Benjamin Graham (1894–1976) was a renowned American economist, investor, professor, and author, often referred to as the “father of value investing.” He made significant contributions to the field of investment and finance, particularly through his teachings, writings, and his influential approach to value investing.

Key points about Benjamin Graham include:

1. **Early Life and Education:**
– Benjamin Graham was born on May 9, 1894, in London, England. His family moved to New York when he was a child. Graham attended Columbia University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1914 and a master’s degree in 1915.

2. **Teaching Career:**
– Graham returned to Columbia University as a faculty member, teaching finance and investment for many years. His insights and teachings had a profound impact on several generations of students.

3. **Value Investing Principles:**
– Graham’s investment philosophy, often called “value investing,” emphasized the importance of analyzing a company’s fundamentals and intrinsic value. He advocated for a conservative approach to investing, focusing on companies with solid financials and a margin of safety.

4. **Security Analysis (1934):**
– Graham, along with David Dodd, co-authored the seminal book “Security Analysis,” first published in 1934. This book is considered a foundational work on value investing and financial analysis. It introduced concepts such as margin of safety and fundamental analysis.

5. **The Intelligent Investor (1949):**
– Graham’s most well-known and widely read book is “The Intelligent Investor,” published in 1949. In this book, he distilled his investment philosophy and provided practical guidance for individual investors. It is considered a classic in the field of investment literature.

6. **Margin of Safety:**
– Graham’s concept of “margin of safety” is a fundamental principle in value investing. It suggests that investors should only purchase a security when its market price is significantly below its intrinsic value, providing a margin of safety against potential losses.

7. **Graham-Newman Corporation:**
– In addition to his academic career, Graham co-founded the Graham-Newman Corporation, an investment partnership, in the 1930s. The firm achieved notable success under Graham’s guidance.

8. **Mentor to Warren Buffett:**
– One of Graham’s most famous disciples is Warren Buffett, who studied under Graham at Columbia University and later worked for him. Buffett has often credited Graham as a major influence on his investment philosophy and success.

9. **Later Years:**
– Graham continued to contribute to the field of finance until his death in 1976. His impact on investment theory and practice endures, and his principles continue to be studied and applied by investors worldwide.

Benjamin Graham’s legacy lives on through his writings and the enduring principles of value investing. His emphasis on careful analysis, a long-term perspective, and the importance of a margin of safety has influenced generations of investors and remains highly relevant in the world of finance.