Peter Lynch: 'You Shouldn't Own a Stock if You Can't Explain It to an 11-Year-Old. Understanding Business Behind The Stock Is Most Important'
- - Peter Lynch: 'You Shouldn't Own a Stock if You Can't Explain It to an 11-Year-Old. Understanding Business Behind The Stock Is Most Important'
Bibhu PattnaikJanuary 21, 2026 at 8:01 AM
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Renowned investor Peter Lynch once underscored the significance of comprehending the business behind a stock prior to making an investment.
Lynch, celebrated for his prosperous stint at Fidelity Investments, imparted his investment acumen during a speech in 1997.
Lynch counseled investors, “If you can’t explain to an 11-year-old in two minutes or less, why you own the stock, you shouldn’t own it.” This doctrine is in line with Warren Buffett‘s investment approach, which advocates investing in domains of personal proficiency.
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Lynch rejected the concept of economic forecasting, labeling himself as a “bottom-up” investor who zeroes in on individual stocks through comprehensive company and industry scrutiny.
“Understanding the business behind the stock is the most important principle of investing in the stock market. This is why Buffett only invests into what he understands and what falls in his circle of competence. I buy stuff like Dunkin Donuts, Stop and Shop and made money on them,” Lynch said during the speech.
He also underscored the role of patience in investing, implying that substantial returns could be reaped even a decade post a company’s initial public offering. He cited Walmart as a case in point, underlining that investing is a marathon, not a sprint.
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Lynch’s tenets provide a useful roadmap for both novice and seasoned investors. His emphasis on comprehending the business, focusing on individual stocks, and exercising patience is in sync with the strategies of triumphant investors like Buffett.
His wisdom serves as a nudge to investors that successful investing hinges on making enlightened decisions and playing the long game.
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This article Peter Lynch: 'You Shouldn't Own a Stock if You Can't Explain It to an 11-Year-Old. Understanding Business Behind The Stock Is Most Important' originally appeared on Benzinga.com
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