Getting Started in Value Investing

An accessible introduction to the proven method of value investing

An ardent follower of Warren Buffett-the most high-profile value investor today-author Charles Mizrahi has long believed in the power of this proven approach. Now, with Getting Started in Value Investing, Mizrahi breaks down this successful strategy so that anyone can learn how to use it in his or her own investment endeavors. Written in a straightforward and accessible style, this book helps readers gain an overall understanding of the value approach to investing and presents statistics that reveal the overwhelming success of this approach through a variety of markets. Engaging and informative, Getting Started in Value Investing skillfully shows readers how to look for undervalued companies and provides them with the tools they need to succeed in today's markets.

Charles S. Mizrahi (Brooklyn, NY) is Managing Partner of CGM Partners Fund LP. He is also editor of Hidden Values Alert, a monthly newsletter focused on value investing. Mizrahi has more than 25 years of investment experience and is frequently quoted in the press. Many of his articles appear online at gurufocus.com as well as on other financial sites.

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction Value Really Means Something 1

Chapter 1 The 5 Misconceptions of Value Investing 7

Chapter 2 The Basics of Value Investing: A Few Things You Must Know 19

Chapter 3 Market Caveats: Lessons from the Past 31

Chapter 4 Are Great Companies Great Investments? Stick with the Champs 45

Chapter 5 Who’s in Charge? Management Counts: Getting Comfortable with Management 55

Chapter 6 Competition: Threat or Opportunity? The Enduring Competitive Advantage 73

Chapter 7 The Essential Valuation Variables that Really Count: Financial Statement Basics 89

Chapter 8 The Essential Operating Variables that Really Count: Bringing the Numbers to Life 107

Chapter 9 The Price of Stock versus the Value of the Company 121

Chapter 10 Your Own Worst Enemy 145

Chapter 11 My Final Words of Value 155

Glossary 171

Recommended Reading and Resources 173

Notes 177

Index 183

Charles S. Mizrahi is Managing Partner of CGM Partners LP. He is also Editor of Hidden Values Alert, a monthly newsletter focused on value investing. Mizrahi has more than twenty years of investment experience and is frequently quoted in the press. Many of his articles appear online at www.gurufocus.com as well as on other financial sites.

"Beginning investors will find all the ABCs of success in Getting Started in Value Investing. Seasoned investors will want to keep it close by as their reference manual. You can't say enough about Charles Mizrahi's strategy of studying companies and buying them at good prices. It pays off handsomely."
—Timothy Vick, Senior Portfolio Manager, The Sanibel Captiva Trust Co., author, How to Pick Stocks Like Warren Buffett

"A marvelous introduction to value investing filled with anecdotes about the subject and the people behind the investment headlines. A delightful and practical read."
—Donald A. Yacktman, Portfolio Manager, The Yacktman Funds, Morningstar Portfolio Manager of the Year-1991

"Charles Mizrahi knows how to take the most boring stocks in the world, dress them up with his strategy, and turn them into stock market super stars."
—James Altucher, author, Trade Like a Hedge Fund, Managing Director, Formula Capital

While there are many ways to make money in today's markets, only one strategy has consistently proven itself over time—value investing.

Now, with Getting Started in Value Investing, author and veteran money manager Charles Mizrahi breaks down this successful strategy so that you can learn how to effectively incorporate it into your own investment activities.

Written in a straightforward and accessible style, Getting Started in Value Investing offers you clear insights on this profitable approach. Step by step, it will:

• Examine the importance of picking businesses that have an enduring competitive advantage

• Discuss the difference between price and value, and how to determine exactly what to pay for a stock

• Provide non-technical explanations of a company's financial statements and how to read them

Investing isn't hard, but it does take some work. With Getting Started in Value Investing as your guide, you'll quickly discover how to cut through the noise surrounding today's markets and enhance the overall performance of your portfolio.