Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 558

Exploiting Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett and his former offsider Charlie Munger are treated like investing royalty, and rightly so. Yet, their success also makes them valuable marketing tools. For journalists looking for headline clickbait. For fund managers looking to bask in their wisdom and afterglow. And likewise for CEOs.

It’s a newer trend which disturbs me more. That is, of growth investors selectively quoting Buffett and Munger to justify their purchases of ‘wonderful’ businesses, or compounders.

Invariably, the story is told of how Munger turned Buffett from a Ben Graham-type value investor into a growth investor. It’s supported by quotes from Buffett like these:

“It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price, than a fair company at a wonderful price.”

“If a business does well, the stock eventually follows.”

“Only buy something that you’d be perfectly happy to hold if that market shut down for 10 years.”

As well as by quotes from Munger like this:

"Over the long term, it's hard for a stock to earn a much better return than the business which underlies it earns. If the business earns 6% on capital over 40 years and you hold it for that 40 years, you're not going to make much different than a 6% return—even if you originally buy it at a huge discount.”

Growth investors are rightly basking in a golden era where their style of investing has crushed indices. Since the GFC, growth investing has reined supreme, while the likes of value have been pulverised. Fast growing companies such as the ‘Magnificent Seven’ in the US, and Cochlear, Pro Medicus, and Technology One in Australia have delivered incredible returns for shareholders.

Yet the past isn’t the future, and one key component of Buffett and Munger’s investing is increasingly being ignored: that buying stocks at the right price matters too.

Here’s Buffett on the topic:

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”

“For the investor, a too-high purchase price for the stock of an excellent company can undo the effects of a subsequent decade of favourable business developments.”

“The three most important words in investing are margin of safety.”

“Most people get interested in stocks when everybody else is. The time to get interested is when no one else is. You can’t buy what is popular and do well.”

And here’s Munger:

“You’re looking for a mispriced gamble. That’s what investing is. And you have to know enough to know whether the gamble is mispriced. That’s value investing.”

The growth mantra

Let’s look at an example of what I’ll call the ‘growth investing mantra’. Last week, Rudi Filapek-Vandyck wrote an article for Firstlinks on the virtues of buying wonderful businesses like CBA. Rudi is a quality thinker and writer, though I respectfully disagree with some of his conclusions.

In the article, Rudi suggests that the reason that US markets have crushed Australia’s since the GFC is because they have a greater number of high-quality businesses. That’s undoubtedly correct.

He goes on to say that Australia still has some quality growth stocks. He compares CBA to the rest of the major banks. Over the past 20 years, NAB has delivered minimal returns, ex dividends.


Source: Morningstar

Westpac has done a bit better. From the bottom of the GFC, it’s risen 4.7% per annum. Including dividends and franking, brings that return up to 9-10%. Yet, most other timeframes other than from the bottom of the GFC would have delivered little in returns for investors.

Compare that to CBA. From March 2009, it’s returned 22% per annum, ex dividends.


Source: Morningstar

It’s quite the contrast. And what accounts for the very different returns from CBA versus the other banks? According to Rudi, it’s the quality of CBA compared to the rest. And he says that CBA has been the most expensive bank throughout that 16-year period, and it’s still delivered the best returns. The lesson? Buy the best companies.

What’s missing?

What he doesn’t mention though is that earnings growth for CBA has been mediocre since the GFC. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) was 313.4 cents in 2009, and that went up to 601.4 cents last financial year. That’s an EPS compound annual growth rate of 4.4%. If we reduce the timeframe from 15 years to the last decade, EPS has compounded at an annual rate of 2.32%.

In other words, the bulk of the fantastic returns of CBA over the past 15 years has come from multiple expansion – the multiple that investors have been willing to pay for those CBA earnings.

When CBA bottomed in March 2009, it traded under $25. Then, the price-to-earnings ratio (PER) was around 8x 2009 earnings, or less than 7x 2008 earnings. The stock was dirt cheap at that stage.

Since then, the PER has risen to a peak above 20x in March this year, and it’s just under that now.

The upshot is that there is a vast difference in the valuation attached to CBA now versus 2009. Today, the shares trade for almost 3x the multiple they did back then. Your starting point today is that you’re paying almost 20x earnings for a stock growing EPS at 2% per annum.

CBA’s potential returns over the next decade

What can we expect for returns from CBA over the next 10 years? We can use a simple but useful formula:

Expected returns (nominal, annualized over the next 10 years) = Starting dividend yield + Earnings growth + percentage change (annualized) in the PER multiple.

CBA’s dividend yield is 3.78% and if we plug in 2.32% EPS growth, as it’s averaged over the past decade, that gets us to total annual returns of 6.01%.

Of course, earnings going forward are dependent on numerous things, and past earnings may not be indicative of future ones. I’d argue that the earnings assumption is probably realistic. The past decade has delivered an enormous housing boom that’s fuelled CBA’s loan book. Yet, it’s also suffered from poor margins due to low interest rates throughout much of the period. Costs have also spiked from increased technology spend and more recently, wages.

Looking ahead, margins should improve as rates stay higher, though that may be crimped by the increased competition for deposits from the likes of Macquarie. On the other hand, it’s harder to see the housing boom being replicated, and bad debts staying as low as they have been.

A big swing factor for returns will be whether CBA can retain its current PER multiple of ~20x. If it does, then shareholders can expect around that 6% in total return, provided my earnings assumption proves right. If the multiple is cut to 15x, and assuming the same earnings growth, then expected total annual returns would fall to just 3.8%.

Whether you use heroic or conservative earnings assumptions, the maths suggest that CBA won’t deliver anything but mediocre to poor returns over the next decade. And it’s principally because the current share price is exorbitant for a slow growing stock.

Other market darlings

With growth stories scarce in Australia, investors seem willing to pay up, and then some, for a select group of other stocks too. For instance, Cochlear is trading at a cool 46x next year’s earnings. That’s for a stock that’s grown EPS at 9% and 7% per annum over the past five and ten years respectively.


Source: Morningstar

Cochlear’s PER equates to an earnings yield of just 2.17% (earnings yield is the inverse of PER, or earnings divided by price). That earnings yield is under half the 10-year Australian government bond yield, or risk-free rate, of 4.5%. In other words, you can invest in a risk-free bond at more than 2x the yield that you’ll get from investing in Cochlear.

Cochlear is also trading at a steep premium to most of the Magnificent Seven tech stocks in the US, which are growing much more strongly. For example, Nvidia is trading on a forward PER of 36x, and Microsoft is at 29x.

On a lot of fronts, Cochlear’s pricing doesn’t make sense. And that will impact its future returns. If the PER drops from the current 46x to 30x, that will shave almost 5% per annum off total returns over a 10-year period. Investors will need very strong earnings growth over that period, or the multiple to stay near where it is now, for the stock to return anything close to the ASX 200 over that same period.

That also assumes that the business doesn’t trip up during that time, which is far from a sure thing.

 

James Gruber is an assistant editor at Firstlinks and Morningstar.com.au.

 

16 Comments
Rudi Filapek-Vandyck
May 06, 2024

It looks like my story (in last week's edition) has inspired the story above. I'd like to point out my story never advocated investors should buy anything at any price.

What my research does prove, and what became the essence of my story, is that investing in quality companies is the surest strategy for superior returns, rather than buying 'cheap' shares because, well, they look 'cheap'.

And that is the exact message of the quote from Charlie Munger I referred to. CBA is oft referred to as the highest quality bank in Australia. That's why its shares trade at a premium versus the others.

What typical value investors find hard to understand is that the 'cheaper' alternatives do not by default generate the better return, outside, maybe, a short-term catch up.

That is exactly what my story illustrated, and frankly, it is difficult to argue with the differences in return over the past 15 years.

But none of the above says CBA at its current price is 'fair value' or that I am mis-quoting Charlie Munger (I believe I am not).

While CBA shares had become 'cheap' at the depths of the GFC, they have consistently traded at a premium throughout the 15 years since. It has never prevented those premium-priced shares from offering shareholders the superior reward in the sector.

That is the core essence of my research/message/analysis. The cheapest stock does not offer the best return. It's most likely the better quality, less-cheaply priced (at a relative premium) stock that returns the most, if time is allowed to do its work.

I am aware this is a shock to your typical value-inspired investor mindset, but that doesn't make it untrue.

This is, and remains, the outcome from my 'Quality'-oriented research, backed by many more examples outside of the local banking sector. Try REA Group versus Domain, or Aristocrat Leisure versus Ainsworth Gaming, etc. By the way, Macquarie beats all of the local banks, handsomely, and that's not coincidence either.

Finally, and this is why every investor should pay attention: I do not believe the next ten years will be fundamentally different from the past decade. If anything, the difference between High Quality and Low(er) Quality might well become even more pronounced.

And, indeed, this means stocks valued on a relative premium, assuming they are truly of High Quality, will continue to generate superior returns. Unless shares are pricing-in excessive exuberance.

The latter will always be something investors need to be mindful of. Goes without saying.

James Gruber
May 06, 2024

Hi Rudy,

Thanks for your comments. Your article wasn't the trigger for this one; it was more an inbox full of buy x compounder at 40x because quality will always pay off. In hindsight, I regret elaborating on yours as it's a more thoughtful and rational perspective.

One thing I didn't have space to mention here is the academic literature on quality as a style factor. Generally it concludes that yes, quality has outperformed many other styles over time. However, the timeframes for the research of up to 50-60 years are short in the scheme of things, and therefore not entirely conclusive. The other point is that quality often underperforms other factors including value over long stretches of time.

The point of my article is that quality and momentum have outperformed other styles for a long period now, and that won't continue indefinitely. And that will surprise a lot of investors who are currently blindly buying 'quality' stocks.

It's also worth noting that Charlie Munger also expressed in his last years that his style of investing had become exceedingly popular and he was wary of that. Also, he refused to recommend for people to buy Costco, of which he was a director, even though he thought it one of the best companies in the world, principally because he believed it to be fully priced.

Buying quality is great; even better when it's with a margin of safety.

Best,
James

Blake B
May 06, 2024

Buffett's comment at his annual meeting was telling:

“I don’t think anyone at this table has any idea of how to use it [US$189B in cash] effectively, and therefore we don’t use it. We only swing at pitches we like… today things aren’t attractive. We’re not using it at 5.4%, but I wouldn’t use it at 1% either. But don’t tell the Federal Reserve that.

I don’t mind at all, given current conditions, building our cash position. When I look at the equity markets and the composition of what’s going on in the world, we find cash quite attractive.”

Peter Thornhill
May 05, 2024

Oh dear. I hadn't realised how disappointed I should be but then again I stupidly spend little time digging into my holdings; careless really but I'm only interested in the dividends appearing in our bank account.
Thought I should check. Present value
CBA- Bought in 2001; over time, total invested $113K and divs todate are $230K total return 13% p.a. $346K
COH- Bought in 1995; over time, total invested $106K and divs todate are $130K total return 23.1%p.a. $990K
CCP- Bought in 2000: $151K $478K 27% p.a. $995K
CSL- Bought in 2002 $179K $236K 23% p.a. $1,930K
These crackers at least this help cover the few shares I bought that went bust. Our super fund adminstrator informs me that since inception in 2000 our super fund has returned 10.5% p.a. compared to the ASX 200 Accum at 7.5% over the same period. As an aside, the issue of yield drives me nuts. A high yield does not ensure the best income. My best dividend payers are the lowest yielding. Go figure.

Rob
May 07, 2024

Hear, hear!
Agree with every word of this comment. I really don't care too much about price movement, my wife and I live off the $220k of gross dividends we get year in, year out, even accounting for GFC and Covid dips.

Leslie
May 05, 2024

Very insightful and clear article, thanks James!

Ed Heath
May 04, 2024

CBA has a lot of intrinsic strength in its business franchise
1. Approx. 25% market share in key segments and historic business strength for past 100 years.
2. Better managed
3. Higher quality workforce
4. Buy of last resort when other financial institutions go belly up
5. At least 5 years ahead of key competitors in business & technology back office functions
6.Implicit Govt Guarantee & Protection in bad times
7. Australian public has implicit faith in CBA franchise & its viability

With so much in favor, only question remains is how much premium to pay for CBA shares?
Mathematical calculations on CBA trailing returns only throw light on past.

Charlie H
May 03, 2024

I suppose the issue is there is so much money chasing so few growth stocks. We need more good quality stocks on the ASX.

David
May 05, 2024

As soon as the small good ones grow, they get bought out by foreign owners.

Craig Ellis
May 02, 2024

Whilst the theory stacks up James, the reality is a limited free float created by a trillion dollar super pool hunting for assets (11c in every dollar every day) ,mums and dads who bought CBA at $5 and will never sell "coz CGT".

Rob
May 03, 2024

That's me to a tee Craig. Have an average buy price on CBA of $45 (5000 shares) and an average buy price on COH of $20 (2000 shares). I've never sold any CBA and only sold some COH to manage CGT and pay for a house deposit.

Dudley
May 02, 2024

"CBA. From March 2009, it’s returned 22% per annum, ex dividends":

ADJusted for dividends, splits, etc, and Indexed to 100:

CBA:
https://www.marketindex.com.au/asx/cba/advanced-chart
= (842.84 / 100) ^ (1 / ((DATE(2024, 5, 2) - DATE(2009, 3, 2)) / 365.25)) - 1
= 15.1% / y

NAB:
https://www.marketindex.com.au/asx/nab/advanced-chart
=(497.65 / 100) ^ (1 / ((DATE(2024, 5, 2) - DATE(2009, 3, 2)) / 365.25)) - 1
= 11.2% / y

Tim
May 03, 2024

Yeah, 22% p.a. ex dividends doesn't look correct for CBA. Using the XIRR function on excel gives 8.3% p.a. ex. divs and 15.9% p.a. inc. divs (31 dividends from March 09 to present, totaling $57.66 per share).

Rudi Filapek-Vandyck
May 06, 2024

Hi Dudley (and Tim), maybe the following numbers will show the message from my story:

-Total return over 15 years, ex dividends:

-CBA = 338%
-ANZ = 135%
-NAB = 103%
-Westpac = 71%

As per always, we can discuss angles and commas, but those are the blanket facts. And THAT was the message from my story (included last week)

Dudley
May 06, 2024

2029/Feb/2 to 2024/May/1:
https://www.marketindex.com.au/asx/cba/advanced-chart

'Total' return multiple:
Symbol: excluding dividends, including reinvested dividends (and splits etc):
CBA: 3.997 8.8865
ANZ: 2.188 5.0695
NAB: 1.9176 4.6987
WBC: 1.7397 4.0814

They all offer barely competitive deposit interest rates. Some rates being extremely anti(?)-competitive.
CBA used to offer good rates, but have not for 15 years. They found cheaper source of funds.

My ignorant opinion is that their lending rates are also barely competitive.

Dudley
May 06, 2024

"2029/Feb/2" --> 2009/Feb/2

 

Leave a Comment:

     

RELATED ARTICLES

Are term deposits attractive right now?

On the virtue of owning wonderful businesses like CBA

Retail investors aren't buying the dip

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

An important Foxtel announcement...

News Corp's plans to sell Foxtel are surprising in that streaming assets Kayo, Binge and Hubbl look likely to go with it. This and recent events in the US show the bind that legacy TV businesses find themselves in.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 581 with weekend update

A recent industry event made me realise that a 30 year old investing trend could still have serious legs. Could it eventually pose a threat to two of Australia's biggest companies?

  • 10 October 2024

The quirks of retirement planning with an age gap

A big age gap can make it harder to find a solution that works for both partners – financially and otherwise. Having a frank conversation about the future, and having it as early as possible, is essential.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 578 with weekend update

The number of high-net-worth individuals in Australia has increased by almost 9% over the past year, and they now own $3.3 trillion in investable assets. A new report reveals how the wealthy are investing their money.

  • 19 September 2024

The everything rally brings danger and opportunity

Most market players today seek quick rewards and validation of opinion. Outsiders willing to combine new technology with old-fashioned patience and focused analysis can prosper.

The challenges of building a portfolio from scratch

It surprises me how often individual investors and even seasoned financial professionals don’t know the basics of building an investment portfolio. Here is a guide to do just that, as well as the challenges involved.

Latest Updates

Retirement

The quirks of retirement planning with an age gap

A big age gap can make it harder to find a solution that works for both partners – financially and otherwise. Having a frank conversation about the future, and having it as early as possible, is essential.

The everything rally brings danger and opportunity

Most market players today seek quick rewards and validation of opinion. Outsiders willing to combine new technology with old-fashioned patience and focused analysis can prosper.

Investment strategies

Portfolio construction in the real world

Building a portfolio is like building a house. This framework can help you move towards your goals without losing sight of reality or leaving yourself vulnerable to market storms.

Shares

Feel the fear and buy anyway

In this extract from his new book, the co-founder of Intelligent Investor reveals how investors can avoid critical mistakes and profit from opportunities in collapsing share prices.

Investment strategies

The risks of market concentration and not staying invested

MFS chief investment officer and CEO elect Ted Maloney talks market risks, similarities between Trump and Harris, and the most important thing investors can do to avoid destroying value.

Gold

Gold's important role as geopolitical tensions rise

Equity markets have traditionally struggled at times of sustained geopoltical tension. Gold, on the other hand, has thrived and can provide investors with protection against "unknown unknowns".

Strategy

The changing face of finals footy and the numbers behind it

A well-meaning AFL rule change in 2016 seems to have had unintended consequences. The top teams might cry foul but AFL bosses are unlikely to be too miffed about the outcome.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.