Was Benjamin Graham, the father of security selection and value investing, and a superstar whose name constantly arises on SA, really an indexer at heart? Of course, that is the very antithesis of his reputation.

Ok, so I’m not going to tell you any stories or make any movie references on this one. Sorry. I’ve got a New York Strip waiting on me uptown. Wait, I guess that was a mini-story. Damn.

1997 paper from Michael Mauboussin: “Thoughts on Valuation” [H/T @BrattleStCap] (LINK)This underscores the important point that P/E multiples are not a determinant of value, but rather a function of value. On Wall Street, the typical valuation formula is EPS x P/E = value.

In the first article of this series, I applied a mostly philosophical, comparative approach in an effort to assess general dividend stock worth and current associated risk for total return minded investors.

That is a key plot point in the movie Wall Street, one of my favorite flicks. But it doesn’t really tell you very much about anything. Does the Young Turk go on to great success? Does he flame out spectacularly? Does he learn his idol is a sham or the greatest investor of all time?

Shares of Wayfair (NYSE:W) continue to tank following a quarter that missed Street EPS expectations. While revenue topped estimates, growth is slowing against more difficult comps, and this ensures decelerated revenue growth going forward.

An Analyst of Gothic Monsters Explores Trump’s Appeal By ANDREW C. REVKIN A student of Gothic literary monsters assesses Donald Trump’s allure.

The WSJ blog had a recent article The VIX Market Suggests It’s Not Yet Time to Buy the Dips outlining: Typically, longer-dated VIX futures are more expensive than VIX futures expiring in the current month, as there’s a greater chance of stock swings over a longer time period.

Think only a bear market can keep returns of a 60/40 near 0%… think again. Given the huge opportunity cost of allocating to cash or bonds at current yield levels, even generally optimistic return assumptions for stocks are enough to keep portfolio level returns near 0% real.

SCOTT WHALEN WINS PRIVATE EQUITY AWARD New York, NY, August 1, 2016 – Investment Times Daily is pleased to announce it has named Scott Whalen of PPMG as Private Equity Principal of the Year for 2016. Scott Whalen was chosen from an impressive group of candidates and ITD believes his accomplishments during the past year, combined with its steadfast commitment … More Private Equity Principal of the Year: PPMG’s Scott Whalen