Warren Buffett‘s annual letter: Warren Buffett, often dubbed the ‘God of Stocks’, recently released his annual letter to shareholders, and as expected, investors worldwide are paying close attention. This year’s letter, spanning 16 pages, begins with a heartfelt tribute to his ‘partner in crime’, Charlie Munger, who passed away the previous year.
According to ET, Berkshire Hathaway shareholders were clearly informed that despite holding a hefty cash reserve of $168 billion, eye-catching performance is not on the horizon.Buffett, at 93 years old, reassured investors that Greg Abel, the Vice Chairman and designated successor, is fully prepared to step into the role of Berkshire’s CEO at any time.
Here are five key insights gleaned from Warren Buffett’s annual letter:
Patience in investing
Buffett, following Benjamin Graham’s teachings, prefers to let his cash reserves grow unless a highly profitable opportunity arises. He explains that only a few companies in the US have significant potential for Berkshire. “Some we can value; some we can’t. And, if we can, they have to be attractively priced,” he said. Beyond the US, there are hardly any viable options for deploying capital at Berkshire, Buffett added.
Seizing mispriced opportunities
When opportunities are scarce, investors should wait for stocks of well-established and fundamentally strong businesses to become significantly undervalued. Buffett highlights the unpredictability of markets, citing historical instances of market disruptions in 1914 and 2001. He warns against complacency, reminding investors of the instability witnessed during events like the financial crisis of September 2008.
Buffett emphasises Berkshire’s readiness to capitalise on market upheavals, leveraging its substantial resources and consistent performance to seize occasional large-scale opportunities.
Despite the stock market’s expansion, Buffett notes that today’s investors are not necessarily more emotionally stable or knowledgeable than in the past. He observes a trend towards speculative behaviour, likening the current market environment to a casino where risky decisions tempt many investors on a daily basis.
Preservation of capital
A fundamental principle at Berkshire Hathaway is to avoid risking permanent loss of capital. Buffett emphasises the enduring rewards of prudent investing, citing the support of the American economy and the compounding power of interest. He highlights the long-term benefits achievable by making a few sound decisions over a lifetime while steering clear of significant errors.
Prudent financial management
Berkshire has a record $168 billion in cash, well beyond what’s typically advised. In 2008, during the financial crisis, they managed to generate cash from operations without resorting to external sources like commercial paper or loans.
Buffett emphasises their conservative financial approach, noting their readiness for economic downturns even though they couldn’t predict when they would occur.
He further adds, “In most years – indeed in most decades – our caution will likely prove to be unneeded behaviour – akin to an insurance policy on a fortress-like building thought to be fireproof.”
The “Rip Van Winkle” strategy
In 2023, Berkshire Hathaway maintained its long-standing strategy of not buying or selling any shares of either AMEX or Coke, continuing a period of inactivity that has lasted for over two decades, reminiscent of Rip Van Winkle’s extended slumber.
Buffett was quoted saying that this strategy paid off, as both companies rewarded Berkshire’s inaction by increasing their earnings and dividends. In fact, Berkshire’s share of AMEX earnings in 2023 exceeded the initial $1.3 billion cost of their investment.
Buffett’s followers eagerly await Berkshire’s annual gathering scheduled for May 4, 2024. Additionally, he recommends the new 4th edition of “Poor Charlie’s Almanack,” expressing confidence that Charlie’s wisdom, as it has for him, will positively impact readers’ lives.
According to ET, Berkshire Hathaway shareholders were clearly informed that despite holding a hefty cash reserve of $168 billion, eye-catching performance is not on the horizon.Buffett, at 93 years old, reassured investors that Greg Abel, the Vice Chairman and designated successor, is fully prepared to step into the role of Berkshire’s CEO at any time.
Here are five key insights gleaned from Warren Buffett’s annual letter:
Patience in investing
Buffett, following Benjamin Graham’s teachings, prefers to let his cash reserves grow unless a highly profitable opportunity arises. He explains that only a few companies in the US have significant potential for Berkshire. “Some we can value; some we can’t. And, if we can, they have to be attractively priced,” he said. Beyond the US, there are hardly any viable options for deploying capital at Berkshire, Buffett added.
Seizing mispriced opportunities
When opportunities are scarce, investors should wait for stocks of well-established and fundamentally strong businesses to become significantly undervalued. Buffett highlights the unpredictability of markets, citing historical instances of market disruptions in 1914 and 2001. He warns against complacency, reminding investors of the instability witnessed during events like the financial crisis of September 2008.
Buffett emphasises Berkshire’s readiness to capitalise on market upheavals, leveraging its substantial resources and consistent performance to seize occasional large-scale opportunities.
Despite the stock market’s expansion, Buffett notes that today’s investors are not necessarily more emotionally stable or knowledgeable than in the past. He observes a trend towards speculative behaviour, likening the current market environment to a casino where risky decisions tempt many investors on a daily basis.
Preservation of capital
A fundamental principle at Berkshire Hathaway is to avoid risking permanent loss of capital. Buffett emphasises the enduring rewards of prudent investing, citing the support of the American economy and the compounding power of interest. He highlights the long-term benefits achievable by making a few sound decisions over a lifetime while steering clear of significant errors.
Prudent financial management
Berkshire has a record $168 billion in cash, well beyond what’s typically advised. In 2008, during the financial crisis, they managed to generate cash from operations without resorting to external sources like commercial paper or loans.
Buffett emphasises their conservative financial approach, noting their readiness for economic downturns even though they couldn’t predict when they would occur.
He further adds, “In most years – indeed in most decades – our caution will likely prove to be unneeded behaviour – akin to an insurance policy on a fortress-like building thought to be fireproof.”
The “Rip Van Winkle” strategy
In 2023, Berkshire Hathaway maintained its long-standing strategy of not buying or selling any shares of either AMEX or Coke, continuing a period of inactivity that has lasted for over two decades, reminiscent of Rip Van Winkle’s extended slumber.
Buffett was quoted saying that this strategy paid off, as both companies rewarded Berkshire’s inaction by increasing their earnings and dividends. In fact, Berkshire’s share of AMEX earnings in 2023 exceeded the initial $1.3 billion cost of their investment.
Buffett’s followers eagerly await Berkshire’s annual gathering scheduled for May 4, 2024. Additionally, he recommends the new 4th edition of “Poor Charlie’s Almanack,” expressing confidence that Charlie’s wisdom, as it has for him, will positively impact readers’ lives.
