The Complete Idiot's Guide to Value Investing

As the author writes, "If your're looking to make a quick buck, this is not the book for you. Value Investing involves looking for a company on sale and having the patience to wait until others realize that company is a bargain." Value investing has served many of those who practice it. The best example of its success is Warren Buffett. This book provides good value for readers because it shows them not only that it is important to buy below intrinsic value, but also how to evaluate companies. It shows how to read income statements, balance sheets, and statements of cash flow. I liked the section where it teaches readers how to read the Auditor's Letter or Report. The author argues that this report should be read before spending any time looking at the core financial data. Readers will also benefit from the chapter on how to listen to analysts. These reports should be read just as a means of gathering information, but never as following the buy and sell advice. "Whatever type of analyst you're listening to or reading, the one thing you can be certain about is that analyst isn't working for you unless you're the one paying him for the information." - Mariusz Skonieczny, author of Why Are We So Clueless about the Stock Market? Learn how to invest your money, how to pick stocks, and how to make money in the stock market

I'm not sure what book Derek Geer read, but page 2 of the book is a blank page after the "Part 1" introduction and page 44 does not discuss depreciation. In a review from Wallet Pop, the reviewer says, "From reading financials to designing a balanced portfolio, from understanding market behavior to determining your own risk tolerance, the book covers the gamut of basic investment advice in terms that the typical idiot (i.e., me) can understand. If you're one who embraces the notion that "Ignorance got us into this mess, and ignorance can get us out," this book will only burden you with accurate information. If, however, you are determined to control your investments, this is an excellent primer." Lita