Eight Fundamental Questions for Investors from Lewis G. Whyte FFA
While decluttering, I re-found this excellent 15 page reprint from the larger book “Principles of Finance & Investment” by Scottish Actuary Lewis G. Whyte. The references to railway nationalisation and other clues show that it was written in the late 1940s or 1950s, although the classical style feels older. However, whether you are thinking of buying units in an index tracking unit trust, Bitcoin, fossil fuel producer shares or even a house, the content is timeless. Lewis Whyte’s questions are:-
1) What am I seeking from this investment?
2) What is the nature of the possible investment?
3) Is it issued by a reputable company?
4) What are the company’s plans for the future?
5) Does the company employ expert people?
6) What are the future prospects for the company?
7) Will it be possible to sell the investment easily in the future?
8) Is the purchase price reasonable?
The book is no longer in print, but, if you are seeking a classically written general financial textbook from a reputable expert and you can find a copy at a reasonable purchase price, a second hand copy is the right investment for you.