Systematic Investment Averaging Strategy for Loss Recovery in Concentrated Equity Positions


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 :

  1. 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)
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. Edleson, M. E. (1988). Value averaging: A new investment strategy. Journal of Portfolio Management, 14(4), 35–39.
  6. Edleson, M. E. (2007). Value averaging: The safe and easy strategy for higher investment returns. Wiley.
  7. Hayley, S. (2013). The pitfalls of value averaging: An analysis of IRR bias and cash reserve inefficiency. Financial Analysts Journal, 69(2), 70–80.
  8. 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)
  9. Marshall, D., & Ellis, J. (2019). Enhanced dollar-cost averaging: Conditional investment responses and portfolio outcomes. Journal of Investment Strategies, 8(3), 55–72.
  10. 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)
  11. Panyagometh, K. (2013). Value averaging strategy optimization using Monte Carlo simulation and genetic algorithms. Journal of Wealth Management, 16(1), 45–59.
  12. 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)
  13. 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.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - March - 2026

SUBMIT YOUR PAPER CALL FOR PAPERS
Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe