Margin of Safety
Margin of safety is the difference between a stock's intrinsic value and its market price — the buffer protecting against errors in analysis or adverse events.
Concept map
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Definition
Margin of safety is the difference between a stock's intrinsic value and its market price — the buffer protecting against errors in analysis or adverse events.
Use case
Used in investment strategy workflows, analysis, and technical interviews.
Judgment check
Useful only when the assumptions and inputs behind the metric are understood.
Deep dive
How to think about Margin of Safety
Benjamin Graham's core concept: buying at a significant discount to calculated value provides cushion if business deteriorates, estimates are wrong, or markets fall. Margin of safety converts uncertainty into opportunity. It's the difference between investment (analyzable, safe) and speculation (hope-based).
Example: Analyst values Company X at $100/share based on DCF. Instead of buying at $95 (5% margin), Graham would require $70 purchase price (30% margin). Even if value is overstated or business weakens, the $30 buffer provides protection.