A Long Position (often called “going long”) is the simplest and most common strategy in investing. It involves buying an Asset—such as a Stock, bond, or real estate—with the straightforward expectation that its value will increase over time. When you take a long position, you become an owner of that asset. For example, buying shares in a company makes you a part-owner, or Shareholder, of that business. The goal is to later sell the asset at a higher price than you paid for it, pocketing the difference as your profit. This approach is the bedrock of traditional investing and aligns perfectly with the Value Investing philosophy, which focuses on acquiring stakes in wonderful businesses at fair prices and holding them for the long term. It’s an inherently optimistic stance, reflecting a belief in the future growth and success of the company or asset you've chosen.
For a value investor, going long isn't just a speculative gamble on a rising price ticker. It’s an act of partnership. You’re not just buying a piece of paper; you’re buying a fractional interest in a real, operating business with factories, employees, brands, and customers. Your success is tied to the company's ability to generate profits, innovate, and grow over many years. This mindset separates the investor from the speculator. A speculator might go long on a stock for a few hours or days, hoping to ride a wave of market sentiment. An investor, however, goes long because their research indicates the business is fundamentally sound and trading for less than its Intrinsic Value. The focus is on the long-term performance of the business, not short-term market noise.
To truly understand a long position, it helps to know its opposite: Short Selling (or “going short”).
Imagine two people looking at a hot air balloon. The person with the long position has bought a ticket and is inside the balloon, hoping it soars to new heights. The person with the short position is on the ground, betting the balloon will crash. For most ordinary investors, it's far more pleasant—and generally safer—to be in the balloon.
The long position is the natural and primary tool for the value investor. Here’s why:
So, how long is “long”? There's no fixed answer. For legendary investor Warren Buffett, the preferred holding period for a wonderful company is “forever.” The key takeaway for a value investor is that the holding period shouldn't be determined by a calendar. It should be determined by the business itself. You should remain in your long position as long as the company continues to be a great business that you'd still be happy to buy at its current price. The strategy is often synonymous with Buy and Hold, but it’s more accurately described as Buy and Monitor. You sell only when the original reasons for buying are no longer valid, the company becomes significantly overvalued, or you find a much better investment opportunity.
Let's say you've done your homework on “Solid Bicycle Co.” and believe its shares are undervalued.
A year later, Solid Bicycle Co. reports fantastic earnings, and its Stock Price rises to €75.
Unfortunately, a competitor disrupts the market, and Solid Bicycle Co.'s business falters. The stock price plummets to €10.