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The Deals of Warren Buffett #1
The Deals of Warren Buffett: Volume 1, The First $100m
It took the world's greatest investor, Warren Buffett, nearly four decades to make his first $100m. The Deals of Warren Buffett - Volume 1 charts the series of investments that made up that journey. In revealing detail, and with a lucid descriptive style, experienced author and investor Glen Arnold explains Buffett's thinking behind these investment deals and shows how his cumulative returns compounded his wealth over time. In this formative period, from 1941-78, Buffett developed and honed the investment philosophy that would lead him to become so successful as his career progressed. But it was not all plain sailing - Buffett made mistakes along the way - and Arnold shows how Buffett learned through success and failure how to select companies worth backing. Arnold also includes insightful 'learning points' at the end of each chapter, which reveal how investors can learn from the craft of Warren Buffett to improve their own investing. Investments featured in this first volume GEICO, American Express, Disney, Berkshire Hathaway, See's Candies, and The Washington Post. With stories and analysis drawn from decades of investing experience, join Glen Arnold and delve deeper in The Deals of Warren Buffett!
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2017
86 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Glen Arnold
65 books26 followersGlen Arnold is a businessman, investor and professor of investment at the University of Salford. He is the author of numerous finance and investing books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 23, 2020
Many people who have just read simple but not surprising good business practices: "Ok, those tips seem to be right, but it is nothing new. It's kind of utopia - IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT IN REALITY"
Warren Buffet: "hold my beer".
That book includes two aspects:
- good practices in business,
- (probably) excellent practices in managing a stock portfolio.
One thing would make that book more valuable for me: often author mentions that company X was better than their competitors, so it generated outstanding profits. I would love to learn more about why that company was so good. Or maybe my attitude to this book was wrong.
Warren Buffet: "hold my beer".
That book includes two aspects:
- good practices in business,
- (probably) excellent practices in managing a stock portfolio.
One thing would make that book more valuable for me: often author mentions that company X was better than their competitors, so it generated outstanding profits. I would love to learn more about why that company was so good. Or maybe my attitude to this book was wrong.
January 3, 2020
The nth story on the man and his methods, but it still manages to captivate. The perfect way to lead a life.
January 4, 2021
Secara ringkas ; buku ini membahas bagaimana perjalan Buffet dalam menghasilkan $100 juta pertamanya.
Dalam buku ini berisi 12 Perusahaan yang pernah ataupun yang hingga saat ini Buffet masih sebagai pemilik sahamnya.
Bagi seorang pemula dalam hal financial planning dan memiliki background yang jauh dari ekonomi, buku ini sangat ringan dibaca dan mudah dipahami ; terutama karena buku ini berisi penjelasan yang clear dan tidak bertele-tele.
Selama ini, kita selalu mengenal Buffet sebagai investor yang melakukan investasi kepada perusahaan yang undervalue, namun dalam buku ini mengambarkan aspek lain tidak hanya aspek tersebut saja dalam memutuskan berinvestasi dalam sebuah perusahaan.
Beberapa point penting yang aku catat dalam berinvestasi :
1. Analisis
2. Margin keamanan
3. Return yang memuaskan
4. Siapa yang menjalankan perusahaan
5. Data kualitatif perusahaan
Dan yang paling menarik dari investasi perusahaan yang dijabarkan dalam buku ini : Bisnis See merupakan yang paling aku sukai.
Bisnis See ini merupakan perusahaan permen yang mana Buffet membeli perusahan tersebut dengan harga yang lebih tinggi dibanding dgn angka aset yang dimiliki perusahaan. Namun , dibalik keberanian Buffet memberikan harga tinggi tsb dikarenakan Loyalitas Customer Permen See.
Dalam buku ini berisi 12 Perusahaan yang pernah ataupun yang hingga saat ini Buffet masih sebagai pemilik sahamnya.
Bagi seorang pemula dalam hal financial planning dan memiliki background yang jauh dari ekonomi, buku ini sangat ringan dibaca dan mudah dipahami ; terutama karena buku ini berisi penjelasan yang clear dan tidak bertele-tele.
Selama ini, kita selalu mengenal Buffet sebagai investor yang melakukan investasi kepada perusahaan yang undervalue, namun dalam buku ini mengambarkan aspek lain tidak hanya aspek tersebut saja dalam memutuskan berinvestasi dalam sebuah perusahaan.
Beberapa point penting yang aku catat dalam berinvestasi :
1. Analisis
2. Margin keamanan
3. Return yang memuaskan
4. Siapa yang menjalankan perusahaan
5. Data kualitatif perusahaan
Dan yang paling menarik dari investasi perusahaan yang dijabarkan dalam buku ini : Bisnis See merupakan yang paling aku sukai.
Bisnis See ini merupakan perusahaan permen yang mana Buffet membeli perusahan tersebut dengan harga yang lebih tinggi dibanding dgn angka aset yang dimiliki perusahaan. Namun , dibalik keberanian Buffet memberikan harga tinggi tsb dikarenakan Loyalitas Customer Permen See.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2023
I read this book driven by a curiosity to find out how Warren Buffet started with nothing and ended up so wealthy, even though he supposedly followed sound „non-risky“ investment principles.
Turns out: he did take some pretty damn major risks at the beginning of his career. Allocating half his portfolio to one investment, buying stocks of companies in declining industries, playing the private equity game including firing the majority of employees in one portfolio company.
This book confirmed my opinion that one is very unlikely to capture an incredible upside without taking associated risks.
What left an impression on me is Buffet’s unusual attention to qualitative factors. Putting a lot of emphasis on selling actually good products and having in place competent and durable management is rather an art than a science, and this book gives some insight into how Warren Buffet used his paintbrush.
The book did feel a bit shallow on a number of occasions though. It shows that the author, a kind of „Buffet historian“, compiled all of his information from interviews and letters to shareholders. For example, there is often a lack of explanation as to why certain decisions were made. All in all the book feels a bit impersonal.
Turns out: he did take some pretty damn major risks at the beginning of his career. Allocating half his portfolio to one investment, buying stocks of companies in declining industries, playing the private equity game including firing the majority of employees in one portfolio company.
This book confirmed my opinion that one is very unlikely to capture an incredible upside without taking associated risks.
What left an impression on me is Buffet’s unusual attention to qualitative factors. Putting a lot of emphasis on selling actually good products and having in place competent and durable management is rather an art than a science, and this book gives some insight into how Warren Buffet used his paintbrush.
The book did feel a bit shallow on a number of occasions though. It shows that the author, a kind of „Buffet historian“, compiled all of his information from interviews and letters to shareholders. For example, there is often a lack of explanation as to why certain decisions were made. All in all the book feels a bit impersonal.
September 18, 2025
The least strong of the four volumes (so far), which I read in reverse order partly because I expected exactly that. Admittedly it's difficult to separate my existing familiarity with the early deals from a totally objective judgement of this book - anything this familiar was bound to struggle to impress. But inarguably, it's a slim book with a larger font than the other three, so value-wise it isn't great. But it does have its moments: a highlight for me was Arnold's questioning, based on about ten years of financials, of whether The Washington Post Company was really worth about $400m as Buffett said after buying shares when it was valued at 25% of that. Other brief highlights were also all Arnold's own takes.
Overall, the four volumes are certainly worth reading, but at about £80 collectively there is a nagging feeling that something more buyer-friendly could have been done. Still, if you achieve anything like Buffett's success you won't care about the cost anymore, eh.
Overall, the four volumes are certainly worth reading, but at about £80 collectively there is a nagging feeling that something more buyer-friendly could have been done. Still, if you achieve anything like Buffett's success you won't care about the cost anymore, eh.
August 2, 2024
THE ABILITY TO SPOT THE POTENTIAL FOR RAISING PRICES BECAUSE OF SOME DEGREE OF CUSTOMER CAPTIVITY WAS EVIDENT TIME AND TIME AGIAN IN WB'S CAREER.
WB was 48 when he consolidated his investments in BH.
Dont aim to shoot the lights out. Target a satisfactory return.
WB invested about 65% of his net wealth in Geico in 1951 and sold it 50% higher 12 months later.
WB put 35% of his partners money into Sanborn Maps at one point and 21% of BPL's assets into Dempster Mills another time.
WB loved Walt's devotion to his work and his infectious enthusiasm.
Grand principles are more important than a grand plan.
Nifty-fifty stocks were considered one decision stocks - buy and never sell because of their stability and demonstrated earnings growth.
WB was 48 when he consolidated his investments in BH.
Dont aim to shoot the lights out. Target a satisfactory return.
WB invested about 65% of his net wealth in Geico in 1951 and sold it 50% higher 12 months later.
WB put 35% of his partners money into Sanborn Maps at one point and 21% of BPL's assets into Dempster Mills another time.
WB loved Walt's devotion to his work and his infectious enthusiasm.
Grand principles are more important than a grand plan.
Nifty-fifty stocks were considered one decision stocks - buy and never sell because of their stability and demonstrated earnings growth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
This is an amazing book that digs deep into the logic behind both the successes and failures of the world’s greatest investor, Warren Buffett. The author does a fantastic job of breaking down each of Buffett’s investment decisions, from his early days as a young investor up to his first $100 million.
What makes the book valuable is the level of detail—it really helps you understand why Buffett made certain choices and what principles guided him. It’s not just about the numbers, but about the mindset behind long-term, value investing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is enthusiastic about investing, especially those who want to learn the foundation of long-term and value-based strategies.
What makes the book valuable is the level of detail—it really helps you understand why Buffett made certain choices and what principles guided him. It’s not just about the numbers, but about the mindset behind long-term, value investing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is enthusiastic about investing, especially those who want to learn the foundation of long-term and value-based strategies.
March 12, 2022
Cuốn sách hay, giúp kể lại những câu chuyện đầu tư của Warrent Buffett mà mình chưa hề được biết. Tác giả cũng phân tích các phi vụ này và chỉ ra những giá trị hoặc nguyên lý của WB trong cách đầu tư, từ đó mình lại thấy vững tâm hơn trong thời đại ngày nay.
Hiện tại thị trường CK VN đang đầy ắp kiểu đầu cơ, thổi giá và chạy theo những xu hướng ngắn hạn. Mình chọn đứng ngoài làn sóng đó. Chỉ tiếp tục nắm giữ những cổ phiếu mình đã mua (dù lỗ), nếu có dư tiền ra thì mua thêm các cổ phiếu cơ bản và ổn định, đó là cách đầu tư mình đã chọn.
Và mình thấy tự tin hơn, kiên định hơn với cách đầu tư của mình khi đọc về WB và cách thức đầu tư theo giá trị của ông.
Hiện tại thị trường CK VN đang đầy ắp kiểu đầu cơ, thổi giá và chạy theo những xu hướng ngắn hạn. Mình chọn đứng ngoài làn sóng đó. Chỉ tiếp tục nắm giữ những cổ phiếu mình đã mua (dù lỗ), nếu có dư tiền ra thì mua thêm các cổ phiếu cơ bản và ổn định, đó là cách đầu tư mình đã chọn.
Và mình thấy tự tin hơn, kiên định hơn với cách đầu tư của mình khi đọc về WB và cách thức đầu tư theo giá trị của ông.
January 3, 2019
Very enjoyable book and a good overview of the first deals that buffet made.
It was also a nice change of pace to not have much details about his personal life, although at times it can add to the tapestry.
Unfortunately, I feel this book was a little light at times as a ‘collection of case studies’, something it was supposed to be (according to the Arnold).
I would have enjoyed more substance at times.
Either way, brilliantly written and a joy to read. Worth the time.
Would recommend (and already have) to friends.
It was also a nice change of pace to not have much details about his personal life, although at times it can add to the tapestry.
Unfortunately, I feel this book was a little light at times as a ‘collection of case studies’, something it was supposed to be (according to the Arnold).
I would have enjoyed more substance at times.
Either way, brilliantly written and a joy to read. Worth the time.
Would recommend (and already have) to friends.
May 25, 2022
Cuốn sách đi sâu vào từng thương vụ của Buffett. Phân tích cách tư duy, căn nguyên sự thành công, thất bại của từng thương vụ. Kết hợp với những gì mình đã sẵn biết về ông qua những cuốn tiểu sử như: Hòn tuyết lăn, Quá trình hình thành nên nhà tư bản Mỹ,... cộng thêm kinh nghiệm đầu tư đã trải qua, mình áp dụng được thêm một số tiêu chuẩn vào trong thương vụ hiện tại và tương lai.
P/s: Không ít những thương vụ siêu thành công của ông đều chịu lỗ tạm thời từ 1 -> 3 năm mà tiêu biểu nhất là Washington Post, sau 3 năm mới về giá mua. Nhớ kỹ điều đó nhé!
P/s: Không ít những thương vụ siêu thành công của ông đều chịu lỗ tạm thời từ 1 -> 3 năm mà tiêu biểu nhất là Washington Post, sau 3 năm mới về giá mua. Nhớ kỹ điều đó nhé!
June 22, 2023
Đây là quyển nói về những bài học rút ra được từ những vụ đầu tư của ông vua chứng khoán. Có những bài học được lặp đi lặp lại qua những phi vụ như: xây dựng 1 biên độ an toàn, chỉ thu một lợi nhuận hợp lý và tận dụng sự thất thường của quý ông thị trường. Buffet đã nói theo người thầy của ông đi theo con đường định lượng để đầu tư nhưng rồi dần dần ông phát triển tư tưởng của riêng mình là dựa vào cả số lượng định tính và định lượng. Đây là một quyển sách khó đọc. Một câu hỏi đặt ra trong tôi: “ làm thế nào để bắt đầu” và “làm thế nào để định giá một doanh nghiệp?”.
January 9, 2020
When buying this book I was under an impression that it portraits all equity transactions Buffet has conducted on his way to 100m. Unfortunately, it doesn't. There seem to be some blind spots, however, I think it's a great book detailing on every particular deal. Just a part of my BH curriculum I advised myself in 2019 and 2020.
March 30, 2021
tell the stories about The Journey of Buffet, how he can make a strategy and survive with his decision. Im sure that this book seems worth to read for people who interest with Buffet personality but if u want to make yourself into great investor like he did, probably you should understanding basic economics and accounting before read this book 👍
April 19, 2018
although it is the first book I read about WB, It gives enough insight of the investment philosophy that is consistent in WB's investments and a good book to start reading about this wonderful person without having to constantly see the investment jargon and techniques.
August 25, 2022
This book is sort of written for a general audience, so the “deals” are not recounted with the detail that more seasoned investors would be seeking. That said, it is concise and conveniently organized, so presents an efficient to way to familiarize yourself with Buffett’s most important investments up until 1974.
June 4, 2023
Great read
Very good read on the earliest deals of Buffett. The commentary helps in explaining the circumstances around each of them, even the unsuccessful ones. Glad I came across this book.
Very good read on the earliest deals of Buffett. The commentary helps in explaining the circumstances around each of them, even the unsuccessful ones. Glad I came across this book.
January 25, 2018
This book was very easy to read. I really enjoyed the case studies on the deals that helped Buffett get the snowball rolling down the hill. I can't wait for Volume 2.
May 30, 2020
Best book to understand the thought process of Buffett's investment
November 24, 2020
Very interesting I have to say even though it's nothing new if you already read some stories
April 7, 2021
Lumayan bagus untuk menginspirasi
February 9, 2022
A bit disappointed. I think if you want to learn deal of Buffet there’re many books that much more worth to read.
September 9, 2022
highly recommend, reads more like a textbook but there are countless lessons.
March 23, 2023
As a reference book, it is a good book. There are many points that we can learn, although not everyone can do it.
August 12, 2023
cuốn sách hay. tác giả đi vào chi tiết từng cuộc đầu tư của Warren Bufett, nhưng vẫn mang dấu ấn cá nhân của tác giả.
February 11, 2024
Good insight!
July 29, 2024
Surprisingly good info.
August 14, 2024
Densely packed, well-researched breakdown of Warren's rise to decimillionaire. Quick read for all the hobbyist investors out there.
June 4, 2025
Pretty good. Very accessible. I personally thought it’d go deeper into the deals that were passed on which would’ve been helpful but didn’t.
June 21, 2025
I love this book, but its a bit hard for me to fully understand its content. I haven't finished it yet, but I hope to read again someday and understand it better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews