Investors buy growth stocks because they expect the business to expand sales and profits faster than the wider market. These companies often reinvest cash instead of paying large dividends. Their share prices can look expensive on simple earnings ratios if the market prices in future growth. That optimism can reverse quickly if results disappoint. Growth stocks are not safer than other shares; they often swing more when rates or sentiment change.
Stocks & TradingBeginner
Growth Stock
A growth stock is a company share bought mainly for rising earnings and price, not for high current dividends.
Also called growth shares, growth equities.
Related terms
- StockA unit of ownership in a company, giving the holder a claim on part of its assets and profits.
- DividendA share of a company's profit paid out to shareholders, usually in cash.
- Price-to-Earnings RatioHow much investors pay for each unit of a company's annual earnings, share price divided by earnings per share.
- Bull MarketA market in which prices rise over a sustained period and investor confidence is high.