Most people assume that those who are more successful must have done something right and, thus, deserve our attention and reward, if not our learning and imitation. For example, firms that happened to have an initial success are more likely to attract talented employees, can more easily attract consumer attention to their products, and can access opportunities and capital that others can only dream of.
The Case for Investing in Underdogs
Don’t undervalue the overlooked.
July 18, 2022
Summary.
Investors often see a company’s initial success as evidence of superior capabilities. This article suggests that in many cases initial success is down to luck or circumstances beyond the company’s control, and that many companies that fail may in fact be more capable of superior performance. The authors explain the dynamic and illustrate how investing in underdog companies and people often pays off in the long run.
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HBR Learning
Finance Essentials Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Finance Essentials. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Strengthen your fluency in financial statements.