Value investors want to buy stocks for less than they’re worth. If you could buy $100 bills for $80, wouldn’t you do so? ~ Motley Fool

Most public equity stocks are classified as either value stocks or growth stocks. Generally speaking:

• A value stock trades for a cheaper price than its financial performance and fundamentals suggest it’s worth.
• A growth stock is a stock in a company expected to deliver above-average returns compared to its industry peers or the overall stock market.

Value stocks generally have the following characteristics:

• They typically are mature businesses.
• They have steady (but not spectacular) growth rates.
• They report relatively stable revenues and earnings.
• Most value stocks pay dividends, although this isn’t a set-in-stone rule.

Growth stocks generally have the following characteristics:

• They increase their revenue and earnings at a faster rate than the average business in their industry or the market as a whole.
• They developed an innovative product or service that is gaining share in existing markets, entering new markets, or even creating entirely new industries.
• They grow faster than average for long periods tend to be rewarded by the market, delivering handsome returns to shareholders in the process.

Regardless of the category of a stock, economic downturns present an opportunity for a value investor. The goal of value investing is to scoop up shares at a discount, and the best time to do so is when the entire stock market is on sale.

References:

1. https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/types-of-stocks/value-stocks/
2. https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/types-of-stocks/growth-stocks/