Profit performance measurement

Book value as proxy for intrinsic value

December 6, 2014

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…

Warren Buffett’s thoughts on record earnings

December 4, 2014

In his letter to Berkshire Hathaway’s stockholders as far back as March 14, 1978 for FY2007, Warren Buffett has this to say about record earnings: “Most companies define “record” earnings as a new high in earnings per share. Since businesses customarily add from year to year to their equity base, we find nothing particularly noteworthy in a management performance…

Measuring profit performance

November 16, 2014

In his 1977 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, Warren Buffett said that “most companies define ‘record’ earnings as a new high in earnings per share”. This measure is not appropriate in Mr Buffett’s views. “Since businesses customarily add from year to year to their equity base, we find nothing particularly noteworthy in a management performance combining,…