Stocks

Concentrating Risk: A Deep Dive into a Trimmed Portfolio

Published January 8, 2024

Investment strategies are subjects of perpetual debate, and a particularly contentious point is the value of diversification. While many advocate for spreading risk across various sectors and asset classes, there is a school of thought that suggests a concentrated portfolio may, in some instances, lead to greater rewards. This article examines the reasoning behind a portfolio with substantial allocations in just three stocks: T (AT&T Inc.), IBM (International Business Machines Corporation), and INTC (Intel Corporation), amounting to one-third of the total investment portfolio.

Unpacking Concentration vs. Diversification

In the investment world, diversification is often seen as a means to mitigate risk by allocating investments across various financial instruments, industries, and other categories. However, investors sometimes choose to concentrate their portfolios by specifically investing in a smaller number of stocks they believe have significant potential or are currently undervalued. Concentration can enhance potential returns, but it also increases the risk if those selected stocks underperform.

Spotlight on T, IBM, and INTC

As we delve into the chosen companies, it's clear that each represents a robust sector of the market. T, AT&T Inc., stands as a powerhouse in the telecommunications realm, being the world’s largest telecommunications company. IBM, with its long history in technology, spearheads innovation, holding an impressive record in annual U.S. patent generation. Meanwhile, INTC, Intel Corporation, sits at the pinnacle of semiconductor manufacturing, vital for the production of personal computers and numerous electronic devices.

Reasons Behind the Portfolio Choices

The investor's rationale for high allocations in T, IBM, and INTC might stem from a strong conviction in the companies’ long-term value, their roles in fundamental technology and infrastructure, and their potential for growth in a rapidly advancing digital world. By allocating a substantial part of the portfolio to these entities, the investor is evidently placing high confidence in their future prospects and their ability to outperform the broader market.

Investment, Strategy, Risk