People

Ben Graham

Ben Graham

Formal First Name
Benjamin (Ben)
Dates
1894 - 1976
Location

Known as "the father of value investing" and the "dean of Wall Street," Benjamin Graham was a finance and investments guru. He excelled at making money on the stock market for himself and his clients, without taking big risks. Graham created and taught many principles of investing safely and successfully that modern investors continue to use today.

  • Lost 70% in the '29 - '33 bear market (failed to exit when valuations were too high)
  • Graham's work is legendary in investment circles. 
  • He's been credited as the creator of the security analysis profession. 
  • Graham was one of the first to solely use financial analysis to invest in stocks successfully. He was also instrumental in drafting many elements of the Securities Act of 1933, also known as the "Truth in Securities Act." 
  • While best known as Warren Buffett's mentor, Graham was also a famous author, most notably for his books "Security Analysis" (1934) and "The Intelligent Investor" (1949).


Benjamin Graham generated 20% CAGR from 1934 to 1956 vs 12% for S&P 500.