Book value as proxy for intrinsic value
In his annual letter (February 26, 2011) to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for Year 2010, chairman Warren Buffett shared his and Charlie Munger’s thoughts on intrinsic value as a measurement of performance:
“Charlie and I believe that those entrusted with handling the funds of others should establish performance goals at the onset of their stewardship. Lacking such standards, managements are tempted to shoot the arrow of performance and then paint the bull’s-eye around wherever it lands.
“In Berkshire’s case, we long ago told you that our job is to increase per-share intrinsic value at a rate greater than the increase (including dividends) of the S&P 500. In some years we succeed; in others we fail. But, if we are unable over time to reach that goal, we have done nothing for our investors, who by themselves could have realized an equal or better result by owning an index fund.
“The challenge, of course, is the calculation of intrinsic value. Present that task to Charlie and me separately, and you will get two different answers. Precision just isn’t possible.
“To eliminate subjectivity, we therefore use an understated proxy for intrinsic-value – book value – when measuring our performance. To be sure, some of our businesses are worth far more than their carrying value on our books…But since that premium seldom swings wildly from year to year, book value can serve as a reasonable device for tracking how we are doing.”
Recommended reading:
(1) The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America, Third Edition
