Special Report: Berkshire Hathaway's Charles Munger Dies at 99
Nov 28, 2023
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Charles Munger, alter ego to Warren Buffett, dies at 99. Discussion on Munger and Buffett's partnership, their impact on Berkshire Hathaway, and Munger's belief in long-term success. Explore Munger's background and lessons on compounding. The unique dynamic between Munger and Buffett, Munger's unconventional ideas, and his grumpy persona. Future of Berkshire Hathaway after Munger's passing and his unique problem-solving approach. Munger's enduring impact, pioneering strategies, and thoughts on the financial climate. Featuring Bloomberg News reporter Noah Buhayar and Bill Smead of Smead Capital Management.
Munger emphasized the importance of succession planning and shared his vice chairman title with two next-generation executives, demonstrating the commitment to the company's future.
Munger's focus on holding winners to a fault highlights the significance of alpha and the importance of finding businesses with high returns on equity and strong free cash flow.
Deep dives
Charlie Munger's Legacy and Role at Berkshire Hathaway
Charlie Munger played a vital role in the success and transformation of Berkshire Hathaway alongside Warren Buffett. As Buffett's alter ego, Munger helped craft a philosophy of long-term investing and believed that Berkshire's success would persist beyond Buffett's involvement. Munger emphasized the importance of succession planning and shared his vice chairman title with two next-generation executives, demonstrating the commitment to the company's future. He was respected for his wisdom and directness, offering valuable insights during the annual meetings. Munger's influence extended beyond investing, as he also had a passion for architecture and made generous donations to universities.
Lessons from Charlie Munger on Value Investing
One of the key lessons from Charlie Munger is the value of holding onto winning investments for the long term, emphasizing compounding returns as the eighth wonder of the world. He and Buffett exemplified this approach in companies like Occidental Petroleum, where they generated massive free cash flow and used it to both pay down debt and buy back stocks, resulting in increasing ownership stakes. Munger's focus on holding winners to a fault highlights the significance of alpha and the importance of finding businesses with high returns on equity and strong free cash flow.
Charlie Munger's Influence and Legacy
Charlie Munger was known as the wisest man in the investment business, with a diverse range of knowledge and skills. He was widely respected for his intelligence and his ability to think logically and critically. Munger's candid nature and willingness to share his thoughts regardless of popular opinion made him stand out. Alongside Warren Buffett, Munger entertained and educated audiences during their annual meetings through their comedy routine and the way they finished each other's sentences. Munger's passing leaves a void in the investment world, as his unique talents and perspectives will be greatly missed.
Charles Munger, the alter ego, sidekick and foil to Warren Buffett for almost 60 years as they transformed Berkshire Hathaway Inc. from a failing textile maker into an empire, has died. He was 99. For more on Munger's life and legacy, Bloomberg Radio hosts Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec speak with Bloomberg News reporter Noah Buhayar, and long-time Berkshire investor, Bill Smead of Smead Capital Management.