Friday 30 December 2011

Only One Warren Buffett: Buffett's investing style is to buy great companies at reasonable prices.


Buffett is often thought of as a pure value investor, buying companies and shares only when they are dirt cheap. He does some of that, and his investments in Goldman and GE last year were an example.

But far and away Buffett's investing style is to buy great companies at reasonable prices. His simple definition of a great company is one which has a sustainable competitive advantage, like a railway, for example.
Price wise, he is not getting Burlington on the cheap. The Financial Times calls Burlinton's valuation "generous", but also says "Buffett is not a man to quibble (on price) when he sees something he likes".

Buffett imitators often try to buy shares in a company because they are cheap. Buffett himself concentrates on buying great businesses. The difference is chalk and cheese, and it's the reason why there's only one Warren Buffett.


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