What does Buffett look for when reading financial statements

l
lionhill
楼主 (文学峸)

 

The book "Warren Buffett and the Interpretation of Financial Statements" gives us a few clues.

In the book he outlines each rule, keep in mind these are not set in stone.

1. Gross profit margin of 40% or higher. 

This indicates that the company has a strong competitive advantage and can charge a premium price for its products or services.

For example, both $KO and $AAPL carry > 40% gross margins at 58% and 43% respectivley.

2. Return on equity (ROE) of 15% or higher.

This shows that the company effectively uses its shareholders' equity to generate profits.

Buffett mentions ROE many times thru his shareholder letters, both $AXP and $KO earn ROE's of > 15%, with 38% and 29% respectively.

3. Persistently growing earnings per share (EPS).

This indicates that the company is a good investment for the long term.

$AXP have generated over 9.2% EPS growth over the past 10 years, this typifies what Buffett wants to find.

4. Low debt-to-equity ratio.

Indicates the company is well-versed and is less likely to default on its debt.

Look for something < 1 to start and then expand.

5. Adequate cash flow.

Indicating the company has enough cash to meet its operating expenses and make debt payments.

His version of "cash flows" refers to owners' earnings.

6. Strong balance sheet.

The company has assets > than its liabilities. 

A strong balance sheet enables a company to withstand unforseen problems, ie Covid.

7. A history of dividend payments.

Shows the company is profitable and committed to returning capital to shareholders.

Buffett likes companies paying divvies, even though he doesnt pay them himself. 

8. Management team that is honest and competent.

This is a biggie for Buffett because the management team is responsible for running the company and making decisions that affect its shareholders.

9. A business that is easy to understand.

If you don't understand the business, it will be impossible to analyze.

Buffett is famous for his "too hard" pile.

10. A business that is not cyclical.

He prefers steady, consistent earning businesses, but he will break his rules, ie. oil.

11. A business that has a moat.

Another biggie for Buffett. 

He prefers companies that can earn great returns over long periods while fending off competition. 

12. Business that is undervalued.

He likes deals, and he wants to buy his stocks like his socks, on sale.

13. Business that you are comfortable owning for the long term.

Remember investing is a long-term game. 

Think Gillette, Hanes, Coca-cola, or Dairy Queen.

14. Don't be afraid to walk away from a deal.

B
BrightLine
老巴确实厉害,但是我学不来,能学多少是多少,我肯定是重仓科技股,哈哈

B
BrightLine
比如亚麻亏损多年,还有特斯拉等等
穆丹之乡
我站队木头姐,对未来科技能带来的变化更感兴趣
m
marilyn
Thanks for sharing, and I am learning to read financial stat

recently. 

M
MarkM76
觉得这里学得最快的就是你。哈哈 亚麻和特斯拉都是好公司HOLD住在那里就行了。你卖特斯拉的put挺好。哈
B
BrightLine
我也是,但是还是可以学一些,比如集中重仓,只买看懂的企业,别人恐惧我贪婪,等等,哈哈

B
BrightLine
小白真正入市一年,看着花花世界无数武功秘籍,一下子就迷失了,哈哈,现在慢慢的返璞归真

M
MarkM76
巴菲特是处女座的,她有很多处女座的优点。就是分析,不着急,这对投资股票很有好处。木头姐,

虽然是和巴菲特不同的投资方法。木头姐更加符合现在的股市的步骤。

 

穆丹之乡
当然当然,重仓,看得懂,都是投资精髓,段神应该就是既继承了巴菲特的投资哲学又愿意拥抱高科技,所以我非常粉他
穆丹之乡
的确,投资上的操作跟人的性格也有很大关系,没有对错,能挣到钱是硬道理,哈哈
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*江南雨*
+1
*
*江南雨*
+100
穆丹之乡
我给自己打个不恰当的比喻,炒股就像读书,是一个由薄变厚又由厚变薄的过程,兜兜转转一圈我发现还是长持收益更大
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*江南雨*
谢谢! 这张图好,记下了,得反复提醒自己。
穆丹之乡
当然有个前提:好股票,重仓