John Neff
John Neff
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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John Christopher Neff was a renowned American investment manager and portfolio strategist who is best known for his value investing approach.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on February 8, 1939, in Cincinnati, Ohio, John Neff passed away on October 17, 2016 at the age of 77.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Neff held dual citizenship of the United States and Canada. He was a professional investment manager with a career spanning over four decades.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, John Neff developed an interest in investing at a young age. His family's modest means and his father's involvement in the stock market instilled in him a value-oriented approach to investing. Neff earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1961.
Major Accomplishments
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Neff's most significant achievement was serving as the portfolio manager for Vanguard's Windsor Fund, one of the largest and most successful mutual funds in history. During his tenure, which lasted over three decades, he generated remarkable returns for investors while adhering to a disciplined value investing strategy.
Some of Neff's notable accomplishments include:
Outperforming the market: Under Neff's guidance, the Windsor Fund consistently outperformed its benchmark and peer group.
Value creation: He demonstrated an ability to identify undervalued companies with strong fundamentals, resulting in significant long-term gains for investors.
Notable Works or Actions
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Neff was a prolific writer and speaker on investing and finance. Some of his notable works include:
"The Neff Report": A quarterly investment newsletter that provided insights into his investment strategies and market analysis.
Book authorship: He co-authored several books on value investing, including "John Neff on Investing."
Impact and Legacy
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Neff's influence on the world of investing is immeasurable. His commitment to value investing has inspired generations of investors and portfolio managers.
Some of his lasting impacts include:
Value investing revival: Neff's success with the Windsor Fund helped revive interest in value investing, a strategy that had fallen out of favor in the 1970s.
Investment education: Through his writings and public speaking engagements, he educated investors about the importance of long-term discipline and patience.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Neff's quotes and insights are widely sought after due to his:
Timeless wisdom: His value investing philosophy remains relevant today, offering valuable lessons for both individual and institutional investors.
Success story: Neff's remarkable track record as a portfolio manager has made him one of the most respected figures in the investment community.
In conclusion, John Neff was a true investment legend whose impact on the world of finance is still felt today. His commitment to value investing, combined with his ability to educate and inspire investors, has left an enduring legacy that will continue to shape the industry for years to come.
Quotes by John Neff
Successful stocks don’t tell you when to sell. When you feel like bragging, it’s probably time to sell.
It’s not always easy to do what’s not popular, but that’s where you make your money. Buy stocks that look bad to less careful investors and hang on until their real value is recognized.
It's not always easy to do what's not popular, but that's where you make your money. Buy stocks that look bad to less careful investors and hang on until their real value is recognized.
Successful stocks don't tell you when to sell. When you feel like bragging, it's probably time to sell.
Brand-name growth stocks ordinarily command the highest p/e ratios. Rising prices beget attention, and vice versa - but only to a point. Eventually their growth rate can diminish as results revert towards normal. Maybe not in all cases, but often enough to make a long-term bet. Bottom line: I wouldn't want to get caught in a rush for the exit, much less get left behind. Only when big growth stocks fall into the dumper from time to time am I inclined to pick them up - and even then, only in moderation.