Authors :
Somil Asthana
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/m3ty2vmy
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/y4abes5b
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb698
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
This study examines a systematic investment plan (SIP) strategy adapted for recovering capital from concentrated
equity positions experiencing substantial unrealized losses exceeding 20%. We develop and test a methodology employing
rupee cost averaging principles through regular, incremental share purchases at depreciated valuations to reduce average
acquisition cost and improve exit probability at or near original investment levels.
The research employs dual analytical frameworks: empirical analysis using Praj Industries Limited across two distinct
market periods (2007 and 2024), and theoretical modeling examining strategy performance under continuous price
deterioration scenarios. The 2007 case study demonstrates successful capital recovery within five months through systematic
monthly investments equal to 1/15th of initial capital. The 2024 scenario, characterized by severe 62% decline, reveals
strategy limitations: while average cost basis declined from ₹821.15 to ₹569.11 (30.7% reduction), ultimate recovery remains
contingent on favorable market movements.
Theoretical modeling across three deterioration rates (1%, 3%, 5% monthly decline) confirms that systematic
averaging consistently reduces the price-to-average-cost differential compared to passive holding, though cannot guarantee
capital recovery under continuous deterioration. Sensitivity analysis indicates the standard divisor of 15 for SIP amount
calculation represents optimal balance between capital efficiency and effectiveness, with higher allocation ratios providing
only marginal incremental benefit.
The strategy demonstrates three critical characteristics: (1) mandatory continuous capital deployment requirements
constraining implementation to investors with available liquidity, (2) persistent dependency on eventual favorable price
movements for exit execution, and (3) applicability exclusively to fundamentally sound securities experiencing temporary
dislocations rather than structural deterioration. We conclude that systematic investment averaging serves as a tactical risk
management tool for concentrated position exit rather than a guaranteed recovery mechanism, offering structured discipline
for loss-averse investors while maintaining realistic expectations regarding market dependency and strategy limitations.
Keywords :
Dollar-Cost Averaging, Systematic Investment Plan, Concentrated Stock Positions, Loss Recovery, Rupee Cost Averaging, Behavioral Finance, Portfolio Risk Management.
References :
- Brennan, M. J., Li, F., & Torous, W. (2005). Dollar-cost averaging. Review of Finance, 9(4), 509–535. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10679-005-7590-y (doi.org in Bing)
- Chodietty, S., Chodisetty, S., & Reddy, P. (2022). Systematic investment plans versus lump sum investments: Evidence from Indian mutual funds. International Journal of Financial Research, 13(2), 45–56.
- Constantinides, G. M. (1979). A note on the suboptimality of dollar-cost averaging as an investment policy. Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, 14(2), 365–375. https://doi.org/10.2307/2330569
- David, A., Purswani, R., & Jojo, J. (2019). Comparative performance of SIP and lump sum investment strategies in Indian equity markets. Asian Journal of Finance & Accounting, 11(1), 112–128.
- Edleson, M. E. (1988). Value averaging: A new investment strategy. Journal of Portfolio Management, 14(4), 35–39.
- Edleson, M. E. (2007). Value averaging: The safe and easy strategy for higher investment returns. Wiley.
- Hayley, S. (2013). The pitfalls of value averaging: An analysis of IRR bias and cash reserve inefficiency. Financial Analysts Journal, 69(2), 70–80.
- Lin, J., & Xu, Y. (2017). Modified dollar-cost averaging: An empirical study across international indices. Journal of Asset Management, 18(5), 321–335. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41260-017-0040-2 (doi.org in Bing)
- Marshall, D., & Ellis, J. (2019). Enhanced dollar-cost averaging: Conditional investment responses and portfolio outcomes. Journal of Investment Strategies, 8(3), 55–72.
- Milevsky, M. A., & Posner, S. E. (2003). A continuous-time analysis of dollar-cost averaging. Journal of Portfolio Management, 29(4), 86–95. https://doi.org/10.3905/jpm.2003.319883 (doi.org in Bing)
- Panyagometh, K. (2013). Value averaging strategy optimization using Monte Carlo simulation and genetic algorithms. Journal of Wealth Management, 16(1), 45–59.
- Statman, M. (1995). Dollar-cost averaging: A behavioral finance perspective. Journal of Portfolio Management, 22(1), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.3905/jpm.1995.409516 (doi.org in Bing)
- Zein, A., Kumar, R., & Patel, S. (2023). Comparative analysis of SIP, lump sum, and value averaging strategies in emerging markets. Global Finance Journal, 56, 101–115.
This study examines a systematic investment plan (SIP) strategy adapted for recovering capital from concentrated
equity positions experiencing substantial unrealized losses exceeding 20%. We develop and test a methodology employing
rupee cost averaging principles through regular, incremental share purchases at depreciated valuations to reduce average
acquisition cost and improve exit probability at or near original investment levels.
The research employs dual analytical frameworks: empirical analysis using Praj Industries Limited across two distinct
market periods (2007 and 2024), and theoretical modeling examining strategy performance under continuous price
deterioration scenarios. The 2007 case study demonstrates successful capital recovery within five months through systematic
monthly investments equal to 1/15th of initial capital. The 2024 scenario, characterized by severe 62% decline, reveals
strategy limitations: while average cost basis declined from ₹821.15 to ₹569.11 (30.7% reduction), ultimate recovery remains
contingent on favorable market movements.
Theoretical modeling across three deterioration rates (1%, 3%, 5% monthly decline) confirms that systematic
averaging consistently reduces the price-to-average-cost differential compared to passive holding, though cannot guarantee
capital recovery under continuous deterioration. Sensitivity analysis indicates the standard divisor of 15 for SIP amount
calculation represents optimal balance between capital efficiency and effectiveness, with higher allocation ratios providing
only marginal incremental benefit.
The strategy demonstrates three critical characteristics: (1) mandatory continuous capital deployment requirements
constraining implementation to investors with available liquidity, (2) persistent dependency on eventual favorable price
movements for exit execution, and (3) applicability exclusively to fundamentally sound securities experiencing temporary
dislocations rather than structural deterioration. We conclude that systematic investment averaging serves as a tactical risk
management tool for concentrated position exit rather than a guaranteed recovery mechanism, offering structured discipline
for loss-averse investors while maintaining realistic expectations regarding market dependency and strategy limitations.
Keywords :
Dollar-Cost Averaging, Systematic Investment Plan, Concentrated Stock Positions, Loss Recovery, Rupee Cost Averaging, Behavioral Finance, Portfolio Risk Management.