Roger Lowenstein: Buffett on Buybacks: The Oracle Speaks With Censorious Tongue, 2023

Roger Lowenstein looks at Warren Buffetts’ decision to discuss the politicized topic of stock buybacks in his shareholder letter.

Summary:

In the article “Buffett on Buybacks,” Roger Lowenstein examines Warren Buffett’s perspective on share repurchases, highlighting several key points:

• Buffett’s Approach to Buybacks: Buffett views share buybacks as a means to enhance shareholder value when executed at prices below the company’s intrinsic value. He emphasizes that repurchases should be conducted judiciously, ensuring they are accretive to remaining shareholders.
• Recent Buyback Activity: Berkshire Hathaway’s buyback activity has varied over time. In the second quarter of 2024, the company repurchased approximately $345 million of its stock, marking the smallest quarterly repurchase since 2018. This reduction suggests that Buffett may believe the stock is currently overvalued.
• Valuation Considerations: Buffett cautions against repurchasing shares at inflated prices, as this can erode value for remaining shareholders. He advocates for a disciplined approach, repurchasing shares only when they are trading below their intrinsic value.
• Capital Allocation Philosophy: Buffett’s capital allocation strategy prioritizes investments that offer the highest returns relative to their risk. While buybacks can be a valuable tool, they are considered only when they meet the stringent criteria of enhancing shareholder value.

In summary, Warren Buffett views share buybacks as a strategic tool to return capital to shareholders, provided they are executed at favorable valuations that enhance the intrinsic value of the company.

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