Synopses & Reviews
A contrarian look at how Warren Buffett thinks about investing and related issues Warren Buffett is the most successful and revered investor of all time. His ability to consistently find undervalued companies has made him one of the worlds richest men.
Despite many previous books about him, its rare to find an objective assessmentone that praises him when appropriate, but also recognizes that even Buffett makes mistakes. For instance, is he right to call for higher taxes and an end to earnings guidance? Should Buffett fans copy his avoidance of technology stocks?
In this penetrating look at how Buffett thinks, Vahan Janjigian shows readers how to learn from the masters best moves while avoiding strategies that dont apply to small investors. And he explains Buffetts favorite valuation methodology, the discounted cash flow model, and how it can significantly reduce the odds of overpaying for a stock.
Review
While the Sage of Omaha has been the subject of a number of books, this one is unique. It is neither a love letter nor a put-down.
--Steve Forbes
This is the best book on Buffett in years. Kudos to Vahan Janjigian for writing such a compelling, penetrating, and highly valuable book. This is a must-read for every Buffett fan and anyone else hoping to hone their investing skills.
--Lawrence Kudlow, host, CNBCs Kudlow & Company
Vahan Janjigian delineates a cornucopia of little nuggets about Mr. Buffett that every Buffettphile will want, and aspects basic to investing that everyone, novice or top-tier pro, should know.
--Ken Fisher, founder and CEO, Fisher Investments; author of The Only Three Questions That Count
Vahan Janjigian is the guru that other gurus turn to when they want advice. By taking the novel approach of examining not only what Buffett does right but what, occasionally, he has done wrong, Even Buffett Isnt Perfect provides both an invaluable education about successful investment strategies and deep insight into the mind and tactics of the one investor whose secrets everyone wants to know.
--Vartan Gregorian, president, Carnegie Corporation of New York
Anyone who thinks he understands Warren Buffetts approach to investing should read this book. Marrying the wisdom of the grandmaster with the latest research on investment strategy, Vahan debunks more than a few myths and delivers a brand-new look at the creative thinking that has made Buffet the worlds greatest value investor.
--Ian Bremmer, author of The J Curve
Janjigians closely reasoned new study of Warren Buffett, warts and all, will be mined by prospective emulators everywhere stocks are traded. Among other features, the several myths of Buffetts practice are matched against performance realities.
--Robert H. Stovall Sr., managing director and strategist, Wood Asset Management, Inc.
In 2006, Warren shared with Bill the Buffett fortune. Now, Vahan shares with us the Buffett wisdom.
--Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist, Standard & Poors
This is exactly what has been missing from the litany of Buffett books. Vahans razor sharp arguments make this book a unique and important work for every Buffett friend or foe. Dont buy another stock without reading this book!
--Barbara Marcin, portfolio manager, Gabelli Blue Chip Value Fund
Vahan Janjigians insights and observations about Warren Buffett show that hard work, diligence, and patience usually result in investment successbut a little luck helps also. However, Janjigian points out that Buffett is far less than perfect with regard to taxes and taxation.
--Leon Charney, host and moderator, The Leon Charney Report
This is one of the best Buffett books to come along in years. Vahans thoughtful and provoking presentation is a must-have book for any investor who wants to build on the very best of Warren Buffett.
--Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Mr. Janjigian notes that Mr. Buffett has rightly had to adjust his corporate- governance policies to provide more transparency. He chides Mr. Buffett for backing the call to account for the cost of stock options more explicitly. He carps about Mr. Buffett's approval of the estate or "death" tax; and he dislikes Mr. Buffett's opposition to tax cuts, arguing that the current tax system unnecessarily costs investors money... Mr. Janjigian also sheds light on Mr. Buffett's magic... Mr. Janjigian also helpfully notes what is at the heart of Berkshire Hathaway's business and investment firepower. -- Dave Kansas, The Wall Street Journal
Review
"This is the best book on Buffett in years. Compelling, penetrating, and highly valuable."
-Lawrence Kudlow, host, CNBC's Kudlow and Company
"The author takes a contrarian - or at least mildly dissenting - view of Mr. Buffett's investing acumen. . . Mr. Janjigian also sheds light on Mr. Buffett's magic. Mr. Buffett has two large advantages that the average investor doesn't have, advantages that are often overlooked by those who try to mimic him."
-The Wall Street Journal
"This is exactly what has been missing from the litany of Buffett books. Vahan's razor sharp arguments make this book a unique- and important- work for every Buffett friend or foe."
-Barbara Marcin, portfolio manager, Gabelli Blue Chip Value Fund "Clear and compelling."
-Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Vahan Janjigian grew up in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. He attended Lower Merion High School where he developed a life-long love for track and field. Vahan holds degrees from Villanova University and Virginia Tech. He spent many years teaching corporate finance and investments at various universities. He joined Forbes in 1997 to serve as editor of the Forbes Special Situation Survey, one of the nation's oldest continuously published investment newsletters. While he still fills that role, Vahan is also Chief Investment Officer at Greenwich Wealth Management, LLC, where he manages portfolios for his clients.