I agree that the clamoring for “more disclosure” is just code-speak for initiating earnings guidance and quarterly calls. While I would like to see more details on the subsidiaries, that desire is tempered by the need to avoid unnecessary exposure to competitors. That’s because I’m an owner. Analysts are not; they are simply doing a job and want it to be easier to do their job, so they want to be spoon fed numbers even if it actually harms owners.
Ultimately, Berkshire operates under the principle of a seamless web of deserved trust. Buffett and Munger clearly warranted this trust, made possible by a unique shareholder base. I personally trust Greg Abel and I think other longtime shareholders do as well. I doubt many longtime shareholders will be clamoring for quarterly calls or guidance anytime soon!
I think Greg Abel will do as good a job as anyone possibly can at holding the line on Berkshire's unique culture. I get a little more nervous about subsequent successors, as we move further and further in time away from Warren and Charlie, but that's a problem for another day. One that's hopefully a long ways off!
I have the same concern about the next succession, from Abel to his successor. Despite Abel already being close to the standard retirement age, he's clearly in it for the long run, health permitting, or Buffett wouldn't have chosen him as his successor. I'm hoping for 20 years!
Really interesting point about the inadequate disclosure argument from KBW. I think Berkshire's aproach to communication is actually more honest than most companies that put out endless guidance and host those earnings calls where analysts fish for soundbites. The annual letters and direct shareholder communication has always felt more substantive to me. Curious to see how Greg Abel handles this pressue from Wall Street once Buffett steps back fully.
They did one-up me by getting official confirmation. I envy the WSJ's ability to get people from Berkshire (all the way up to Mr. Buffett himself) on the line for their stories.
It seems like he has a lot of respect for and has been a long time reader of the WSJ. I remember when he had a chance to buy it several years ago but took a pass. I'm sure there was a side of him that would loved to have owned it but like he is fond of saying "emotions are the enemy of good investing." So true.
I knew Meyer from his early career at Geico. Why would any serious long term investor worry about a 5% earnings dip in the company? Of course a stock a analyst must.
That's one of the reasons I usually try to avoid analyst reports. I worry that the short-term nature and focus of these reports will weaken, at least a little bit, my long-term mindset. The analyst is just doing his or her job, but I find it helpful to steer clear.
This is the first I've ever heard of Buffett's traditional Thanksgiving letter to his children and shareholders. is there a source for back copies of these?
I agree that the clamoring for “more disclosure” is just code-speak for initiating earnings guidance and quarterly calls. While I would like to see more details on the subsidiaries, that desire is tempered by the need to avoid unnecessary exposure to competitors. That’s because I’m an owner. Analysts are not; they are simply doing a job and want it to be easier to do their job, so they want to be spoon fed numbers even if it actually harms owners.
Ultimately, Berkshire operates under the principle of a seamless web of deserved trust. Buffett and Munger clearly warranted this trust, made possible by a unique shareholder base. I personally trust Greg Abel and I think other longtime shareholders do as well. I doubt many longtime shareholders will be clamoring for quarterly calls or guidance anytime soon!
I think Greg Abel will do as good a job as anyone possibly can at holding the line on Berkshire's unique culture. I get a little more nervous about subsequent successors, as we move further and further in time away from Warren and Charlie, but that's a problem for another day. One that's hopefully a long ways off!
I have the same concern about the next succession, from Abel to his successor. Despite Abel already being close to the standard retirement age, he's clearly in it for the long run, health permitting, or Buffett wouldn't have chosen him as his successor. I'm hoping for 20 years!
Really interesting point about the inadequate disclosure argument from KBW. I think Berkshire's aproach to communication is actually more honest than most companies that put out endless guidance and host those earnings calls where analysts fish for soundbites. The annual letters and direct shareholder communication has always felt more substantive to me. Curious to see how Greg Abel handles this pressue from Wall Street once Buffett steps back fully.
I definitely trust Greg Abel to preserve the culture — but I expect the pressure from Wall Street will be immense. Particularly after Buffett is gone.
Kevin-
You posted several weeks ago about how Mr. Buffett will no longer be writing the annual letter to shareholders. The WSJ is late to the party!
They did one-up me by getting official confirmation. I envy the WSJ's ability to get people from Berkshire (all the way up to Mr. Buffett himself) on the line for their stories.
It seems like he has a lot of respect for and has been a long time reader of the WSJ. I remember when he had a chance to buy it several years ago but took a pass. I'm sure there was a side of him that would loved to have owned it but like he is fond of saying "emotions are the enemy of good investing." So true.
I knew Meyer from his early career at Geico. Why would any serious long term investor worry about a 5% earnings dip in the company? Of course a stock a analyst must.
That's one of the reasons I usually try to avoid analyst reports. I worry that the short-term nature and focus of these reports will weaken, at least a little bit, my long-term mindset. The analyst is just doing his or her job, but I find it helpful to steer clear.
Ugh, my bad - just found and have seen this - thought it was something else-
I'm hoping for at least another 3-4 page Thanksgiving letter like last year.
This is the first I've ever heard of Buffett's traditional Thanksgiving letter to his children and shareholders. is there a source for back copies of these?