Why Buffett Is Not Invested In Facebook (Yet) And What He Did Add Instead [View article]
That's indeed a good point. Berkshire has hired Ted Weschler and Todd Combs in recent years to help Buffett & Munger with investments.
BRK also announced recently that it had identified 4 company executives capable of being CEO. 1 had board approval to step in "should a replacement be needed currently". Buffet said that in addition to the "designee", there are "two superb back-up candidates as well."
I still think Ajit Jain, Berkshire Hathaway's reinsurance group chief, is first in line. He has been repeatedly praised by Buffett for running the insurance business, growning to a float of $34 billion and significant underwriting profits.
Last year, on a visit to India early Buffett said about Jain: "He loves what he does, he's not looking to take my job. If he was, the board of directors would probably put him in there in a minute".
Why Buffett Is Not Invested In Facebook (Yet) And What He Did Add Instead [View article]
Warren Buffett IS America's most respected investor, besides that he's a philanthropist giving away his fortune to charity, with 83% of it going to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation!
He is widely considered the most successful investor of the 20th century amongst "Average Joe Investors" and Pro's alike. He perfected the art of value investing.
You may not find it interesting, but many, many others do. Value investing has proven to be a successful investment strategy for retail investors with limited funds, and it's certainly worthwhile to go through the latest SEC fillings and discuss where he increased or decreased his stake.
You obviously feel you can do a better job, so by all means enlighten our "simple investor souls" with an (anti-?) article on Buffett! Until then, thanks for stopping by
Impending Bidding War For ING's Asian Life Insurance Arm [View article]
I've just checked the latest estimates for current year 2012 and next year. I assume divestments have already been taking into account in the future EPS projections for the Group.
Current 2012 year estimate = $ 1.65 (= € 1.25) Next year estimated 2013 = $ 1.91 (= €1.45)
ING's Forward PE = 4.2 (compared to Industry average of 11.8) PEG ratio ING = 0.32 (compared to Industry average of 1.1)
If read different stories on the dividend, but this is the latest info from the firm:
Amsterdam, 13 January 2012
"For the next two years, ING will focus on repaying the Dutch State, completing the EC Restructuring and fulfilling increasing capital requirements known as Basel III. “We aim to repay the remaining core Tier 1 securities as soon as possible, however given the ongoing crisis in the eurozone and increasing regulatory capital requirements, we need to take a cautious approach and pay special attention to liquidity, funding and capital. In 2011, market circumstances became increasingly difficult and volatile and we expect that to remain the case in the near future,” said Jan Hommen. From 2013 onwards, ING aims to maintain a minimum core Tier 1 ratio of 10%. ING intends to resume dividend payments on common shares when all remaining core Tier 1 securities have been repaid to the Dutch State and Basel III requirements have been met."
Will Microsoft And Nokia Truly Deliver In 2012? [View article]
I think the issue is more with the US carriers at this point, Elop is doing a good job for Nokia in my opinion. The European carriers are now actively advertising the Lumia 710 and 800 with affordable data plans. The reason simply being that HTC and Samsung Windows phones failed to catch on with the general public, but the exact opposite is happening with the Nokia Windows phones. It's also more attractive to have three truly competitive operating systems in your line-up instead of two.
As mentioned in the article, Nokia knows how to build high quality phones, and has good brand recognition In Asia and Europe alike. This is not the case in Canada and the US. It's also understandable that US carriers aren't just going to put their eggs in another basket given the success of Android and iPhone, but AT&T won't regret including the Lumia 900.
The fact remains that the current generation in the end isn't particularly brand loyal if something better comes along. The 900 is clearly better than current Android phones. I expect MSFT/NOK to take an increasingly big chunk out of Android in 2012. Precisely the reason why Google especially was courting Nokia just as intense as Microsoft.
iPhone users will likely switch less quickly. That will depend on even more on how they perceive WM8 user-friendliness and applications.
Can These 5 Companies Keep Paying Huge Dividends? [View article]
Vodafone's 5Y average payout ratio was 65%. It's less than 60% now, not 93.75%. It's one of the best telco's in terms of valuation, debt level and growth potential. And it owns 45% of Verizon's (VZ) wireless unit.
Can These 5 Companies Keep Paying Huge Dividends? [View article]
Vodafone (http://bit.ly/sN4Tgw) yields far more than 3.5%, not even including the February VZW special dividend (45% stake). VOD can maintain and increase its dividends over time without issue. The other four will face increasing difficulty.
On CIM the decline in both share price and dividend amount this past year should be noted, just to illustrates the potential risks involved with certain REIT's, like CIM.
China Medical's Turning Tide; Analysts Go Overweight For 2012 [View article]
Current credit rating China Medical Technologies, Inc (NASDAQ: http://bit.ly/zYdL0t):
(The following statement was released by the rating agency) Fitch affirms China Medical Technologies at 'B+'/stable
9 Sep 2011 – Fitch Ratings has affirmed China Medical Technologies, Inc.'s (http://bit.ly/zYdL0t) Long-Term Foreign Currency Issuer Default Rating [IDR] at 'B+' with Stable Outlook.
The ratings are supported by CMED's steady revenue growth and stable profit margin, solid liquidity profile, and conservative financial management. The ratings are, however, constrained by the company's small scale - operating EBITDAR close to USD80m for the financial year ended 31 March 2011 - and financial leverage of total adjusted debt / operating EBITDAR over 5.0x for the same period. (CMED has since reduced its financial leverage profile from 5.1 times to 3.3 times. The company's aim is to reduce the ratio to 2 times or below).
"CMED has successfully penetrated the Chinese market for molecular diagnostic systems, which shows strong growth potential," said Cosmo Zhang, Director at Fitch's Corporates team. "The company's stable EBITDA margin also reflects its solid market position and operational stability." For Q1FY11, CMED recorded revenue of CNY237.1m, up 27.4% yoy. (Recent Q2FY11 results listed in article)
Fitch also notes the company's ability to meet financial obligations is underpinned by its current cash position, no dividend payout plan in the near future, and strong cash flow generation capability.
The Stable Outlook reflects steady demand for healthcare in China and strong revenue growth prospects for CMED's newly SFDA-approved molecular diagnostic products. (SFDA = State Food and Drug Administration)
Positive rating action may result from operating EBITDAR rising over USD100m, while maintaining total adjusted debt/operating EBITDAR below 2.5x, net adjusted debt/ operating EBITDAR below 1.5x or operating EBITDAR/gross interest above 4.0x on a sustainable basis.
Negative rating action may result if there are material declines in the Enhanced Chemiluminescence Immunoassay business, if it fails to expand the Fluorescent in-situ Hybridization/Surface Plasmon Resonance business and/or if the company makes any significant acquisition that does not immediately contribute to positive cash flow. Fitch may also consider negative rating action if total adjusted debt/operating EBITDAR rises above 5.25x, net adjusted debt/operating EBITDAR above 4.0x or operating EBITDAR/gross interest falls below 2.25x on a sustainable basis.
China Medical's Turning Tide; Analysts Go Overweight For 2012 [View article]
OTC Trader, I think one response will suffice. As you are aware CMED is listed on Nasdaq (not OTC) and as such in full compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. Acquisitions are based on company records which are always verified by lawyers conducting legal due diligence. CMED is audited by the world's so-called “Big Four” auditors since listing on Nasdaq. First KPMG till mid-2009 and currently PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), which was the world's largest accounting firm in 2010 and arguably the most respected.
Perhaps the question should be which are the better-informed parties on this occasion: An obscure short-selling group trying to make a fast buck last year by publicizing an unfounded report (http://bit.ly/w4143q) or several investment banks with professional analysts; Barclays Capital, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank.
Rumors Of Microsoft Taking Over Nokia's Smartphone Division Resurface [View article]
Won't happen in a million years, especially given the substantial success NOK is already enjoying with Lumia in Europe. 2012 will be about WM8, new phones and tablets and securing additional carrier contracts for Nokia, nothing else.
Halliburton Has At Least 100% Upside Potential [View article]
I'm becoming a bit concerned after reading this article. BP is going after HAL now? Why now, should we become concerned? We have the same indemnity as RIG? Or do they want to prove negligence because the cement failed? Long HAL. http://bloom.bg/tRv9kg
BP Plc (BP/) seeks to have Halliburton Co. (HAL), its cement contractor for the Macondo well project whose blowout set off the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, pay all of the oil company’s related costs and damages.
The oil company seeks “the amount of costs and expenses incurred by BP to clean up and remediate the oil spill, the lost profits from and/or diminution in value of the Macondo prospect, and all other costs and damages incurred by BP related to the Deepwater Horizon incident and resulting oil spill,” Don Haycraft, BP’s lead trial attorney, said in a filing yesterday in federal court in New Orleans.
Transocean's Value Proposition: Leading Driller Stays Afloat By Going Deepwater [View article]
Also long HAL. Seems BP has now decided to go after HAL instead of RIG. http://bloom.bg/tRv9kg
BP Plc (BP/) seeks to have Halliburton Co. (HAL), its cement contractor for the Macondo well project whose blowout set off the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, pay all of the oil company’s related costs and damages.
The oil company seeks “the amount of costs and expenses incurred by BP to clean up and remediate the oil spill, the lost profits from and/or diminution in value of the Macondo prospect, and all other costs and damages incurred by BP related to the Deepwater Horizon incident and resulting oil spill,” Don Haycraft, BP’s lead trial attorney, said in a filing yesterday in federal court in New Orleans.
Why Buffett Is Not Invested In Facebook (Yet) And What He Did Add Instead [View article]
BRK also announced recently that it had identified 4 company executives capable of being CEO. 1 had board approval to step in "should a replacement be needed currently". Buffet said that in addition to the "designee", there are "two superb back-up candidates as well."
I still think Ajit Jain, Berkshire Hathaway's reinsurance group chief, is first in line. He has been repeatedly praised by Buffett for running the insurance business, growning to a float of $34 billion and significant underwriting profits.
Last year, on a visit to India early Buffett said about Jain: "He loves what he does, he's not looking to take my job. If he was, the board of directors would probably put him in there in a minute".
Why Buffett Is Not Invested In Facebook (Yet) And What He Did Add Instead [View article]
He is widely considered the most successful investor of the 20th century amongst "Average Joe Investors" and Pro's alike. He perfected the art of value investing.
You may not find it interesting, but many, many others do. Value investing has proven to be a successful investment strategy for retail investors with limited funds, and it's certainly worthwhile to go through the latest SEC fillings and discuss where he increased or decreased his stake.
You obviously feel you can do a better job, so by all means enlighten our "simple investor souls" with an (anti-?) article on Buffett! Until then, thanks for stopping by
Impending Bidding War For ING's Asian Life Insurance Arm [View article]
Current 2012 year estimate = $ 1.65 (= € 1.25)
Next year estimated 2013 = $ 1.91 (= €1.45)
ING's Forward PE = 4.2 (compared to Industry average of 11.8)
PEG ratio ING = 0.32 (compared to Industry average of 1.1)
If read different stories on the dividend, but this is the latest info from the firm:
Amsterdam, 13 January 2012
"For the next two years, ING will focus on repaying the Dutch State, completing the EC Restructuring and fulfilling increasing capital requirements known as Basel III. “We aim to repay the remaining core Tier 1 securities as soon as possible, however given the ongoing crisis in the eurozone and increasing regulatory capital requirements, we need to take a cautious approach and pay special attention to liquidity, funding and capital. In 2011, market circumstances became increasingly difficult and volatile and we expect that to remain the case in the near future,” said Jan Hommen. From 2013 onwards, ING aims to maintain a minimum core Tier 1 ratio of 10%. ING intends to resume dividend payments on common shares when all remaining core Tier 1 securities have been repaid to the Dutch State and Basel III requirements have been met."
IR: http://bit.ly/H2FqVk
Will Microsoft And Nokia Truly Deliver In 2012? [View article]
As mentioned in the article, Nokia knows how to build high quality phones, and has good brand recognition In Asia and Europe alike. This is not the case in Canada and the US. It's also understandable that US carriers aren't just going to put their eggs in another basket given the success of Android and iPhone, but AT&T won't regret including the Lumia 900.
The fact remains that the current generation in the end isn't particularly brand loyal if something better comes along. The 900 is clearly better than current Android phones. I expect MSFT/NOK to take an increasingly big chunk out of Android in 2012. Precisely the reason why Google especially was courting Nokia just as intense as Microsoft.
iPhone users will likely switch less quickly. That will depend on even more on how they perceive WM8 user-friendliness and applications.
Can These 5 Companies Keep Paying Huge Dividends? [View article]
Can These 5 Companies Keep Paying Huge Dividends? [View article]
On CIM the decline in both share price and dividend amount this past year should be noted, just to illustrates the potential risks involved with certain REIT's, like CIM.
China Medical's Turning Tide; Analysts Go Overweight For 2012 [View article]
(The following statement was released by the rating agency)
Fitch affirms China Medical Technologies at 'B+'/stable
9 Sep 2011 – Fitch Ratings has affirmed China Medical Technologies, Inc.'s (http://bit.ly/zYdL0t) Long-Term Foreign Currency Issuer Default Rating [IDR] at 'B+' with Stable Outlook.
The ratings are supported by CMED's steady revenue growth and stable profit margin, solid liquidity profile, and conservative financial management. The ratings are, however, constrained by the company's small scale - operating EBITDAR close to USD80m for the financial year ended 31 March 2011 - and financial leverage of total adjusted debt / operating EBITDAR over 5.0x for the same period. (CMED has since reduced its financial leverage profile from 5.1 times to 3.3 times. The company's aim is to reduce the ratio to 2 times or below).
"CMED has successfully penetrated the Chinese market for molecular diagnostic systems, which shows strong growth potential," said Cosmo Zhang, Director at Fitch's Corporates team. "The company's stable EBITDA margin also reflects its solid market position and operational stability." For Q1FY11, CMED recorded revenue of CNY237.1m, up 27.4% yoy. (Recent Q2FY11 results listed in article)
Fitch also notes the company's ability to meet financial obligations is underpinned by its current cash position, no dividend payout plan in the near future, and strong cash flow generation capability.
The Stable Outlook reflects steady demand for healthcare in China and strong revenue growth prospects for CMED's newly SFDA-approved molecular diagnostic products. (SFDA = State Food and Drug Administration)
Positive rating action may result from operating EBITDAR rising over USD100m, while maintaining total adjusted debt/operating EBITDAR below 2.5x, net adjusted debt/ operating EBITDAR below 1.5x or operating EBITDAR/gross interest above 4.0x on a sustainable basis.
Negative rating action may result if there are material declines in the Enhanced Chemiluminescence Immunoassay business, if it fails to expand the Fluorescent in-situ Hybridization/Surface Plasmon Resonance business and/or if the company makes any significant acquisition that does not immediately contribute to positive cash flow. Fitch may also consider negative rating action if total adjusted debt/operating EBITDAR rises above 5.25x, net adjusted debt/operating EBITDAR above 4.0x or operating EBITDAR/gross interest falls below 2.25x on a sustainable basis.
China Medical's Turning Tide; Analysts Go Overweight For 2012 [View article]
Perhaps the question should be which are the better-informed parties on this occasion: An obscure short-selling group trying to make a fast buck last year by publicizing an unfounded report (http://bit.ly/w4143q) or several investment banks with professional analysts; Barclays Capital, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank.
Rumors Of Microsoft Taking Over Nokia's Smartphone Division Resurface [View article]
Halliburton Has At Least 100% Upside Potential [View article]
BP Plc (BP/) seeks to have Halliburton Co. (HAL), its cement contractor for the Macondo well project whose blowout set off the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, pay all of the oil company’s related costs and damages.
The oil company seeks “the amount of costs and expenses incurred by BP to clean up and remediate the oil spill, the lost profits from and/or diminution in value of the Macondo prospect, and all other costs and damages incurred by BP related to the Deepwater Horizon incident and resulting oil spill,” Don Haycraft, BP’s lead trial attorney, said in a filing yesterday in federal court in New Orleans.
Transocean's Value Proposition: Leading Driller Stays Afloat By Going Deepwater [View article]
BP Plc (BP/) seeks to have Halliburton Co. (HAL), its cement contractor for the Macondo well project whose blowout set off the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, pay all of the oil company’s related costs and damages.
The oil company seeks “the amount of costs and expenses incurred by BP to clean up and remediate the oil spill, the lost profits from and/or diminution in value of the Macondo prospect, and all other costs and damages incurred by BP related to the Deepwater Horizon incident and resulting oil spill,” Don Haycraft, BP’s lead trial attorney, said in a filing yesterday in federal court in New Orleans.