What is a Mid Cap?
Mid cap refers to medium-sized companies in terms of market capitalization. Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the number of outstanding shares of a company by its current stock price. In the context of stocks, market capitalization is used to classify companies into large cap, mid cap, and small cap categories.
Mid cap companies typically have a market capitalization of between $2 billion and $10 billion. They are often mature companies that have established themselves in their respective industries, but are still growing and expanding. They are generally considered to be less risky investments than small cap companies, but also offer lower potential for growth compared to large cap companies.
Investing in mid cap companies can offer a good balance between risk and reward. These companies often have strong earnings and revenue growth, as well as established business models and a proven track record. Additionally, mid cap companies tend to be more insulated from the economic conditions affecting large cap companies, and are therefore less likely to be affected by economic downturns.
Mid cap companies can also offer exposure to a broader range of industries, and can provide a more diversified portfolio for investors compared to small cap or large cap companies. They can also offer opportunities for more active management and potentially higher returns, as well as potential for capital appreciation.
It is important to note that investing in mid cap companies carries its own risks, such as increased volatility and lower liquidity compared to large cap companies. As with any investment, it is important to thoroughly research and consider the risks and potential rewards before making a decision.
Simplified Example
Think of a company like a cake. If a company is a large cake, it is a big company with a lot of customers, employees, and money. If a company is a small cake, it is a small company with fewer customers, employees, and money. But if a company is a medium-sized cake, it is a mid cap company. It's not as big as the big cake, but it's also not as small as the small cake. It's somewhere in the middle.
Just like how a medium-sized cake can still be delicious and satisfying, a mid cap company can still be a good investment. It might not grow as quickly as a small cake, but it also might not be as risky as a big cake. Mid cap companies are like a balanced diet for your money - they provide a good mix of risk and reward.
History of the Term "Mid Cap"
The term "mid cap" likely originated in the mid-to-late 20th century concurrent with the evolution of modern financial markets and the expansion of publicly traded companies. Its emergence can be attributed to the growing complexity of stock markets, prompting the need for categorization between "large cap" and "small cap" classifications. As financial data providers and publications standardized market capitalization as a key metric for company analysis, the term gained prominence, aiding in the accurate categorization of companies based on size and investment potential.
Examples
Marriott International - Marriott International is a hotel company with a market capitalization of around $30 billion. It operates over 30 hotel brands and has a presence in over 130 countries.
Chipotle Mexican Grill - Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-food chain with a market capitalization of around $30 billion. It operates over 2,600 restaurants and is known for its focus on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals - Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company with a market capitalization of around $60 billion. It is known for developing treatments for serious medical conditions, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Related Terms
Market Capitalization: A measure of the total value of a company's outstanding shares of stock.
Micro Cap: A category of publicly traded companies with a market capitalization (the total value of all outstanding shares of stock) of less than $300 million.