WARREN BUFFETT’S LETTER – 1980 – 1981

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

WB Letter 1980

Mr.Buffett gave his opinion about the repurchase of outstanding shares of the company.

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He had discussed the effect of inflation to his shareholders in a very well manner.

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Buffett focuses on businesses that can enhance the Return on Equity with the rising inflation and without the need of additional capital requirement.

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When there is a temporary trouble to the business; and if the managers have an ability to cure that temporary problem and the business itself can generate good cash; then

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Buffett mentions that we should focus on strong business so that it does not depend on the good management.

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WB Letter 1981

Mr.Buffett has given his view on maximizing economic benefits rather than accounting appearance. And also stated some of the mistakes which the management is making.

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Rather than buying companies which have the management with above-mentioned characteristics, he suggests buying a company which has the following characteristics.

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Few companies are able to enhance their margins though their sales which are not growing at a very high rate and are still sustaining their market share.

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In India, there is an air cooler manufacturing company which grew well without major additional capital.

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In the above table; we can see that Sales and Net profit has grown by 30% and 48% CAGR respectively. And if we see cumulative capital expenditure made by the company; then it is just 10% of the cumulative net profit. The company has grown its sales and profitability without the requirement of major additional capital.

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Mr.Buffett gives a good logical perspective that when the company can earn higher Return on equity; then they should invest their earnings into the business itself. And if the company is unable to earn higher Return on equity; then they should distribute earnings to the owners so that the owners can deploy capital in a better way. But we should be aware of companies that are raising capital for the dividend payout.

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Warren Buffett’s Letters 1957 – 2012

 

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