Finding Stocks the Warren Buffett Way (2024)

Table of Contents
Part 4: Is The Price is Right? Earnings Yield Buffett treats earnings per share as the return on hisinvestment, much like how a business owner views these types of profits. Buffett likes tocompute the earnings yield (earnings per share divided by share price) because it presentsa rate of return that can be compared quickly to other investments. Historical Earnings Growth Another approach Buffett uses is to project theannual compound rate of return based on historical earnings per share increases. Forexample, take company in which current earnings per share are $2.77 and earnings per sharehave increased at a compound annual growth rate of 18.9% over the last seven years. Ifearnings per share increase for the next 10 years at this same growth rate of 18.9%,earnings per share in year 10 will be $15.64. [$2.77 * ((1 + 0.189)^10)]. This estimatedearnings per share figure can then be multiplied by the company's historical averageprice-earnings ratio of 14.0 to provide an estimate of price [$15.64 * 14.0=$218.96]. Ifdividends are paid, an estimate of the amount of dividends paid over the 10-year periodshould also be added to the year 10 price [$218.96 + $13.32 = $232.28]. Sustainable Growth The third approach detailed in "Buffettology"is based upon the sustainable growth rate model. Buffett uses the average rate of returnon equity and average retention ratio (1 - average payout ratio) to calculate thesustainable growth rate [ ROE * ( 1 - payout ratio)]. The sustainable growth rate is usedto calculate the book value per share in year 10 [BVPS ((1 + sustainable growth rate)^10)]. Earnings per share can be estimated in year 10 by multiplying the average returnon equity by the projected book value per share [ROE * BVPS]. To estimate the futureprice, you multiply the earnings by the average price-earnings ratio [EPS * P/E]. Ifdividends are paid, they can be added to the projected price to compute the total gain. Conclusion Warren Buffett's approach identifies "excellent"businesses based on the prospects for the industry and the ability of management toexploit opportunities for the ultimate benefit of shareholders. He then waits for theshare price to reach a level that would provide him with a desired long-term rate ofreturn. The approach makes use of "folly and discipline": the discipline of theinvestor to identify excellent businesses and wait for the folly of the market to buythese businesses at attractive prices. Most investors have little trouble understandingBuffett's philosophy. The approach encompasses many widely held investment principles. Itssuccessful implementation is dependent upon the dedication of the investor to learn andfollow the principles. For individual investors who want to duplicate the process, itrequires a considerable amount of time, effort, and judgment in perusing a firm'sfinancial statements, annual reports, and other information sources to thoroughly analyzethe business and quality of management. It also requires patience, waiting for the rightprice once a prospective business has been identified, and the ability to stick to theapproach during times of market volatility. But for individual investors willing to do theconsiderable homework involved, the Buffett approach offers a proven path to investmentvalue. FAQs

Part 4: Is The Price is Right?

Theprice that you pay for a stock determines the rate of return-the higher the initial price,the lower the overall return. The lower the initial price paid, the higher the return.Buffett first picks the business, and then lets the price of the company determine when topurchase the firm. The goal is to buy an excellent business at a price that makes businesssense. Valuation equates a company's stock price to a relative benchmark. A $500 dollarper share stock may be cheap, while a $2 per share stock may be expensive.

Buffett uses a number of different methods to evaluate share price. Three techniquesare highlighted in the book with specific examples.

Buffett prefers to concentrate his investments in a few strong companies that arepriced well. He feels that diversification is performed by investors to protect themselvesfrom their stupidity.

Earnings Yield Buffett treats earnings per share as the return on hisinvestment, much like how a business owner views these types of profits. Buffett likes tocompute the earnings yield (earnings per share divided by share price) because it presentsa rate of return that can be compared quickly to other investments.

Buffett goes as far as to view stocks as bonds with variable yields, and their yieldsequate to the firm's underlying earnings. The analysis is completely dependent upon thepredictability and stability of the earnings, which explains the emphasis on earningsstrength within the preliminary screens.

Buffett likes to compare the company earnings yield to the long-term government bondyield. An earnings yield near the government bond yield is considered attractive. The bondinterest is cash in hand but it is static, while the earnings of Nike should grow overtime and push the stock price up.

Historical Earnings Growth Another approach Buffett uses is to project theannual compound rate of return based on historical earnings per share increases. Forexample, take company in which current earnings per share are $2.77 and earnings per sharehave increased at a compound annual growth rate of 18.9% over the last seven years. Ifearnings per share increase for the next 10 years at this same growth rate of 18.9%,earnings per share in year 10 will be $15.64. [$2.77 * ((1 + 0.189)^10)]. This estimatedearnings per share figure can then be multiplied by the company's historical averageprice-earnings ratio of 14.0 to provide an estimate of price [$15.64 * 14.0=$218.96]. Ifdividends are paid, an estimate of the amount of dividends paid over the 10-year periodshould also be added to the year 10 price [$218.96 + $13.32 = $232.28].

Once this future price is estimated, projected rates of return can be determined overthe 10-year period based on the current selling price of the stock. Buffett requires areturn of at least 15%. For our example, comparing the projected total gain of $232.28 tothe current price of $48.25 leads projected rate of return of 17.0% [($232.28/$48.25) ^(1/10) - 1]. Our first table lists the stocks passing the consumer monopoly screen thathave a projected rate of return of 15% based upon historical earnings growth model.

Sustainable Growth The third approach detailed in "Buffettology"is based upon the sustainable growth rate model. Buffett uses the average rate of returnon equity and average retention ratio (1 - average payout ratio) to calculate thesustainable growth rate [ ROE * ( 1 - payout ratio)]. The sustainable growth rate is usedto calculate the book value per share in year 10 [BVPS ((1 + sustainable growth rate)^10)]. Earnings per share can be estimated in year 10 by multiplying the average returnon equity by the projected book value per share [ROE * BVPS]. To estimate the futureprice, you multiply the earnings by the average price-earnings ratio [EPS * P/E]. Ifdividends are paid, they can be added to the projected price to compute the total gain.

For example, a company would have a sustainable growth rate of 19.2% if its average ROEwas 22.8%, and average payout ratio was 15.9% [22.8% * (1 - 0.159)]. Thus, its currentbook value per share of $11.38 should grow at this rate to roughly $65.90 in 10 years[$11.38 * ((1 + 0.192)^10)]. If return on equity remains 22.8% in the tenth year, earningsper share that year would be $15.03 [ 0.228 * $65.90]. The estimated earnings per sharecan then be multiplied by the average price-earnings ratio of 14.0 to project the price of$210.42 [$15.03 * 14.0]. Since dividends are paid, use an estimate of the amount ofdividends paid over the 10-year period to project the rate of return of 16.5% [(($210.42 +$12.71)/ $48.25) ^ (1/10) - 1].

The final Buffett screen establishes a minimum projected return from the sustainablegrowth rate model of 15%. A critical aspect to analysis is determining whether thecompanies will continue their past pattern of growth and profitability.

Conclusion Warren Buffett's approach identifies "excellent"businesses based on the prospects for the industry and the ability of management toexploit opportunities for the ultimate benefit of shareholders. He then waits for theshare price to reach a level that would provide him with a desired long-term rate ofreturn. The approach makes use of "folly and discipline": the discipline of theinvestor to identify excellent businesses and wait for the folly of the market to buythese businesses at attractive prices. Most investors have little trouble understandingBuffett's philosophy. The approach encompasses many widely held investment principles. Itssuccessful implementation is dependent upon the dedication of the investor to learn andfollow the principles. For individual investors who want to duplicate the process, itrequires a considerable amount of time, effort, and judgment in perusing a firm'sfinancial statements, annual reports, and other information sources to thoroughly analyzethe business and quality of management. It also requires patience, waiting for the rightprice once a prospective business has been identified, and the ability to stick to theapproach during times of market volatility. But for individual investors willing to do theconsiderable homework involved, the Buffett approach offers a proven path to investmentvalue.

Finding Stocks the Warren Buffett Way (2024)

FAQs

Finding Stocks the Warren Buffett Way? ›

In picking stocks

picking stocks
What Is a Stock Pick? A stock pick is when an analyst or investor uses a systematic form of analysis to conclude that a particular stock will make a good investment and, therefore, should be added to their portfolio.
https://www.investopedia.com › terms › stockpick
, Warren Buffett looks for companies that have provided a good return on equity over many years, particularly when compared to rival companies in the same industry. Buffett also reviews a company's profit margins to ensure they are healthy and growing.

What is the 10x rule Buffett? ›

The rule really is an observation that Buffett has paid ~10x pretax earnings for many of his largest and best deals, ranging from Coca-Cola, American Express, Wells Fargo, Walmart, Burlington Northern, and the more recent Apple investment.

What is the Buffett approach to valuing stocks? ›

Earnings Yield Buffett treats earnings per share as the return on his investment, much like how a business owner views these types of profits. Buffett likes to compute the earnings yield (earnings per share divided by share price) because it presents a rate of return that can be compared quickly to other investments.

How do you find undervalued stocks like Warren Buffett? ›

Examples of what Warren Buffett looks for when looking for undervalued growth stocks include:
  1. Clear and understandable business model.
  2. Favorable long-term prospects.
  3. Unique competitive advantage.
  4. Strong earnings.
  5. High return on equity.
  6. Stable profit margins.
  7. Honest leadership.
Apr 22, 2024

What is Warren Buffett way of investing? ›

He is known for making long-term investments, holding onto companies for years or even decades, and avoiding frequent trading. This approach allows him to take advantage of the power of compound interest and gives the companies he invests in time to grow and generate substantial returns.

What is the Buffett's two list rule? ›

Buffett presented a three-step exercise to help streamline his focus. The first step was to write down his top 25 career goals. In the second step, Buffett told Flint to identify his top five goals from the list. In the final step, Flint had two lists: the top five goals (List A) and the remaining 20 (List B).

What are Warren Buffett's 5 rules of investing? ›

Here's Buffett's take on the five basic rules of investing.
  • Never lose money. ...
  • Never invest in businesses you cannot understand. ...
  • Our favorite holding period is forever. ...
  • Never invest with borrowed money. ...
  • Be fearful when others are greedy.
Jan 11, 2023

What is the formula for picking stocks? ›

P/E Ratio – The P/E ratio is a calculation that evaluates a stocks relative performance and value. It is computed by dividing the stock's price by the company's per share earnings for the most recent four quarters.

What is a good Buffett Indicator? ›

The ratio of market capitalization to GDP is also known as the Buffet Indicator. In a Forbes interview in December 2001, Warren Buffett said that the ratio is a useful tool for gauging the overall valuation of the stock market, where a range of 75-90% is reasonable; over 120% suggests the stock market is overvalued.

How does Warren Buffett know when to sell a stock? ›

Buffett is a long-term value investor who sees volatility as an opportunity to buy at appealing levels or to take profit and sell some of his holdings if they've overshot what he believes to be a reasonable price.

What is the most undervalued stock? ›

Key Takeaways
Top Undervalued Stocks By Sector, Based on Lowest 12-Month Trailing P/E Ratio
NOAHNoah Holding Limited1.04
CCSIConsensus Cloud Solutions, Inc.4.16
NCMINational CineMedia Inc.0.93
VIAVia Renewables2.63
8 more rows

How to pick stocks like buffet? ›

At its core, Warren Buffett's investing strategy is not all that complicated:
  1. Buy businesses, not stocks. ...
  2. Look for companies with competitive advantages that can be maintained, or economic moats. ...
  3. Focus on long-term intrinsic value, not short-term earnings. ...
  4. Demand a margin of safety. ...
  5. Be patient.
Mar 7, 2024

What is Warren Buffett's average return? ›

Warren Buffett is an investing legend. To be fair, with his company Berkshire Hathaway averaging an annual return of around 20%, it's easy to see why. It goes without saying, returns of that stature are amazing.

What are Mr. Buffett's three rules for investing? ›

Buffett's 3 Best Rules for Stock Investing
  • Invest within your circle of competence.
  • Think like a business owner when buying equities.
  • Buy at inexpensive prices to provide a margin of safety.
Sep 22, 2023

What is the Warren Buffett theory? ›

Buffett follows the Benjamin Graham school of value investing which looks for securities with prices that are unjustifiably low based on their intrinsic worth. Buffett looks at companies as a whole rather than focusing on the supply-and-demand intricacies of the stock market.

What did Warren Buffett tell his wife to invest in? ›

In the interview, he said the Berkshire shares would go to philanthropy. Part of the cash would go directly to his wife and part to a trustee. He told the trustee to put 10% of the cash in short-term government bonds and 90% in a low-cost S&P 500 index fund.

What are Warren Buffett's 10 rules for success? ›

Warren Buffett's ten rules for success and how we can apply them to our lives
  • Reinvest Your Profits. ...
  • Be Willing to Be Different. ...
  • Never Suck Your Thumb. ...
  • Spell Out the Deal Before You Start. ...
  • Watch Small Expenses. ...
  • Limit What You Borrow. ...
  • Be Persistent. ...
  • Know When to Quit.
Dec 28, 2023

What is the 10X rule in investing? ›

While it is true that angel investors (like our dragons) typically seek 10 times their money back over 3-5 years that isn't the source of the "10x rule". The 10x rule means that in order to gain market traction a product must be exponentially better. ie 10 x faster, 10x smaller, 10x cheaper, 10x more profitable.

What is the concept of 10X rule? ›

The 10X Rule essentially revolves around what is considered that Principle of Massive Action — this concept that any time you put an exceedingly great amount of effort into anything you do, you're guaranteed to achieve exceedingly great results.

What is the 10X rule example? ›

The 10X rule is based on the idea you should figure out what you want to do, what goal you have, be it making a certain amount of money, finding your ideal loved one, achieving a certain body fat percentage, and multiply the effort and time you think it'll take to do by 10.

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