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If you buy all the stocks selling at or below two times…

“If you buy all the stocks selling at or below two times earnings, you will lose money on half of them because instead of making profits they will actually lose money, but you will only lose a dollar or so a share at most. Then others will be mediocre performers. But the remaining big winners will…” quote by John Templeton
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“If you buy all the stocks selling at or below two times earnings, you will lose money on half of them because instead of making profits they will actually lose money, but you will only lose a dollar or so a share at most. Then others will be mediocre performers. But the remaining big winners will go up and produce fabulous results and also ensure a good overall result.”

John Templeton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Investing solely in low‑price‑to‑earnings stocks leads to many losses, but a few high‑performers can offset them and yield strong overall returns.

In simple terms: Buying cheap stocks often loses money, but a few winners can lift the portfolio.

Key Takeaway

Diversify and don’t rely only on low P/E stocks.

Themes

investing risk management portfolio construction

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

advisory educational

When to use this quote

  • stock picking
  • portfolio diversification
  • risk assessment
  • long‑term investing

Key Concepts

price‑to‑earnings stock selection return distribution

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance cheap stocks with quality growth picks?
  • What metrics help identify potential big winners?
A Different Perspective

Low P/E stocks may underperform, and relying on a few winners is risky.

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