A tool exists that allows investors to determine the revised average cost per share after purchasing additional shares of a stock at a lower price than the initial purchase. This calculation is particularly relevant when an investor wishes to lower their breakeven point on a previously held stock position. For instance, if an investor initially buys 100 shares at $50 and later buys another 100 shares at $40, this tool would compute the new average cost per share across the total 200 shares.
Employing such a calculation can be beneficial for investors implementing a cost averaging strategy or seeking to improve the potential return on investment from a depreciated asset. Historically, investors have utilized similar calculations, even before the advent of digital tools, to inform their trading decisions and manage risk associated with fluctuating stock prices. The primary benefit lies in its ability to provide a clear understanding of the overall cost basis of a stock position, thus influencing future buy/sell decisions.