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Value Trap
Theory of Universal Valuation
This book is a welcome, no-nonsense addition to the many straight-shooting financial guides on the market.
Brian M. Nelson’s Value Trap: Theory of Universal Valuation is a convincing, data-driven examination of enterprise valuation that shows how investors can use information to avoid making costly mistakes.
As the founder and president of an independent investment research publisher that focuses on equity and dividend growth, Nelson is an authority on tracing the intricacies of investing in the stock market. His book details how objective examinations of any and all data are essential prior to jumping into potential investment deals; they can be the difference between making a smart decision and one to regret. Here, successful investment is based on understanding three elements of enterprise value analysis: balance sheet position, hidden assets, and operational cash flow. Understanding these components, any investor will know whether to move forward with an investment or not.
The best way to insulate oneself from falling for too-good-to-be-true gimmicks is to do your research. There are no shortcuts to savvy investing, as the book makes plain. Divided into three sections—on history, financial theory, and practical application—it will be useful both for freshly minted investors and advanced practitioners, as it addresses the full spectrum of information on investing. Casual investors may be inclined to skip the theory section, but data hounds will find much to savor there.
The writing is technical and assumes familiarity with financial terms, but the text is also peppered with examples of determining valuation the smart way. The writing is clear, if densely packed; it requires slow, methodical reading to ensure full comprehension. Careful consideration will no doubt reward the patient reader with plenty of sound advice. The text is also full of figures, charts, and more than a little math, further serving its overall purpose of unveiling the so-called “shortcuts and secrets” of smart investing. (Spoiler: there aren’t any.)
Understanding a potential investment inside and out and studying best practices sounds like solid advice, but as Value Trap explains, there are plenty of slick dealers out there trying to get would-be investors to believe that some magic trick will lead to a pot of gold, and anyone attempting to predict the future when it comes to investing should be avoided at all costs. Investing isn’t rocket science, but it does require careful thought, and this book is a welcome, no-nonsense addition to the small cadre of straight-shooting financial guides on the market.
Reviewed by
Barbara Nickles
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
