May 01, 2011 06:33 Finance
Finance U.S. Eastern time on April 30 at 9:30 am, the time the evening of April 30, 22:30 pm, Warren - Warren Buffett (column convene Annual General Meeting) under the command of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett and Munger with the shareholders of five hours, Q, is a big feast of countless value investors Finance live the Buffett general meeting of shareholders grand Buffett’s 2011 shareholders’ meeting of the General Assembly Record:
[Sokol turbotax for mac, Berkshire Hathaway head Warren Buffett said in an interview with Fox Business Channel, he will not be held on this weekend’s Berkshire Hathaway’s question at the range limits. the same time, when asked whether he would limit shareholders to ask questions of the former executives David - Sokol (David Sokol,) suspected of insider trading, Buffett said no restrictions on such issues.
insider trading case] Buffett previously said on CNBC, will be public comment on the insider trading scandals of David - Sokol on the shareholders ‘meeting, the shareholders’ meeting an interview with CNBC for an interview with the insider trading case.
Conference site Buffett came to power speech
[Conference site] Buffett introduced the situation of the board of directors, an interesting fact is that Berkshire Hathaway, 12 directors have been six 79 years of age.
site of the General Assembly] Buffett said that in addition to residential real estate-related industries, other industries is improving.
[ ,],[Seoul accounted for 3% -5%, the first loss in its insurance business within nine
Results] [About Berkshire Berkshire stock investment in the Asia-Pacific region a loss of about $ 1.7 billion of which only the Japanese market investment in a loss of $ 1 billion.
[About Berkshire performance of Berkshire’s insurance business in the first quarter profits fell by $ 1 billion, mainly due to an increase in insurance expenses caused by the disaster, but The whole situation depends on the circumstances of the hurricane season, the third quarter is usually a disaster, the most frequent quarter.
[on the performance of Berkshire] In addition, rail, utilities (2241.834,51.90,2.37%) and energy business profit that nearly doubled, thanks to the contribution of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (of BNSF) and the gradual recovery with the economic situation, the performance of manufacturing, service and retail businesses continue to improve.
Berkshire performance of] the recent tornado will Berkshire’s GEICO insurance company is expected to bring 25,000 cars Payout However, GEICO, the first quarter of strong growth, especially in March, a quarter premium income grew by about 50%.
on Berkshire results] Buffett continues to emphasize the company of GEICO customer loyalty is high, claiming that the business has created a lot of goodwill value
the response to the SEC accused the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has criticized the Berkshire in the calculation of certain investment gains and losses, mark-to-market (mark-to-market) accounting method, Buffett defended this end
[Sokol] Buffy special, said Sokol’s behavior like when Solomon Brothers scandal is both inexcusable and incomprehensible reason that is difficult to understand, because Sokol also did not take any steps to conceal his transactions the the situation of the company’s shares.
[About Sokol] In addition, Buffett believes that Sokol’s net assets has been very high, it is difficult to understand why he would sacrifice their own credibility to such a point the size of transactions ( Sokol bought $ 10 million of Lubrizol stock, and with the Berkshire investment to benefit three million U.S. dollars). Sokol will sacrifice credibility for the sake of $ 3 million, so that he could not understand, but he admitted that he did not timely Sokol to buy Lubrizol shares the fact that it is a mistake.
[Sokol] Buffett said his mistake was not asked Sokol: time to buy (Lubrizol stock)? br> [Sokol] a question on the Sokol.: Can not understand when you find the Sokol scandal, why did not immediately take tough measures, but released a full is defended and praised the Sokol’s news release, this has tarnished himself and Berkshire honor people, why do not you heartless (rutheless)?
[Sokol] Buffett to back him in announcing Investment Lubrizol found the process of Sokol in advance to buy things (these details are basically disclosed in a report released this week by the Audit Committee of Berkshire)
Buffett admits insider trading] the wording of a news release after the discovery of the scandal is not tough enough. He also said to have been filed with the SEC a lot of the details about this event. Charlie Munger said he can not make decisions in anger, manifested ; ruthless degree > [investment strategy] Buffett said, we certainly will choose a large-scale industry, the scientific community will be a huge winner. Munger said: Question: in the first news release, you mentioned that when Sokol first proposed investment Lubrizol, you’re not interested, but I heard the outcome of the talks with the company’s CEO, you have the interest. you start do not think it is a good idea to invest in the company, Why did you want to change their minds?
Lubrizol Buffett: I began to feel the right path Lubrizol’s business do not quite understand, and I in the investment want to know the industries in which the situation of the company, and Munger did not quite know.
[About Lubrizol] Buffett: But then Lubrizol CEO of contacts and communicate with Sokol, I think The company is large, the customer relationship is also very strong, the company dominant in the relevant market, and I think this is sustainable.
the General Assembly site] Question: Can you talk about the current stock price of Berkshire view?
Berkshire Buffett said, had to think twice Berkshire’s share price below their intrinsic value, you want to buy-back, but prior to the implementation of repurchase stock picked up.
[About Berkshire] Buffett: We do not think that Berkshire’s stock price is too high. He also said, intends to acquire a very large multinational companies, because the other party is too big, only spend part of Berkshire stock valued in order to make this acquisition, but only Berkshire’s share price rose to fully reflect its value only when such operation.
[Berkshire] Buffett: I am more like cash for the acquisition of Berkshire’s share price is reasonable, also reluctant to use the stock price of the acquisition.
conference site] Question: The United States is facing so many problems, such as the growing debt, the Financial deficit, slow economic growth and the lack of a clear solution, and why the U.S. economy’s prospects are always so optimistic?
[on the U.S. economy] Buffett: Since I was born, the average American standard of living increased five times, It is this power to us through the various difficulties, the potential of the United States had not exhausted, but other countries are catching up in the next 100, we might have 15 or 20 bad days, but we now progress extent will be earth-shaking.
conference site] Question: Is it still prefer the higher returns of the company, like Coca-Cola or Procter & Gamble, rather than those with a large number of investment strategy] Buffett said, prefer the former, with a lot of inventory and accounts receivable less attractive in an inflationary environment, we usually need a lot of capital to industry (such as utilities or rail) is not particularly enthusiastic preference for those lower capital requirements for companies such as See’s Candies Candy Company.
General Assembly site] Question: I believe that assets under management in Berkshire is very successful, but I have reached the retirement age, I hope to obtain from the investment some income, Berkshire is not possible a dividend?
Berkshire profit distribution] Buffett said, when Berkshire invested $ 1, but can not create the value of $ 1 will the distribution of dividends from investment income, you can sell the stock in batches
[Buffett’s Berkshire profit distribution: I think that if Berkshire announced a dividend, its stock price will likely decline, as will be seen as Berkshire recognition of its investment opportunities are limited.
General Assembly site] Question: Taking into account the current economic situation, do you think Berkshire investment in Wells Fargo Bank and UCO Bank prospects?
[on the rich and UCO Bank] Buffett: the rich and the Triangle is a list of the best bank in the United States, very large scale, but the profit level of the entire U.S. banking industry is much lower than in 2007, because the leverage ratio will decline. Buffett also recommended that participants read the M & T Bank and JP Morgan Chase CEO of open letter to shareholders.
conference site] Question: Over the past few years, my Berkshire stock or more than inflation rate is not much, taking account of inflation, why do not you invest in gold and other commodities?
[investment strategy] Buffett said with a smile, before dozens of the price of an ounce of gold once per share, Berkshire almost stock, but now the price of gold to catch up with our share price even close.
[investment strategy] Buffett said that the investment can be divided into three categories, first class is to do with money. said he pulled out a dollar bill on the back printed bet on the government’s monetary policy in the long run, almost all currencies have devalued, unless the rate of return is very high, otherwise we do not think the investment in money is a reasonable
[investment strategy] type of investment can not be used for production, the only thing that can be resold, the typical example is gold, the gold of the world put together, you can build a cube mm side length of 67 feet or no use. Buffett the purchase of any assets that can not be used for the production, is nothing more than gambling, expect someone higher price bought from you.
on the investment strategy of the third type of investment can be produced to create such as a farm, you re willing to pay much money depends on what you think it could produce much value of this investment style is like Buffett and Munger.
[investment strategy] Munger, investment Gold is in order to hedge, if you buy an asset, but only the end of the world when I could return, I am afraid this can not be justified.
[investment strategy] Buffett: the world’s gold total market value of $ 8,000,000,000,000. only two trillion U.S. dollars in total value of farmland that is used to buy the one side and 67 feet long gold cube money could buy the nation’s farmland, plus 10 Exxon Mobil, and then also the remaining $ 1 trillion!
[Conference site] question: when you raise money for your first investment fund, how do you attract investors?
site of the General Assembly] Buffett said with a smile, to buy my biography, architecture is like 60 generations, the big firms, the overall stock price can not keep up its parts should be valuable, and you agree with this view? do not agree, do you think Berkshire’s corporate structure?
Berkshire architecture] Buffett said Berkshire is indeed a large enterprise groups, one of the benefits of this structure is to transfer funds to high-return business, the tax is more cost-effective. and go-go (referring to the funds have continued influx of different push up the stock market) for firms in the group, then some companies is a Ponzi scheme.
[Conference site] Question: Buffett and Munger, one hundred after you most want people to remember the characteristics of what is it?
conference site] Buffett: longevity. Munger: Warren Buffett wants people to attend his funeral, this is my ‘ve ever seen looks age the greatest bodies of
meetings in question: relative to the important currencies, the dollar has been depreciating, the Fed also continued to maintain low interest rates, which most of the big powers, do you think this will What impact on your business? you are interested in the money market?
dollars] Buffett said, a few had short the dollar, and earn about $ 100,000,000, but very do these types of transactions , I think the dollar’s purchasing power will no doubt gradually decreased, the problem is the rate of decline.
dollars] Buffett said, at present, 80 percent of Coca-Cola’s revenue comes from non-US markets, which can also help Berkshire defense dollar risk.
[dollars] Buffett: Now one U.S. dollar’s purchasing power is only equivalent to when I was born (1930), 6 cents, in spite of Berkshire’s performance is still very good, although I hate inflation, but we have to adapt to inflation.
meetings in question: in deciding investment Berkshire or a mutual fund, you should consider what factors?
[investment strategy] Buffett: If you are not active investors, I suggest to buy index funds, of course, Berkshire
[Conference site] Question: Do you think what kind of tax law adjustments or monetary policy changes can promote the growth of the U.S. economy?
[on the U.S. economy] Buffett: We in the monetary and financial policies has been the best, it is difficult to imagine that can continue to take measures in monetary policy. Munger: We have the largest error is not to draw adequate lessons from the financial crisis, the unfortunate
real estate] Buffett: U.S. real estate industry downturn, we are the number of new residential construction is far less than the newly formed family. We will eventually consume a large number of slow-moving housing built during the bubble, when the residential construction industry will recover, bring a large number of jobs.
[real estate] Munger: many talented engineers into the financial industry. hedge fund managers to pay tax rates are even lower than the physics teacher, this is ridiculous!
of the locale for an hour!
General Assembly site] Question: Do you two pairs of BYD and its chairman have praise , whether the company would still like your original investment as attractive? new product releases of the company to defer whether worth worrying about?
on BYD] Munger: BYD’s share price now is that we buy twice the time, so of course, unlike the time so cheap, we BYD progress made expressed satisfaction
[Conference site] Question: I invest in commodities, you are on oil What are the views? the buy or sell?
on oil prices] Buffett: We long ago traded oil on the present trend of oil prices, we can not say, I think, a wise investor time to study of productive assets, to earn more money than commodity speculation.
[on oil] Munger: oil is not like the gold that used to play with.
General Assembly site] Question: Can you talk about the most important lessons you to a secondary school in the past?
[investment strategy] Munger: I have to admit, the previous neglect of the technology industry, I read recently introduced Google In the Plex large enterprises the verge of collapse, but the economy is not a drag, had given to the rescue with taxpayers’ money?
[government bailout] Buffett: World does have some government-funded rescue organizations, the shareholders saved is not worth the management does not deserves to be saved, but some institutions do not let it crash, but I skeptical of the U.S. government aid to the automotive industry.
[government bailout] Buffett: Unfortunately there will always be too big to fail companies. Nevertheless, the acceptance of social contribution to save the company, the CEO should be bankrupt, to pay the price.
[government bailout] Munger: just the end of the financial crisis and recession suitable for Wall Street, caused by these disasters is not so much evil, as it is stupid.
conference site] Buffett: What we did not curse to remember that the delivery of a small piece of paper up to tell me.
conference site] Question: you go to resign from the Board of Directors of the Washington Post, this imply that the company’s business does not have confidence?
[Washington Post] Buffett: We do not plan to sell any shares of the Washington Post, to the satisfaction of the company’s management, as always.
[Conference site] Question: As an Australian investor, Berkshire stock price appreciation of the ability to offset the depreciation of the dollar against the Australian dollar ?
[Australian dollar] Buffett: I can not provide any guarantee for the U.S. government’s dollar policy and the Australian Government’s Australian policy, I can not decide I can only say that we will continue to work , prompting Berkshire shares rose.
conference site] Question: Berkshire, stock portfolio, the importance of gradual decline, you seem to focus on large-scale acquisitions. whether this is your future plan?
[on the stock portfolio Warren Buffett: We have two types of business Berkshire attaches equal importance, we hope that through the acquisition of a large enterprise of the future earnings prospects in Guinea, but invested in the stock investment of time and effort did not reduce the performance of such business will also significantly affect Berkshire’s performance.
[stock portfolio Munger: We will continue to hold a large number of publicly traded securities, but with the increasing our size, this choice will become less and less, In addition, I consider to buy the entire company to create a permanent working relationship more interesting.
[on the stock portfolio] Buffett : I find it very interesting
[The General Assembly site] Question: Taking into account the economic situation of a higher inflation rate, what kind of business in Berkshire would benefit from it? which will be affected?
[on inflation affect] Buffett: benefit is the required capital investment less, and have the ability to increase the price of the company as inflation, such as See’s candy company, the worst affected are those companies that charge a fixed price, such as utilities
the General Assembly site] Question: Berkshire will take into account the Class A shares of a stock split? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so? What are the long-term effects?
[Class A shares] Pakistan Buffett: We issued Class B shares, which has the equivalent of a stock split, holders of Class B shares nothing wrong, we are unlikely to be repeated stock splits.
General Assembly site] Question: Have you ever praised Aguilar of special. Yaen, by Ajit Jain, said he may become the successor, you can illustrate he let you in what impressed you? we not know much about him, can you talk about?
on successor do not like] Warren Buffett: Ajit pursuit of media attention, he made all the decision-making, which I feel I can do better.
[successor] Buffett: Ajit is very creativity, thanks to his contribution, we entered the field of insurance. Munger: No to Thanksgiving Day, Ajit flew to London to work, because the British, however Thanksgiving Day. Buffett: Christmas Day, we give him a holiday
General Assembly site] Question: How do you the value of goodwill?
[about goodwill] Buffett: The basic measure of a company attractive, should not be the provider reputation factors into account.
conference site] question: Can you give some examples to illustrate what enterprise initiatives is correct, what is wrong?
[on corporate initiatives] Munger: Good Costco (Costco) is managed by a genius to become a typical leader in the industry, the company reached $ 400 million in South Korea, a store sales, Costco’s success is the wise management, business ethics and diligent work of the integrated is extremely rare.
[enterprise initiatives Munger: General Motors of ups and downs of the rise and fall as an example, can speak a whole class.
corporate initiatives] Buffett: Munger is too like a good city more, two terrorists hijacked aircraft Munger and I sat, claiming that the executions before we meet our last wish, the results Munger can not allow me to revisit the first Costco advantages. And I said, kill me a break!
the General Assembly site] Question: Our children’s lives with no fear, nothing missing, how to motivate them to study hard to grow, so that they can the next generation of competition with the development of home ?
about their children’s education] Munger: This really is a problem, do not think that children who grow up in wealthy families like working 60 hours a week. Buffett: I do not want my children just because the parents have money feel very special. he said with a smile: Of course I do not want to give them too much incentive, so that they do a better job than me!
meetings in question: the current management of Berkshire is largely not for the money to work hard, but we are unlikely to find another one willing to take only $ 100,000 CEO, you hope that future executives how much salary?
[executive compensation] Buffett: next bits CEO is likely to have a lot of money is also a successor, but taking into account the size of the company, he should also get large salary; he can also get the option awards, but should be granted based on the company’s intrinsic value, rather than stock.
on executive compensation] Buffett: Some of our managers to pay tens of millions, but they deserve such a high salary.
General Assembly site] Question: Taking into account your renewable energy and natural resources are very interested in the ability to talk about a variety of resource depletion on the impact of your investment strategy?
[resources] Buffett: little effect, there are many social problems of our investment decisions, in fact, not much impact, I am not saying they important, but not necessarily affect our decision.
[resources] Munger: Some people think that the solution to the problem of resource depletion is dig, dig, dig, these people are simply crazy.
conference site] Question: Lubrizol directly with you reached an agreement with acquisition, but did not seek other acquisitions, Lubrizol Board of Directors of such a breach of its fiduciary responsibility?
Lu Bo Run] Buffett: Of course not, we will not participate in this bidding, if they do so, we would not participate in, and that their final selling price is likely lower than it is now.
General Assembly site] Question: You will be in the future any standards they have to do a good job?
[the company’s market capitalization on the performance measures] Buffett: We hope to continue to outperform the market, rather than average over the past constant fluctuations in market value is not to measure the intrinsic value of a good standard.
General Assembly site] Question: During the financial crisis, you were the number of profitable investments, such as Goldman Sachs, General Electric and other companies, but these Terms of the investment of the same, can explain why?
[financial crisis] Buffett: All of these investments are at different times of the five investment (Goldman Sachs, General Electric, Dow Chemical, Mars and Swiss Re), the opportunity cost of consuming the same to each transaction results related to your successful investment is very unreasonable.
conference site] Question: Do you read every day 5 copies newspaper, there is a lot like corporate earnings, your reading speed is faster than most people, what are your recommendations for high school students and others how to improve reading speed?
[Reading Skills] Buffett: my reading speed is not fast, but slower than before, Munger reading faster.
on reading skills] Munger: the importance of reading speed is exaggerated, slow down all right, read faster how?
meetings in question: the U.S. Congress is trying to use political means to break the bond size limit (debt ceiling) What is your view?
[on U.S. Treasury bonds] Buffett: This is very stupid , like Indiana, 1890 on behalf of the Legislative pi changed, so that children are easier to learn and equally foolish, but the establishment of the debt ceiling itself is a mistake, the United States is evolving, our debt affordability is also evolving U.S. Treasury bonds.
] Buffett: Although borrowing more debt is not necessarily a good idea, but its set maximum limit is not the right solution.
General Assembly site] questions: Sino-US energy The company plans to build nuclear power plants in eastern Iowa, but taking into account the Fukushima spill, do you think of the return for the nuclear power plant is expected to be worth taking the risk?
[nuclear power] Buffett: I think that nuclear power plant is one of the world’s way to deal with the problem of lack of resources, I think nuclear power plant is very important and it is safe, but taking into account the impact of the Japanese nuclear disaster, I do not think the plan in the United States successfully implemented.
nuclear power Buffett: We had running the risk of an oil pipeline carrying dangerous goods railway, I put themselves as the chief risk officer. death toll of the disaster.
[Conference site] Question: North Burlington and Coca-Cola and other companies for your investment, if you can predict its growth rate and long-term cash flow?
[profit forecast] Buffett: growth must be prediction methods learned harm than benefit. This so-called lists three kinds of Buffett’s holdings of stock, this is how going on?
on Buffett’s holdings] Berkshire CFO Marc Hamm Berg: the shares are employee pension plan purchase, Buffett is the largest shareholder, this information is also disclosed.
[Buffett on Buffett’s holding]: I hold a lot I recommend you not to buy the securities: U.S. Treasury bonds, but This is just because I do not want to worry about the money.
[The General Assembly site] Question: culture and business environment is very different with the United States, investment companies what makes it special?
[on investment] Pakistan Buffett: When I invest in the oil (11.71,0.03,0.26%), whether measured by oil reserves, cash flow or any other standard, and its shares are very cheap. another Russian company, is also cheap, I’m not geopolitical expert, but I feel the investment is much better.
[on investment] Buffett: We understand not all of the overseas countries tax laws, customs, which makes foreign investment more difficult, but basic investment principles, namely to assess the value of finding good managers as well as fight for preferential purchase price is the same.
[Conference site] Question: Now the bank deposit interest rates so low, that you put the surplus money into where to go?
[capital investment] Buffett: for short-term funds, there is nothing particularly good place and ended the first quarter, our account surplus of 38 billion U.S. basically bought the bonds
[capital investment] Munger: the pursuit of short-term high earnings are likely to be counterproductive. Buffett: Because we are able in the short term to come up with a lot of cash, which help us to seize the many investment opportunities.
[ ,],[only windy in time to apply, and therefore can not be the most basic form of power supply only if the government provides tax incentives, investment in wind power is only reasonable, otherwise unable to win attractive returns < br> [wind power] Buffett: only 35% of the time in Iowa wind.
General Assembly site] Question: You mentioned the Sokol will NetJets rescued from the brink of bankruptcy, I do not quite understand, if the company was on the verge of bankruptcy, you are not obliged to disclose to the shareholders of that fact?
[disclosure] Buffett: If NetJets was an independent company, it has long been bankrupt. However, in Berkshire, under the wings of it to survive turbotax 2011, our two insurance subsidiaries also appeared in this case.
[disclosure] Buffett: Berkshire to pay corporate taxes accounted for 2% of the nation’s total tax levy.
[Conference site] Question: Now young people, the unemployment rate reached almost 20%, you are smart, sensible and young people want to get a good job any suggestions?
[employment] Warren Buffett: The most important is to strengthen their abilities, never know when you can need them. in 50 generations, on the Carnegie Training (Presentation Skills), 100 , and I get benefit from not count.
the General Assembly site] Question: Mr. Munger, you will be Todd Combs introduced into Berkshire, able to disclose specific details? you think his primary Kexi Er how did you make?
[chief investment officer heir Munger: He wrote me a letter, and then we had dinner with Warren Buffett: his performance needs to measure the five time instead of six, we will very likely there will be more than one investment manager, a good two to three.
[The General Assembly site] Question: Johnson & Johnson is one of the largest in the Berkshire investment enterprises, the recent the company heavily in the acquisition of a medical device company that Synthes, taking into account the previously ridiculed Kraft Foods stock acquisition of Cadbury’s behavior, you What do you think the decision of the Johnson & Johnson?
[Johnson & Johnson acquisition that Synthes Buffett : If they use cash instead of stock acquisition, I will be satisfied with. Munger: we know more, medical equipment, chocolate and pizza industry is not our area of expertise.
General Assembly site] Question: Do you the appetite for the acquisition? what kind of business you are too big? recently have any plans?
[takeovers] Buffett: My appetite has been good, but we will not issue new shares or sell its business to acquire another company, we will continue to accumulate cash before making decisions.
conference site] Question: What do you now …