Product Description

An updated approach to classic security analysis
The principles of value investing outlined by Graham and Dodd in the 1940s continues to be used today by individuals and companies who face challenging investment decisions. A Modern Approach to Graham and Dodd Investing examines the classic Graham and Dodd approach to valuation and updates it for the twenty-first century. Thomas Au, a credentialed analyst with a leading insurance company and an ex-Value Line analyst, reworks the basics of value investing from net present value, financial statement analysis, and return on capital to return and leverage, asset allocation, and diversification. Through case studies and real-time analysis, A Modern Approach to Graham and Dodd Investing presents readers with examples that will make analysis and portfolio theory more relevant and powerful.

Thomas P. Au (Hartford, CT) is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager for the investment arm of a large insurance and healthcare provider. His specialty is emerging and international markets. He received his BA, cum laude, with a double major in economics and history, from Yale University, and an MBA in finance from New York University.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #807656 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 352 pages

From the Inside Flap
Benjamin Graham and David Dodd were among the first investors to make the transition from thinking like traders to thinking like owners. In the shadow of the 1929 stock market crash, they posed a set of questions that are still applicable today: What would a reasonable businessperson, as opposed to a speculator, pay for a company and still consider that he or she was getting a bargain? What entry price would almost guarantee at least an eventual return of capital with good prospect for gains? Could a prudent investor reasonably allow for a margin of safety in his or her purchase?

Although the questions have remained the same, the ways to answer them have changed. A Modern Approach to Graham and Dodd Investing examines the classic Graham and Dodd approach to valuation and updates it for the twenty-first century. Thomas Au, a portfolio manager with a leading insurance company and ex—Value Line analyst, reworks the basics of value investing from net present value, financial statement analysis, and return on capital to return and leverage, asset allocation, and diversification.

Before learning about the modifications to Graham and Dodd’s principles of value investing, you’ll be introduced to some basic investment concepts and mathematical measures for the calculation of investment returns. From there--although the focus of the book is on stocks--you’ll first become familiar with bonds, because an understanding of the risk and return characteristics for bonds underpins an understanding of those for equities.

Recent examples, including Enron and WorldCom, are introduced throughout these pages, to illustrate exactly how you can use this updated approach to your advantage. Topics explored in this comprehensive book, include:

Part I: Basic Concepts
Part II: Fixed Income Evaluation--bills, notes, bonds
Part III: Equity Evaluation--cash flows, capital expenditures, asset value, dividends, earnings
Part IV: Special Vehicles for Investment--mutual funds, international investing, real estate
Part V: Portfolio Management--asset allocation, modern theories vs. Graham and Dodd
Part VI: Some Contemporary Issues--the Dow, excessive credit creation, generational cycles in the American stock market

A Modern Approach to Graham and Dodd Investing examines the changes that have taken place in the financial world since the days of Graham and Dodd, and reveals the necessary modifications you must make in order to apply these value investing principles in today’s markets. Filled with in-depth insight and practical advice, this valuable resource offers an updated form of Graham and Dodd that will help you face today’s market realities.

From the Back Cover
Reviews of A Modern Approach to Graham and Dodd Investing

"What happened in the market? What lies ahead? Investors should be required to read Tom Au’s A Modern Approach to Graham and Dodd Investing. Tom delivers a commonsense road map for baby boomer professional and individual investors navigating the treacherous investment waters. This is the best investment book I have read in twenty-three years."
--Scott Kingsley Swift, Vice President, Merrill Lynch, CFM

"Many times I’ve found myself reading through investment classics, wishing that they were more relevant to our present world; the information companies report, market conditions, today’s business culture, and the expectations modern stock investors have developed based on a large set of alternative investment choices. Finally, my wish, and those of other investors who’ve felt the same, has been granted by Thomas Au and his soon-to-be classic, A Modern Approach to Graham and Dodd Investing."
--Marc H. Gerstein, Director of Investment Research, Reuters

"In an age of easy money and easy credit, Thomas Au’s A Modern Approach to Graham and Dodd Investing reminds us that successful investing is a product of long-term prudent strategies based on disciplined investment decisions. This work is an excellent and timely in-depth analysis on value investing which is a must read, particularly during these volatile financial times."
--David Marshall, President, Emerson Partners, LLC

"This is an informative, readable book that presents a comprehensive framework for practitioners of deep value investing. Thomas Au, a proven investor in the value world, shows that the principles of value investing can be applied to a broad range of investment issues from analyzing the key line items on the corporate balance sheet to international investing and dynamic asset allocation. Au’s underlying message is that value investors have long time horizons, both in looking back at historical precedents and in looking forward, well beyond the next quarterly earnings report. Most importantly, the book is filled with real-time, real-world examples where Au applied the value approach to construct a winning portfolio. Au is gold!"
--Leland Crabbe, Portfolio Manager, Credit Suisse Asset Management

"A refreshing look at the methods for ensuring a margin of safety in one’s investments developed by one of the true masters. Sadly, in this liquidity-driven bubble market, investors have once again lost their way. This book will grow in acknowledgement as today’s stock market ‘sheep’ are once again led to their slaughter for having ignored such wisdom."
--Richard J. Greene, Thunder Capital Management

"Tom Au’s update of Graham and Dodd’s security analysis is a must read for any serious investor. With the technology bubble behind us, investors have come back to the proven principles of value investing. Tom has put together a powerful framework for value investing in the twenty-first century."
--Gerard Watson, Managing Director, Santander Investments

About the Author
THOMAS P. AU is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager for the investment arm of a large insurance and healthcare provider. His specialty is emerging and international markets. He has also worked for Unifund, an emerging markets firm in Geneva, Switzerland. Previously, he was an analyst for Value Line, an investment information company in New York City, serving in various capacities from 1983 to 1994. Mr. Au has received his BA, cum laude, with a double major in economics and history, from Yale University, and an MBA in finance from New York University.

Customer Reviews

Highly Recommended !
Benjamin Graham and David Dodd literally wrote the book (the classic Security Analysis, 1940) on value investing. Warren Buffett followed their advice, which helped make him a household name. But Graham and Dodd devised their investing approach in the 1930s and, obviously, the markets have changed. Investors face different accounting requirements, international investments and non-equity alternatives to traditional corporate stocks. Author Thomas P. Au has undertaken to update the vintage Graham and Dodd approach and, by using numerous examples and explanations, to make it relevant to today's markets. The basic emphasis on value remains, but he has adapted it to suit a faster, more complex investment world than the old masters ever imagined. We think that they would have approved of Au's clear, lucid, well-organized book, which is highly recommended for investors.

Good but better books are out there
I thought the book was pretty good in relating Graham and Dodd concepts to modern investing. The author's writing style doesn't keep the reader's attention for prolonged periods of time. I think there are better books out there, specifically Katsenelson's "Active Value Investing"

Excellent investment guide - highly recommended!
I highly recommend this book. The author does an outstanding job of explaining the value investing strategy and applying it to today's markets.