Thanks to his straight-forward approach and ability to simplify complex topics, Joshua Kennon's series of lessons on financial statement analysis have been used by managers, investors, colleges and universities throughout the world. "If an investment idea takes more than a few sentences, or cannot be explained to a reasonably intelligent fourth grader, you've moved into speculation," Joshua insists. "Whether you're dealing with a public company such as McDonald's, or a private company such as Chanel, these are the types of firms that are easy to understand. You know where the sales originate, what the costs are, and how profits are generated. These are the types of enterprises that aren't going to cause you to wake up in the middle of the night, breaking into a cold sweat because of the sub-prime crisis or esoteric securities trading in illiquid markets. That's a huge advantage to growing your wealth. Focus on what you know, pay a fair price, and invest for the long-term.
Joshua has been the Investing for Beginners Guide at About.com, a division of The New York Times, since February, 2001. He is the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Investing, 3rd Edition. In addition to being a successful investor and bestselling financial author, he spent time in the accounting and investing department at a major east coast property and casualty insurance group.
Joshua is the CEO of Kennon Green Enterprises, a newly formed private company that is engaged in a number of fields including wedding favors and private equity investments. He is also a founding member of Mount Olympus Awards, one of the world's largest custom letterman jacket companies and parent corporation of Kennon Home Accessories, a recognized specialty retailer of luxury goods both online and through its flagship store. In July 2009, he partnered with other investors to form the Cherrywood Capital Group, LLC, which launched Just Baby Gifts, a boutique retailer of luxury baby gifts.
Using simple, straight-forward investment principles, I believe the average person can learn to evaluate the performance, operations, and financial health of a business. This information can lead to better informed decisions when structuring your portfolio.
My investing philosophy is strongly rooted in the value methods established by Benjamin Graham and David Dodd in their classic 1934 treatise Security Analysis as well as Peter Lynch, Phil Fisher, and Warren Buffett. I believe in purchasing excellent businesses at bargain prices; a practice that remains in my own personal portfolio as well as the stocks held by my company.
- Kennon Green Enterprises, LLC
The private holding company through which Mr. Kennon holds many of his investments and businesses. - Joshua Kennon's Personal Site and Blog
Currently in development, this site will soon feature copies of Mr. Kennon's speeches, e-books, etc. - Investing Lessons
These will help you understand how to read and analyze financial statements.