📖Peter Lynch

PEG Below 1

🌿 Intermediate★★★★★

A PEG ratio below one means you are paying less for growth than the market typically demands.

💬

A PEG ratio of less than one is generally a good sign.

— *One Up On Wall Street*，1989

🏠 Everyday Analogy

Just like buying a house: if the price is 1 million and it appreciates by 200,000 annually, the PEG ratio = 5 times the house price / 20% growth rate = 1. If the PEG is less than 1, it means the appreciation rate exceeds the price multiple, indicating exceptional value for money and making it a worthwhile investment.

📖 Core Interpretation

A PEG (Price/Earnings to Growth) ratio of less than 1 indicates that the stock may be undervalued.
💎 Key Insight：The PEG ratio divides a stock's P/E by its earnings growth rate. A stock with a P/E of 15 growing at 20% has a PEG of 0.75 — a potential bargain. Lynch considers PEG below 1 as undervalued, around 1 as fair, and above 2 as overpriced. It is not perfect for cyclicals or turnarounds, but for growth stocks it is one of the most useful quick screening tools.

AI Deep Analysis

Get personalized insights and practical guidance through AI conversation

❓ Why It Matters

PEG, which comprehensively considers both price and growth, is a core metric for evaluating growth stocks.

🎯 How to Practice

Calculate the price-to-earnings ratio divided by the expected earnings growth rate to identify stocks with a PEG ratio below 1.

🎙️ Master's Voice

The best stock to buy is the one you already own.
Lynch often added to winners rather than diversifying into new names. If a stock is still attractive, why chase unknowns?

⚔️ Practical Guide

✅ Decision Checklist

  • Are my current holdings still the best opportunities?
  • Should I add to winners?
  • Am I diversifying for the wrong reasons?

📋 Action Steps

  1. Review current holdings before new ideas
  2. Add to your best positions
  3. Avoid unnecessary diversification

🚨 Warning Signs

  • Chasing new ideas over good holdings
  • Over-diversification
  • Ignoring existing winners

⚠️ Common Pitfalls

✕Growth rate forecasts may be inaccurate.
✕PEG is not applicable to all types of stocks.

📚 Case Studies

1
Ford Motor Turnaround (1982)
Lynch bought Ford when its PEG was below 1, as earnings were recovering faster than the price implied. Market pessimism from the auto slump kept valuation low despite strong fundamentals.
✨ Outcome：Stock multiplied several times as profits rebounded and the valuation normalized.
2
Taco Bell Growth Story (1981)
With a PEG below 1, Taco Bell’s earnings growth far outpaced its P/E multiple. Lynch saw rapid unit expansion and rising same-store sales largely ignored by Wall Street analysts.
✨ Outcome：Position delivered multibagger returns as growth continued and the market rerated the stock.

See how masters handle real scenarios?

30 real investment dilemmas answered by legendary investors

Explore Scenarios →