WEB:The Oracle of Omaha- Warren Buffett


  1. SteveT
  2. RandeS
  3. RandeS
  4. MichaelC_AU
  5. RandeS
  6. MichaelC_AU
  7. KirkL
  8. MichaelC_AU
  9. RandeS
  10. Thruhiker

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Top 61.   Aug 15, 1999 12:49 PM

» SteveT - hugs

you are correct Mr. Buffet would never speak in that way. I was paraphrasing because I was unable to quote him, just remebered him expressing those sentiments but in my words as not to confuse anyone. Mr Buffet is far more eloquent than I.

-- posted by SteveT



Top 62.   Aug 16, 1999 7:29 AM

» RandeS - This from CBS:

This from CBS:

Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA: news, msgs) said it netted $376 a share in the second period vs. $947 in the same period a year ago. The stock hadn't opened.

Ouch.

-- posted by RandeS



Top 63.   Aug 16, 1999 7:32 AM

» RandeS - Reaction not too bad -- only down $400 on volume of 10 (from $66

Reaction not too bad -- only down $400 on volume of 10 (from $66,100).

-- posted by RandeS



Top 64.   Aug 16, 1999 9:06 AM

» MichaelC_AU - Nubmers meaningless.

Those net income numbers are meaningless. Owning BRK is like owning shares of a mutual fund company like Vanguard if it owned half of the shares of its own funds. The quarterly fluctuation of NAV would outweigh the earnings.

In BRK You have holdings that are wholly owned with earnings reflected in BRK, then you have $10 Billion in KO common stock which can go up and down in value. Dairy Queen for instance is wholly owned it might be worth more or less than WEB paid for it, but under GAAP only its BOOK VALUE would be reported to shareholders.

The question in BRK's case, is: How do you do the calculations to arrive at a VALUE? That is what my post about the $90,000 valuation is about! You never addressed this Rande.

I don't think anyone will know how much a share of BRK is worth, unless someone liquidates everything.

If you come up with a valuation such as the $90,000 estimate it is an aproximation of a very dynamic and always changing value. Even from a CFA or CPA it is just an oppinion from that pernson's perspecive. With this goliath there is no clear cut valuation. It is like measuring surface area on Jobba the Hut or a 1200lb man.

-- posted by MichaelC_AU



Top 65.   Aug 16, 1999 9:09 AM

» RandeS - Michael,

Michael,

Yeah, tough one to value. Maybe Buffett himslef is the best indicator of the stock's value. Ironically, I understand he wouldn't touch it himself with a ten-foot poll at these levels, given his own valuation disciplines.

-- posted by RandeS



Top 66.   Aug 16, 1999 9:17 AM

» MichaelC_AU - Insurance

BRK might be worth more in its present state than if liquidated. I read an article about its strength as a asset building machine. The strong cash flow of its insurance business invested into a massive portfolio managed by best fund manager ever, is a match made in heaven.

Maybe I can find that article. If anyone finds any good reading material on BRK valuation post it here!

-- posted by MichaelC_AU



Top 67.   Aug 16, 1999 9:43 AM

» KirkL - Kirk's Rule of Thumb number e^pi/K

"When you start to stretch to come up with a way to value a company, then you are stretching PERIOD."

I think WEB would agree and has said as much.

A company is worth what sort of earnings it tosses out plus any tangible assets like realestate that can be liquidated. You could say "HWP is a wholly owned subsidy of HWP" and still all that matters is earnings it generates.

WEB is an icon of religous proportion and many invest that way. Fine with me since it isn't my money. Great company, great management, just too expensive for both mine and WEB's tastes to put our hard earned money into.

-- posted by KirkL



Top 68.   Aug 16, 1999 5:48 PM

» MichaelC_AU - Value

I agree it probably is overvalued. It has looked that way on the surface, for a long time. But how will we ever know for sure.

How do you put a value on so many Mom and Pop furniture stores, jewelry stores, and other companies, wholly owned. Add to that unrealized gains that maximize tax efficiency. For example, the books might be showing a BRK owned Nebraska furniture store for it's assets plus goodwill paid 15 years ago.

All I ask for is further discussion and more information about the corporation's valuation and you close the subject with a quote of Buffett's own words.

I could close the subject on value, my self and make a shallow statement like, as they say in real estate the only value of an asset is the price someone will pay for it, but I don't want a shallow answer. I find this fascinating and an important skill in stock selection. Peter Lynch found may steals this way.

So if you happen to read anything concerning valuation theories of Berkshire Hathaway, let us know!

-- posted by MichaelC_AU



Top 69.   Aug 16, 1999 7:35 PM

» RandeS - When it comes to the value of any business, or group of business

When it comes to the value of any business, or group of businesses, I tend to be like Kirk in that I look to cash flow. Earnings are all that matter. Profit. It's the only reason there is for being in business. The rest is fluff. Show me the cash that makes it to the bottom line or forget it. In that regard, Berkshire has seen better days.

-- posted by RandeS



Top 70.   Aug 17, 1999 4:36 AM

» Thruhiker - Inasmuch as BRK is overvalued due to the financial acumen of Mr

Inasmuch as BRK is overvalued due to the financial acumen of Mr Buffet (similar to a closed end fund selling at a large premium), anyone currently invested in BRK should say a nightly prayer for his continued good health.

-- posted by Thruhiker



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