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Edge also implies what Ben Graham…called a margin of…

“Edge also implies what Ben Graham…called a margin of safety. You have a margin of safety when you buy an asset at a price that is substantially less than its value. As Graham noted, the margin of safety 'is available for absorbing the effect of miscalculations or worse than average luck.'…” quote by Michael Mauboussin
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“Edge also implies what Ben Graham…called a margin of safety. You have a margin of safety when you buy an asset at a price that is substantially less than its value. As Graham noted, the margin of safety 'is available for absorbing the effect of miscalculations or worse than average luck.' ...Graham expands, "The margin of safety is always dependent on the price paid. It will be large at one price, small at some higher price, nonexistent at some still higher price."”

Michael Mauboussin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A margin of safety is buying an asset far below its intrinsic value, providing a cushion against errors or bad luck.

In simple terms: Buy low, protect against risk.

Key Takeaway

Buy at a discount to create a buffer.

Themes

value investing risk management valuation behavioral finance investment strategy

Mood

cautious analytical confident

Type

advice principle observation

When to use this quote

  • stock selection
  • real estate acquisition
  • venture capital valuation
  • portfolio construction
  • financial modeling

Key Concepts

margin of safety intrinsic value price paid miscalculation

Practical Applications

  • investment analysis
  • risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does price affect the size of the margin?
  • What errors does a margin of safety guard against?
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