Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits and Other Writings

written by American Investment genius.... We are delighted to have the opportunity to reproduce an extract from this classic, recently reissued..." (Financial Director, November 2003)
"...these updated classics are packed with investment wisdom..." (What Investment, November 2003)

From the Inside Flap
"I am an eager reader of whatever Phil has to say, and I recommend him to you."
—Warren Buffett

"You will find lots of jewels in these pages that may do as much for you as they have for me."
— from the Introduction by Kenneth L. Fisher Forbes columnist

Widely respected and admired, Philip Fisher is among the most influential investors of all time. His investment philosophies, introduced almost forty years ago, are not only studied and applied by today's finance professionals, but are also regarded by many as gospel. He recorded these philosophies in Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits, a book considered invaluable reading when it was first published in 1958, and a must-read today.

Acclaim for Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits

"I sought out Phil Fisher after reading his Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits...When I met him, I was impressed by the man as by his ideas. A thorough understanding of the business, obtained by using Phil's techniques...enables one to make intelligent investment commitments."
— Warren Buffett

"Little known to the public, rarely interviewed and accepting few clients, Philip Fisher is nevertheless read and studied by most thoughtful investment professionals . . . everyone will profit from pondering—as Warren Buffett has done—the investment principles Fisher espouses."
— James W. Michaels Editor, Forbes

"My own copy [of Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits] has underlinings and marginal thoughts throughout."
—John Train author of Dance of the Money Bees

From the Back Cover
"You will find lots of jewels in these pages that may do as much for you as they have for me."
— from the Introduction by Kenneth L. Fisher Forbes columnist

Widely respected and admired, Philip Fisher is among the most influential investors of all time. His investment philosophies, introduced almost forty years ago, are not only studied and applied by today's finance professionals, but are also regarded by many as gospel. He recorded these philosophies in Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits, a book considered invaluable reading when it was first published in 1958, and a must-read today.

Acclaim for Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits

"I sought out Phil Fisher after reading his Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits...When I met him, I was impressed by the man as by his ideas. A thorough understanding of the business, obtained by using Phil's techniques...enables one to make intelligent investment commitments."
—Warren Buffett

"Little known to the public, rarely interviewed and accepting few clients, Philip Fisher is nevertheless read and studied by most thoughtful investment professionals . . . everyone will profit from pondering—as Warren Buffett has done—the investment principles Fisher espouses."
—James W. Michaels Editor, Forbes

"My own copy [of Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits] has underlinings and marginal thoughts throughout."
—John Train author of Dance of the Money Bees

About the Author
PHILIP A. FISHER began his career as a securities analyst in 1928, and founded Fisher & Company, an investment counseling business, in 1931. He is known as one of the pioneers of modern investment theory. After 1.5 years of procrastinating, I have finally finished this poor book. This book isn't suited for advanced investors, for someone whose hobby is investing. I think author being rich enough, decided to give one more push for bigger money and earn some money from readers.

What I dislike:
- Book lacks greatly research. In the field of investing research is the key. Each strategy, each investing idea is always backed by data. Modern investor must back its decision by data. This book isn't back by much data.

- Book is poorly written. In London, there are street magicians. Usually, they talk for 20 minutes of what they gonna do, throw some jokes and in the end do some trick that takes 30 seconds. How much time wasted. Exactly, the same with this book. Author lacks clarity, straight to the point and concise, accurate explanations.

- Bit more about data. Author brings examples of either companies or situations from 70s, 80s or even 20s. Over the last 20 years we have been witnessed to such acceleration of technology and differentiation of business models that examples from past years don't really serve a purpose.

Must give it to the author, there were two or three interesting ideas but it isn't enough 280 pages book. I have found brighter and more interesting investing articles in the free online articles than in this book.

In my opinion, this book isn't worth wasting time reading it.