March 10, 2021

The ABCs of Stock Picking After decades of analyzing stocks (and funds) and investing for clients, I'm happy to share in plain English what's involved, what works, and what doesn't.  Keep in mind the reality that successful stock picking is an effort to maintain a good batting average. In baseball, a batting average of .300 or better is considered quite good.  With stock picking, you need to do better than .600, which means you have many more winners than losers. No one gets it right all of the time.  It's not even close.  Wall Street shops all have their recommended lists and the financial media regularly hawk 10 stocks to buy now. Following that road usually is a direct route to disaster.  Don't be tempted. Let's begin with the big picture: The stock market goes up and down over time, but the long-term trend is up.  When there's a rally under way, everyone feels like a genius.  When the market hits an air pocket, though, with few exception...

Sound Advice: January 3, 2025

2025 Market Forecasts: Stupidity Taken To An Extreme   If you know anything about stock market performance, you can only gag at the nonsense “esteemed forecasters” are now putting forth about the prospective path of stocks in the year ahead.   Our cousins in the UK would call this rubbish.   I would not be as kind. Leading the Ship of Fools is the forecast from the Chief Investment Strategist at Oppenheimer who is looking for a year-end 2025 level for the Standard & Poor’s Index of 7,100, a whopping 21% increase from the most recent standing.   Indeed, most of these folks are looking for double-digit gains.   Only two expect stocks to weaken. In the last 30 years, the market has risen by more than 20% only 15 times.   The exceptional span during that time was 1996-1999, which accounted for four of those jumps.   What followed in 2000 through 2002 was the polar opposite: 2000:      -9.1% 2001:     -11.9% ...

Sound Advice: January 15, 2025

Why investors shouldn't pay attention to Wall Street forecasts   Investors shouldn't pay attention to Wall Street forecasts for several compelling reasons: Poor accuracy Wall Street forecasts have a terrible track record of accuracy. Studies show that their predictions are often no better than random chance, with accuracy rates as low as 47%   Some prominent analysts even perform worse, with accuracy ratings as low as 35% Consistent overestimation Analysts consistently overestimate earnings growth, predicting 10-12%                 annual growth when the reality is closer to 6%.   This overoptimism can                 lead investors to make overly aggressive bets in the market. Inability to predict unpredictable events The stock market is influenced by numerous unpredictable factors, including geopolitical events, technological changes, and company-specific news.   Anal...