Buying defensive rated stocks

Serenity,

I just wanted to thank you for creating the stock screener. I found the Intelligent Investor last year and have read and
reread it a couple of times, but still find much of it indecipherable, but an excellent book nonetheless. For me it has been difficult understanding all of Graham's criteria, especially never having invested in stocks. It's nice to know that there exists a method of investing that is based on sound judgement and methodology, and his method resonates with me. I had been looking for a stock screener that applied Graham's criteria and hadn't found much success until I discovered your site. Your site was also very helpful in clarifying Graham's rules for me, so I thank you for that as well.

I just have a few questions:

1. Are there any good reasons to not buy a stock that meets Graham's defensive criteria?

2. As far as asset allocation goes, Graham generally recommended a 50/50 bond stock allocation. Is this still appropriate given the recent market climate or would a larger allocation of in stocks be better. I'm 30 years old and have virtually no bond holdings.

3. How do you feel about stocks that meet all of Graham's defensive criteria with the exception of $500M in fees?

Thank you for creating the screener and also for your time.

Thanks,
Learning Graham

Hello LearningGraham,

Given below are the answers to your questions.

1. The Defensive criteria are Graham's strictest criteria. The only possible reasons for not investing in a Defensive stock are:
a. If you find mistakes in the Defensive analysis.
b. If you're willing to put in the extra effort required for creating and maintaining a more profitable portfolio consisting of Enterprising and NCAV stocks.

2. Graham recommended varying one's holdings between 25:75 to 75:25 depending on one's personal estimation of the current market level.
Serenity cannot give a recommendation regarding the current long-term market outlook.

3. Serenity strongly recommends investing in stocks meeting Graham's Enterprising and NCAV criteria, instead of compromising on the Defensive criteria.