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Chris Brunstren, along with his company Semper Augustus, has displayed an impressive investment track record. Since 1999, their returns have averaged 11.5% compared to 7.6% for the S&P 500. This outstanding performance translates to nearly $15 return for each dollar invested with Chris, significantly surpassing the S&P 500's return of $8 per dollar.
The discussion delves into the impact of holding cash reserves on portfolio returns and fund longevity. While cash reserves are essential for various client needs like liquidity requirements, they have historically not significantly contributed to investment performance. Over a 25-year period, cash reserves earning around 1.8% annually can slightly diminish equity returns, highlighting the importance of strategic capital deployment.
Strategic deployment of capital is crucial for optimizing investment performance. Managing a portfolio with a deliberate pace can avoid buying overvalued assets and capitalize on undervalued opportunities. The importance of proper capital allocation is evident as it reflects on portfolio returns and the overall success of investment decisions.
Navigating market opportunities and challenges requires a balanced approach to managing cash reserves. While excess cash can be beneficial during market downturns to capitalize on undervalued assets, maintaining high cash levels in a consistently performing market may lead to missed investment opportunities. Balancing between market timing and capital allocation is essential for long-term investment success.
Berkshire Hathaway's cash flow from operations has increased significantly, leaving substantial investable cash after covering maintenance capex. This excess cash is utilized for share repurchases, growth expenditures in the energy sector, and acquisitions like the Allegheny deal. The company's strategic allocation of cash showcases a focus on long-term growth and value creation.
Berkshire Hathaway's stock portfolio is a significant asset, reflecting the company's advantage in owning common stocks due to its surplus capital. The podcast discusses the valuation of Berkshire Hathaway through a 'sum of the parts' approach, highlighting the potential premium each subsidiary could command if they were publicly traded. This analysis underscores the structural advantages of Berkshire Hathaway's diversified businesses and their intrinsic value.
Stig has invited legend investor Chris Bloomstran from Semper Augustus to teach us how to value Berkshire Hathaway on today's show. Semper Augustus has an outstanding track record with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.5% on equities since his fund's inception on 2/28/1999, compared to 7.6% for the S&P500.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
00:00 - Intro
01:37 - The impact of holding cash on your portfolio returns.
24:07 - How to understand the five different components that make up stock market returns.
33:14 - How to estimate the expected return of being invested in the S&P500.
40:57 - What the intrinsic value of Berkshire Hathaway is.
45:51 - How Berkshire Hathaway has allocated capital since 2018.
Disclaimer: Slight discrepancies in the timestamps may occur due to podcast platform differences.
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