Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits and Other Writings

2nd Edition

By: Philip A. Fisher, Kenneth L. Fisher - introduction contributor

Narrated by: Christopher Grove

Widely respected and admired, Philip Fisher is among the most influential investors of all time. His investment philosophies, introduced almost 40 years ago, are not only studied and applied by today's financiers and investors, but are also regarded by many as gospel. This book is invaluable for investors and has been since it was first published in 1958. This updated edition retains the investment wisdom of the original edition and includes the perspectives of the author's son Ken Fisher, an investment guru in his own right, in an expanded preface and introduction.

(P)2019 Gildan Media

Mostly out of date material

Obviously taking into consideration when the book was written, the author completely ignored the political implications and the coming technological advances. Old school thoughts. But a pretty good romp through financial history.

Long term growth in sales & profits

This text is one of those which will layout a simple yet effective foundation to be used for the rest of your life’s investments.

The book discusses how the slow methodical growth of a company is the sole focus of the investor. If investment means to forfeit liquidity now for greater returns later then this book describes in simple terms how to do so.

Which companies are those who reach consistent growth overtime?

Those who have a strong low cost product.
Those who innovate.
Those who’s management is cost effective & long-term focused.
Those who have a strong advertisement & sales force.
Those who sell the product at a high profit margin.

If any of these answers to the question resonate with you then I urge you to take a listen. You might as well consider the time spent on learning these principles well worth your time.
Literally.

Have fun!

Old but Gold

A well thought, thorough analysis of securities that provides new and experienced investors a great listen/read. While there is little in the way of fundamental analysis on a numbers perspective, there is a great deal of depth on the process of determining a healthy business and valuing a stock. Narration is well done. While the book may be over 60 years old, the lessons and insights are “mostly” timeless.

Lots of good investment lessons and advise

Much of the material discusses great companies from the 1970s, like Dupont, Dow Chemical, and RayChem, but the principles haven't changed.

Not worth the hype

For all the hype, this book is not in the same league as Graham's "The Intelligent Investor". What struck me about this comparison is that where Graham's book is ground breaking and innovative, this one contains sparse nuggets of insight.

If this book is on your bucket list, tick it off; but do not expect greatness.