Value Investing News

The content for Bud Labitan’s Moats: Competitive Advantages Of Buffett& Munger Businesses book is now complete. The book is in the final editing phase. Anyone who wants to proofread, edit, and enhance a chapter can join the editing team.

Value Investors often avoid the technology sector due to the rapid pace of technological change, and the accompanying disruptive nature of new technologies that can erode a company’s competitive advantage. On the subject of technology stocks, Buffett commented at the 1998 Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) Annual Shareholders Meeting:

“We regard the transaction as disadvantageous to Berkshire if a substantial number of Wesco shareholders elect to take Berkshire stock,” Buffett told Wesco Director Carolyn Carlburg in a Jan. 21 letter, which was published today in a Berkshire regulatory filing.

Berkshire Hathaway sold positions in Wellpoint, United Health Group, Travelers, and SunTrust Bank. The company also reduced positions in Kraft, CarMax, Costco, Gannett, Johnson & Johnson, M&T Bank, Moody’s, Conoco Philips, and Proctor & Gamble.

Morningstar interviews David Winters of the Wintergreen fund. Stocks mentioned include: Consolidated Tomoka (CTO), Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), and Burlington Northern.

"U.S. insurers, holders of more than $2.2 trillion in corporate debt, bought the bonds at the fastest pace in five years in 2009, taking advantage of a market that Warren Buffett said was 'raining gold.'"

An excerpt from the 2,200 page examiner's report on Lehman explains Buffett's role. Report details discussions between Buffett, Paulson, and Fuld. Talks about why Buffett did not agree to invest in Lehman like he did Goldman Sachs (GS).

Warren Buffett (BRK.B) paid $100,000 for 29th straight year. Reimburses company for personal calls and postage stamps. CFO makes 8 times as much. Security for Buffett costs 3 times as much.

Geoff talks about Mary Buffett’s two books: Buffettology and The New Buffettology. He explains that whenever those books talk about earnings they really mean free cash flow. And he tells us how he feels about Mary Buffett dumbing down a complicated subject.

Geoff reviews Warren Buffett’s just released letter to Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) shareholders. He quotes the most useful parts of Buffett’s letter and tells you how they can help you become a better investor.

This 16 minute podcast talks about Buffett's upcoming letter to shareholders. Discussion focuses on Ben Graham's influence on Warren Buffett and what we can learn from his letters.

Warren Buffett is arguably the best investor in the world. His main holding, Berkshire Hathaway has delivered market beating returns during his leadership. Buffett’s strategy is characterized by purchasing stocks which have a long-term durable competitive advantage in a stable industry.

The speech given by Tarpon Folio manager Cale Smith last Saturday night at the Islamorada Investment Management 2010 investor meeting in the Florida Keys.

In response to yesterday's Bridge Street Journal about various financial companies taking big hits due to not heeding the investing advice found in the scriptures, George asked which financials appropriately prepared for the current lending problems.  He noted that it appears that Goldman Sac