Security Analysis: Principles and Technique - Hardcover

Benjamin Graham; David L. Dodd; Sidney Cottle

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0070239576 ISBN 13: 9780070239579

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies, 1986

Synopsis

The material in this fourth edition of 1962 has been revised and includes important changes and expansion. The three previous editions were published in 1934, 1940, and 1951.

About this title

From the Author:

Security Analysis is the bible of fundamental analysis. Originally published in 1934, the tome systematically lays bare the science of security analysis. Written with the assistance of cowriter David Dodd, Benjamin Graham's intellectual tour de force has yet to be equaled in the annals of investing. Written only a few years after the devastating stock market crash of 1929, Graham had one objective--to make the investment process as safe as possible using knowledge of key factors about the business.

Beginning with bonds and moving quickly to stocks, Graham and Dodd go over all of the angles. Articulating a comprehensive theory of fixed-value and common stock investment, they examine in detail the various factors that one should consider when valuing securities. Dividends, extraordinary items, depreciation, amortization, capital structure and balance sheet analysis are all described and defined in lurid detail. It is impossible to read Security Analysis and not come away with a deeper understanding of corporate finance and how it relates to investing.

On the downside, let's be frank--Security Analysis is not an easy book to read. However, it remains one of the key textbooks for communicating fundamental analysis to millions of MBAs, in spite of the fact that it first saw print 63 years ago. I personally believe that reading and understanding most of Security Analysis would make a great benchmark for determining whether or not you are ready to start investing your money in specific investments. Sure, Graham is very value-biased in his investment philosophy, but looking for growth without focusing on the price you are paying is the golden road to underperformance.

From the Back Cover:

"After twenty-five years the 'classic' has been updated...big bath accounting, value investing, duration, junk bonds, shareholder's rights...eternal truths. It's all here...a must for serious investors."
--John B. Neff, Managing Partner, Wellington Management Company

"With the original edition of this book...Ben Graham and Dave Dodd invented the profession of financial analysis for investment. This entirely new edition honors that past and gives investment professionals an invitation to the future."
--Charles D. Ellis, Partner, Greenwich Associates

"I'm delighted, as are most other investment professionals, that this classic book has been updated....It has a hands-on orientation providing plenty of real-life examples that...set it apart from most other investment textbooks. I believe that readers will find this version better presented and hence easier to read than previous editions."
--James L. Farrell, Jr., Chariman, MPT Associates

"The Fifth Edition provides a comprehensive treatment of the analysis of financial statements, the development of future earnings expectations and the valuation of stocks and bonds."
--William S. Gray, Investment Consultant, Harris Trust and Savings Bank

"It is good to have a newly revised edition of the most famous book in the investment counsel profession."
--John M. Templeton, Chairman, Templeton International

"At a time when many investment books either treat security analysis mechanically or omit any reference to it altogether, the fifth edition of Security Analysis--the most influential book on investing ever written--is required reading for every serious investor."
--Jack Treynor, President, Treynor Capital Management, Inc., and Professor of Finance, University of Southern California

"An absolutely essential tool for the serious investor in both equity and debt securities."
--Leon G. Cooperman, Partner-in-Charge Investment Research and Co-Chairman of the Investment Policy Committee, Goldman, Sachs & Co

"The continental European analyst can only (again) be envious of the wealth of data and tools which the book describes, such as long historical records accessible by the computer, listing of reporting and tax ruls, etc."
--P. A. van de Pavard, econ. drs., CFA, European Federation of Security Analysts, (Board member)

"Security Analysis is essential to a proper understanding of investment fundamentals, as it has been since 1934."
--Frederick L. Muller, President, Atlanta Capital Management Company

About this edition

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0070239576
• ISBN 13: 9780070239579
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 778