RSS Feed
Twitter
Facebook
Email
HomeWhat Was David Sokol Thinking?
Posted by Larry Doyle on March 31st, 2011 10:53 AM |
When an executive is in a position of recommending takeovers to perhaps the most legendary business executive on the planet, what is he doing purchasing a sizable position in that stock a week before making that recommendation? Are Americans still supposed to believe the manner in which markets operate and corporate takeovers occur are fully on the up and up? Stop it.
David Sokol can attempt to explain away his personal trading of Lubrizol stock during the month of December but his purchase of close to 100,000 shares (a dollar commitment of more than $9 million) in early January and less than ten days before broaching the topic to Warren Buffet that Berkshire Hathaway purchase the company SMELLS. (more…)
A Virtual Smorgasbord
Posted by Larry Doyle on March 2nd, 2009 4:24 PM |
On the heels of the news about AIG, Berkshire, and HSBC, the equity markets have found no support today and are down 4%. While the malaise of the markets has much of the focus, let’s review a few other items that I see on today’s menu:
1. In regard to AIG, current CEO Edward Liddy and former CEO Hank Greenberg have started some public feuding over the nature of AIG’s problems. Greenberg is trying to make the case that the risks underwritten at AIG occurred after his departure. Liddy responded that the culture, the compensation system, and the division housing the bulk of AIG’s risk all developed under Greenberg. Wow!! When our country is screaming for leadership, we have senior executives playing the blame game and pointing fingers. How pathetic!! (more…)
When the Oracle of Omaha Speaks..
Posted by Larry Doyle on February 28th, 2009 4:20 PM |
Warren Buffett’s annual letter to shareholders is always a highly anticipated event by market participants. Given the fact that Berkshire is effectively a diversified holdings company, Buffett has a unique perspective into a wide array of businesses. He also has the wisdom of investing over many years and through many challenging markets.
Well, if misery loves company, it has a solid partner in the person of Warren Buffett because 2008 was Berkshire Hathaway’s worst year ever. In reviewing Buffett’s letter allow me to offer some highlights. For those who have an even passing interest in the markets and investing, reading this letter is akin to attending an opera by Pavarotti.
I beg your indulgence as I attempt to be the opening act and provide an overview of the “Oracle of Omaha’s” thoughts on the markets and economy: (more…)
