Growth vs. Stability

searcher profile

August 10, 2023

by a searcher in Montreal, QC, Canada

I have 2 businesses in front of me right now. One is rather volatile with a lot of growth potential whereas the second one doesn't scale as much (limited by geography) but basically has contracts signed for work up to 2026 and is very stable.

My mindset right now is to go with the stable business as this is my first acquisition and I don't have much wiggle room should revenues decrease significantly. I'm a rather conservative investor in general. However, the fast growing business is very alluring with its potential and could easily be worth twice as much in 5-7 years from now... if everything lines up properly that is.

I'm just curious to see how you guys approach the selection of businesses and some of the most important filters you use.

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Reply by a searcher
from Southwestern University in Houston, TX, USA
I agree with ^redacted‌ - it depends on a lot of the pricing information, etc.

However, I'm going to read a lot into your question and say that you're a little bit nervous about this first acquisition and are looking for the guidance to take the safe company. In which case, that is what I'd recommend.

There is plenty that can go wrong and be fixed and grown in the stable company for you to learn from. Another way to look at a company that could be grown dramatically fast is that it can also plunge dramatically fast.

Buy a "learner company" now. You can always buy a "fast growth" company tomorrow.
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Reply by a searcher
from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Raleigh, NC, USA
^redacted‌ I obviously don't know you so take my advice for what you will... but you seem young and have a lot of life in you still. I would suggest trusting your gut and go with the more stable business. There is still a lot of volatility (and risk) in life and there is a lot to learn in your first deal. Take the experience and hard knocks from the "stable" deal - along with the money - and then pursue a second deal down the road that might have more upside (and downside).

Regardless, good luck and please keep the community posted on how it all goes.
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