Charlie Munger Handling Big Losses

Majority of the big winners’ companies have also seen the worst period during their journey. It is not necessary that if the company has delivered a 25%+ CAGR then it will get into the smooth way. There always be a huge up and downs to it. Many storms such companies have experience but as investors, we need to stay during those storms if we have made an investment into the great companies then only we can able to earn good returns from it.

Mr. Munger has established a hedge fund company, Wheeler, Munger & Company in the year 1962 which has a pre-fees return of 37.10% during the year 1962 to 1969. And 14-years of partnership, Mr. Munger has delivered around 19.82% CAGR compared to 5.20% CAGR with the dividend of S&P500.

If we love when stocks moving into the upward direction then we must have to be ready to accept its downward journey also. It is a part of the game and without accepting the losses, we cannot become a seasoned investor. Even Mr. Sachin Tendulkar cannot hit a century into the each of the match, some of the match having a ZERO score also. If he only focuses on the century then it might be possible that he cannot able to play well. Similarly, if we keep focussing on the scoreboard then we may not able to create a good investment fortune.

Mr. Munger has an investment of 61% of his portfolio to the Bluechip stamp and original business of the bluechip stamps has started getting deteriorate from the peak revenue of $12.42 crore in 1982. Bluechip has made an investment into the See’s Candies, the Buffalo Evening News, and Wesco Financial before getting merged into the Berkshire Hathway in the year 1983.

The firm of Mr. Munger has lost 31.90% in the year 1973 and 31.50% in the year 1974 v/s 13.10% and 23.10% decline of Dow Jones respectively. And he bounces back by 73.20% of the gain to the year 1975 but few of the large investors have left him which break him mentally and emotionally. He decided to liquidate the partnership. But after the worst performance during the year 1973-1974, Mr. Munger has delivered a 24.30% CAGR before fees.

We need to be mentally ready for the big losses during our investment journey if we want to earn a decent return for the long term. If we are not mentally and emotionally ready we will not able to survive to the investment journey.

We should not sell stocks just due to a fall in the price of the stocks. If we keep on doing such practices then we will not survive for the long term to the stock market. If we know that stock can fall by 50% after we bought it, then we will make a position which is comfortable for us during the decline.

We need to make a balance between equity and debt as per own comfort. So that we can able to play an investment game in a good manner. Also, get the strength of absorbing such shock.

Read for more detail: Big Mistakes: The Best Investors and Their Worst Investments by Michael Batnick

BIBLIOPHILE: WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER 1957 – 2017

Mr.Buffett has taught us – 

Never count on making a good sale. Have a purchase price be so attractive that even a mediocre sale gives good results. The better sales will be the frosting on the cake.

Our business is making excellent purchases – not making extraordinary sales.

Mr. Buffett believes that big money can be made by making investment decisions based on qualitative factors whereas sure money can be made by making investment decisions based on quantitative factors. And hence, on the basis of this; he considers himself as a quantitatively focused investor.

The primary test of managerial economic performance is the achievement of a high earnings rate on equity capital employed (without undue leverage, accounting gimmickry, etc.) and not the achievement of consistent gains in earnings per share.

Business must have two characteristics: (1) an ability to increase prices rather easily (even when product demand is flat and capacity is not fully utilized) without fear of significant loss of either market share or unit volume, and (2) an ability to accommodate large dollar volume increases in business (often produced more by inflation than by real growth) with only minor additional investment of capital.

Many a time, management only focuses on the increasing future Earning Per Share (EPS) by sacrificing the strength of the balance sheet. But they forget that if the balance sheet does not remain strong for a longer period of time then business is going to have a tough time into the future.

Accounting numbers, of course, are the language of business and as such are of enormous help to anyone evaluating the worth of a business and tracking its progress. Charlie and I would be lost without these numbers: they invariably are the starting point for us in evaluating our own businesses and those of others. Managers and owners need to remember, however, that accounting is but an aid to business thinking, never a substitute for it.

“What we learn from history is that we do not learn from history.”

Any company’s level of profitability is determined by three items: (1) what its assets earn; (2) what its liabilities cost; and (3) its utilization of “leverage” – that is, the degree to which its assets are funded by liabilities rather than by equity. Great companies = Float + Investment + Cash with higher return ratio

If the choice is between a questionable business at a comfortable price or a comfortable business at a questionable price, we much prefer the latter. What really gets our attention, however, is a comfortable business at a comfortable price.

Buy commodity, sell brand has long been a formula for business success.

Capital-intensive business, look for PBT / interest cost rather EBITDA / interest cost.

When we are fearful with our investment decisions then we focus on the each and every aspects which can result in the erosion of the capital.

Mr.Buffett has taught us many concepts and wisdom which is essential to us while making an investment decision. I am hereby compiling all my learning from the letters of Mr.Warren Buffett. Also an evolution of Mr.Buffett from bargain to quality businesses.

For all in one learning from Mr.Warren Buffett’s Letters, Click here –>  BIBLIOPHILE WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER 1957-2017

WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER – 2015 – 2017

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2015

Similarly, India has a GDP growth rate of 7.20% and population growth of 1.10% which increase to the per capita growth by 6.10%. if we consider average per capita growth rate of around 5% for coming 20 years then it will reach the gain of 100%+. So that per capita will increase to $3927+ from $1963.55 currently, which will enhance the standard of living of our future generation.

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2016

Mr. Buffett has explained mistakes of acquiring businesses –

Mr. Buffett on assets funding through debt-

Mr. Buffett on fear –

When we are fearful with our investment decisions then we focus on the each and every aspects which can result in the erosion of the capital. When I make an investment, I assume that from the next day of my investment; 1929 great depression will hit so whether I survive or not? Survival should be much more important to build a wealth which is not focused if we do not remain fearful with our investment.

Mr. Buffett on the repurchase of shares –

Many companies are coming up with the repurchase of shares, we should consider that whether repurchase did at a discount to the intrinsic value or at a premium. If a company is paying a premium to repurchase shares then it will not benefits much to the shareholders. If any company make a decision to repurchase shares at a discount to the intrinsic value then we should look for the company. Many companies which are into commodity business or into the cyclical nature of the business also make a repurchase share during the worst time.

Examples of Buyback at discount to intrinsic value, cyclical companies buyback, companies which have done a buyback rather repay debt – SIMPLE IS BETTER – ISSUE -13 – BUYBACK

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2017

If our investment does not provide us with protection against the inflation then we should not stay for a long term with a particular investment. Our first motive for making an investment should be protected against inflation and then create wealth for the long-term horizon.

Warren Buffett’s Letters

WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER – 2013 – 2014

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2013

Mr.Buffett has mentioned that they have made a repurchase of Berkshire shares during the year 2012 which enhance intrinsic value per share and that provides a benefit to the shareholders who are continuing with the company.

Examples of Buyback – SIMPLE IS BETTER – ISSUE -13 – BUYBACK

Mr.Buffett on the Heinz investment –

I learn investment to fixed income instrument from my Guru. ZEE Entertainment has issued preference shares to the equity shareholder of the company with the condition to pay 6% interest payment and redemption of principle starts from FY18.

Preference share was available at Re.0.80 and face value of that is Re.1.00. If we consider total cash inflow to us in form of interest payment + principle repayment then we can able to earn ~10.75% IRR for the FY14-22. Here, the present value of all future cash inflow @ 10.75% is Re.0.80 which is also higher than our purchase price which indicates safety also.

NTPC has issued debenture to the equity shareholder of the company as a bonus with the condition to pay 8.49% interest payment and redemption of principle starts from FY23.

Debenture was given as a bonus and ex-date of debenture was 20^th March 2018. If NTPC was purchased on 18^th March 2015 then price of NTPC was ~Rs.153.74 (with brokerage + other charges) and if we sell NTPC on Ex-date then price of NTPC was ~Rs.144.70 (with brokerage + other charges) so that cost for getting bonus was Rs.9.05 and the face value of that is Rs.12.50. If we consider total cash inflow to us in form of interest payment + principle repayment then we can able to earn ~14.02% IRR for the FY15-25. Here, the present value of all future cash inflow @ 10.75% is Rs.10.90 which is also higher than our purchase price which indicates safety also.

In both the cases, the interest rate on risk-free investment was ~8-9% and we are getting higher return compared to it.

Mr. Buffett on investing –

During, the year 1973 to 1981, farm prices had a bubble situation. When the bubble burst, then leverage farmer and lender both had a troublesome time. And after that Mr. Buffett had made an investment into the farm.

Mr. Buffett also made an investment into the other commercial property.

Mr. Buffett has explained investing lessons –

In our investment to stocks, we are get affected with the stock price fluctuation and listen to the pundits for their comments. Due to such habits, we cannot sit quietly with our investment and we end up with little or no return. Mr. Charlie and Mr. Buffett always made an investment as they are buying an entire business. They check whether they can estimate future five years of earnings or not. If they can estimate earnings then check whether available at a reasonable price or not. If either of the condition does not match then they move on to the other prospects.

For non-professional investors, they can make an investment into the index fund and accumulate it over a period of time.

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2014

Mr. Buffett mentioned Investors behavior which affects the investment return –

Unexpected behavior from Stanton in the year 1964 –

Why Mr. Buffett has bought Berkshire Hathway at the year 1962 –

Example of Indian companies

One of the air-cooler manufacturing company of India was available below the book in the year 2009

One of the two-wheelers and commercial vehicle manufacturing company was available below book value in the year 2008 and below cash in the year 2008 and 2009

Charlie Straightens Me Out

The initial period of years, Mr. Buffett engage in the buying bargains (cigar-butt) strategy which he learns from Mr. Graham. The major weakness of the concept mentioned by Mr. Buffett is “Cigar-butt investing was scalable only to a point. With large sums, it would never work well.”

Here, I have also made a blunder but luck by chance got saved.

Mr.Munger has an impact on Mr. Buffett which has helped to Mr. Buffett to evolve cigar butt strategy to wonderful businesses at favorable prices. Many times, Mr. Buffett and Mr.Munger do not get agree but they never ever have made any arguments. When such scenario arises then Mr. Charlie end up a conversation with saying “Warren, think it over and you’ll agree with me because you’re smart and I’m right.” Mr. Buffett has accepted that transformation was not easy but he has done it.

Warren Buffett’s Letters

WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER – 2008 – 2010

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2008

When there is a pessimism into the market then we get an opportunity to buy a good business at a discounted value. But during a euphoric time period, good businesses are available at a sky-high value.

Indian companies examples

One of the wealth creator IT Company during an IT bubble

One of the wealth creator IT Company during an IT bubble

One of the two-wheelers and commercial vehicle manufacturing company was available at a discounted value during pessimism of the year 2008

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2009

What is avoided by Mr. Buffett and Mr.Munger —

Mr. Buffett on derivatives –

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2010

One of the infrastructure company

One of the electric motors, generators, transformers manufacturing company

Mr. Buffett on debt-

Example – SIMPLE IS BETTER – ISSUE -4 – Mr. EMI V/S Mr. SIP

Mr. Buffett on crowd mentality-

Mr. Buffett on Repurchase of shares –

One of the Pharma Company of India which has sold one of the business segment into the FY2011 and company becomes a Cash bargain. The company has done a buyback at that time.

The company has a total Cash balance of Rs.1770.28 crore + Upcoming cash due to the sale of the business worth of Rs.7136.00 crore = Rs.8906.28 crore. And the company was available at MCap of ~Rs.7830 crore. Entire continuing business was not given valued by the market.

One of the two-wheelers and commercial vehicle manufacturing company has done a buyback in the year 2009

The company has a total Cash balance of Rs.1260.05 crore. And the company was available at MCap of ~Rs.608 crore. Entire continuing business was not given valued by the market.

One of the metal company in the year 2016 has come up with the buyback. In the year 2016, the price of iron ore was traded lower.

Company had a cash balance of Rs.14806 crore in FY16 and PAT of Rs.2517 crore. Company was available at MCap of ~Rs.28440 crore. Entire continuing business ex-cash was available at 5.94x of PAT (MCap Rs.28440 crore – Cash Rs.14806 crore + debt Rs.1497 crore = Rs.15130.86 crore; EV Rs.15130.86 crore / PAT Rs.2517 crore = 5.94x).

Warren Buffett’s Letters 1957 – 2012

WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER – 2007

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2007

Businesses – The Great, the Good and the Gruesome

One of the concepts which are essential to understanding making an investment and value to the business.

Many of us focus on the story builds for a particular business and make a hope investing rather than focusing on the actual reality. I always quote- “Stories are for kids, not for investors.” We need to focus on the ability of the company for creating access return on invested capital (Access return means higher than the cost of capital) and that should be sustainable for a longer period of time.

Mr.Buffett has always put a huge emphasis on the business which has a moat and earns consistently higher return compared to the cost of capital.

See’s Candy as an example of Great business –

Indian Companies example for Great business

One of the two-wheeler and commercial vehicle manufacturing company

One of the FMCG Company

One of the Assets Management Company

Here, the company does not require to make a huge investment to earn more money. Float itself take care of the major requirement of the invested capital. Many a time float covers working capital as well as fixed assets requirement. Due to such nature, Profit earns from operation majorly gets to the investment and cash so that investment and cash to the company is compound which also provides benefits to the business.

Good Business –

Good business which does not have float available with the business or least float available with business, company has to invest money which they earn from profit, and sometimes little external funding also requires.

Indian Companies example for Good business

One of the company from tableware industry

One of the pharma company

One of the Tea manufacturing company

Gruesome Business –

A gruesome business which does not have float available with the business, company has to invest money which they earn from profit, and also external funding requires to earn little profitability, sustaining the business or further growth. Here, huge capital is required to run a business.

Mr.Buffett has quoted an example of U.S. Air, He acquired a preference share of the company in the year 1989 and sold at the year 1998 with a huge gain. After that company gone for bankruptcy for the twice. The airline business is a cyclical business, huge dependence on the prices of crude oil and during the year 1998-99, crude oil prices were at the bottom (near to the price at the year 1988). So that profitability gets improved for the year 1998-99 and after that crude has never come back to those price level, which has affected to the profitability of the company.

Indian Companies example for gruesome business    

One of the telecom company of India

One of the logistics company

One of the steel manufacturing company

We have to use a different valuation matrix for each category of the businesses and cannot provide a similar valuation to each category of businesses. We cannot give the same value to pour water and to dirty water. Yes, it is true that we can make process and pour dirty water but for that, we need to bring more capital and many a times, few qualities of water will be lost during the process of dirty water to pour water.

We have to sell out our position into the cyclical business at the proper time or else we stuck with the business.

Indian company’s example

For how to enter to the cyclical businesses, kindly visit – WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER – 1987

Now, for taking an exit from cyclical businesses – When margin approaching towards a previous high margin, we should start to exit from a cyclical business. We need to track the price of the commodities as well as quarterly operating margins.

Sugar companies

Cement Company

Warren Buffett’s Letters 1957 – 2012

WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER – 2004 – 2006

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2004

Mr.Buffett has explained why many of the investors do not able to create wealth by investing into the equities.

When we trade extensively then we incurred an additional cost which reduces our return. Also, many of us follow tips of others and rely on others which also reduces investment return. Many of people start investing when market continuously moving into upward direction with the fear of losing an opportunity to earn and get exit from the market when the market starts moving downward with the fear of losing investment. Rather we should increase our investment when the market is continuously moving downward.

Mr.Buffett has been explained that one of the ways to survive into the commodity-like business is to become a low-cost producer. Commodity business generally does not have pricing power and prices of a particular commodity are decided based on the demand & supply of a particular commodity so that they have to focus on the costs.

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2005

Investment + Cash per share at Berkshire Hathaway –

Per share value of non-insurance business –

During January – 2006, the price of a share of Berkshire Hathway – A was traded at $90,000.

Mr.Buffett’s thought on Moat –

The strong moat can result in a strong flow of float. If the company having a moat then the company has the ability to raise prices, getting the float, higher return ratios, raising market shares, etc.

Indian Companies Examples

One of the two-wheelers and commercial vehicle manufacturing company of India

One of the four-wheeler manufacturing company of India

We can see that float is also getting compound over a period of time which benefits to the company to survive for the long-term and to create wealth.

Why investors are not able to make money through the company can earn well –

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2006

Warren Buffett answer for his currency derivatives position –

We need to focus on avoiding mistakes which can spoil out our wealth. If we focus on avoiding mistakes then half of the battle, we won.

Mr.Buffett on Walter Schloss –

Mr.Buffett on people who clone others’ portfolio –

Mr.Walter Schloss is one of the investors who have an influence on my investment decisions. I keep his advice always with me. (Published at Safal Niveshak –

https://1icz9g2sdfe31jz0lglwdu48-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Walter-Schloss-16-Rules-to-Make-Money-in-Stock-Market.pdf )

Warren Buffett’s Letters 1957 – 2012

WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER – 2001 – 2003

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2001

We need to analyze financial statements and notes to accounts with huge care so that we can identify flaws which management wants to hide.

Indian companies Examples – Companies having growing sales but the majority of sales from related parties.

The company engaged in manufactures pumps, motors, valves, and custom-built power systems/manifold blocks.

The company is a travel management company.

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2002

Acquisitions

Berkshire has made a five investments in the year 2002 which are Albecca (U.S. leader in custom-made picture Frames), Fruit of the Loom (the producer of about 33.3% of the men’s and boy’s underwear sold in the U.S. and of other apparel as well),CTB (a worldwide leader in equipment for the poultry, hog, egg production and grain industries), Garan (a manufacturer of children’s apparel, whose largest and best-known line is Garanimals) and The Pampered Chef – Founder Doris Christopher (in a business of manufacturing kitchen tools, food products, and cookbooks for preparing food in the home).

John Holland who is managing Fruit has Rescue Company from the disastrous path. We can see that if the management of the company is capable enough then he can run the business in a good manner rather than spoil it.

Two company from the same segment one has survived under the worst period and other has made a disaster.

The company has a sales growth, growth in cash balance, free cash flow for the cumulative period, a major portion of the assets side of the balance sheet is Net Block as a company is into the capital-intensive industry but investors of the company do not lose money.

Second company which has made a disaster 

Another company from the same segment where the company has does not have a sales growth, reduced cash balance, no free cash flow for the cumulative period, a major portion of the assets side of the balance sheet is other assets and investors of the company has lost money.

We can see that the management of the company plays an important role in making a company successful and survive during the worst period also.

Berkshire has made an investment into MidAmerican Energy Holdings in the year 1999 for $35.05/per share and per-share earnings of MidAmerican Energy Holdings in the year 1998 was $2.01 (P/E 17.44x, Earning yield of 5.73% – US interest rates during the year 1999 was similar to earning yield).

View on Derivatives

We should wait for the opportunity which is falling under our criteria and till that time we should be inactive. We should work for staying into the game rather than try to hit on each and every ball thrown to us.

I will be going to make a detail explanation regarding weak earning quality later on. But I learn from my Guru that we need to start analyzing every company by considering it as a “Chor” so that we will not be biased about the company. If our process proves that the company has not a weak quality of financial then only need to consider the company as a clean company.

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2003

Mr. Buffett has again mentioned waiting for an opportunity which matches our criterion.

Director of the company should have the freedom to make an independent decision and they also should be an owner of the company so that their interest and interest of shareholders will not have any kind of conflict.

One of the lesson if there is a bubble scenario and we know that the price at the business traded is much higher than what actually an intrinsic value of the business then we need to sell out our position.

Indian example

One of the wealth creator from IT segment. If we have sold out shares during an IT bubble period year 2000 at half price Rs.140 from the high price Rs.279. then we have lost return of 9% CAGR since the year 2000 (current price Rs.650). Now, we have bought Nifty Bees from those sold amounts then we have earned 13% CAGR till now.

Warren Buffett’s Letters 1957 – 2012

WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER – 1999 – 2000

Warren Buffett’s Letter 1999

Accepting mistakes – Mr. Buffett has accepted mistake of poor equity performance during the year 1999. Though they have a wonderful track record, they do not get trapped with the overconfidence, does not show any excuses, stay down to earth and stick with the reality.

Example of Management Quality

Example of Indian Companies

One of the footwear company in India

One of the diagnostic chain company of India

Mr. Buffett has given his view on Tech Companies –

We should have to define and written own investment philosophy and need to follow it strictly. If some of the investment opportunity does not fall under our investment philosophy then we should avoid it, though everyone else wants to capture a particular investment opportunity.

Business with a valuation –

Warren Buffett’s Letter 2000

Mr. Buffet has mentioned that line between speculation and investment is not clear and blur so we have to identify the investment process according to our course of action. The definition given by Mr. Benjamin Graham can be useful to us for identifying investment process – “An investment operation is one which, upon thorough analysis, promises safety of principal and an adequate return. Operation not meeting these requirements are speculative.”

Example of the Indian companies which have a higher related party transaction

One of the Cable manufacturing company

One of the spirit company of India

We have seen into the current scenario that when people have started believing that investing/speculating to the equities provides them a higher return (no one remembers what Ben Graham said for return – should expect reasonable return) then only bubble started to build up.

Warren Buffett’s Letters 1957 – 2012

WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER – 1964 – 1965

I am really grateful to Riddhi for helping me with editing work.

WB Letter 1964

Mr. Buffett had made an investment into the “Texas National Petroleum” where the announcement was made of sell out of oil and gas producing business to Union Oil of California.

This kind of situation has a protected downside and we can generate a decent annualized return. Buffett had made a decent annualized return on this workout.

We can make a decent return from such situations in India also. Here are some examples which are taken from Prof. Sanjay Bakshi’s note. (http://ppfas.com/media/articles/sanjay-bakshi/special-situations.pdf)

Mr. Buffett had sold off Dempster mill and he mentioned that “Our business is making excellent purchases — not making extraordinary sales.” This shows that Buffett has emphasized on the buying decision and if we think wisely then it’s only the buying decision that is in our control; so we should focus on buying a business at proper value hence reducing the additional efforts of selling.

WB Letter 1965

Mr. Buffett demonstrated an outstanding performance in Down Jones and other few investment management companies over a period of time.

Up to 1964, Mr. Buffett had categorized his investment operations into 3 categories (i.e. General, Workouts, and Controls) but from the year 1965, Mr.Buffett expanded his categories of investment operations into 4 (i.e. General -Private Owner Basis, Generals -Relatively Undervalued, Workouts and Controls).

Workouts and Controls remain unchanged from the previous series.

Warren Buffett’s Letters 1957 – 2012