Philip Fisher was one of the most influential investors of all time and the father of growth stock investing. His book "Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits" is considered essential reading for serious investors, and Warren Buffett credits Fisher as a major influence on his investment philosophy.

The Scuttlebutt Method

Fisher pioneered the "scuttlebutt" approach to investment research, which involves gathering information about a company by talking to customers, suppliers, competitors, and employees. This qualitative research method was revolutionary in an era focused purely on financial statements.

15 Points to Look for in a Common Stock

Fisher developed a famous checklist of 15 points to evaluate potential investments, focusing on factors like management quality, research and development, profit margins, and growth potential. This framework influenced generations of growth investors.

Motorola Investment

Fisher's most famous investment was Motorola, which he bought in 1955 and held until his death in 2004. This single investment multiplied many times over, demonstrating his philosophy of buying great companies and holding them for the long term.

Influence on Buffett

Warren Buffett has said he is "85% Benjamin Graham and 15% Philip Fisher." While Graham taught Buffett about value, Fisher taught him about quality—the importance of buying great businesses, not just cheap stocks.