One of the benefits of attending the Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK-B ) shareholders' meeting is learning from the great value investors and Buffettologists who also make the yearly trek to Omaha. In this multipart series, Fool analyst Rex Moore speaks with Lawrence Cunningham, author of The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America. The book offers a unique approach by arranging all of Buffett's shareholder letters thematically, rather than chronologically.
Today, Professor Cunningham explains the major difference in how Buffett invests now compared to early in his career.
Is Berkshire for you?
Thanks to the savvy of investing legend Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway's book value per share has grown a mind-blowing 586,817% over the past 48 years. But with Buffett aging and Berkshire rapidly evolving, is this insurance conglomerate still a buy today? In The Motley Fool's premium report on the company, Berkshire expert Joe Magyer provides investors with key reasons to buy as well as important risks to watch out for. Click here now for instant access to Joe's take on Berkshire!
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies To Own In Right Now: Northstar Realty Finance Corp. (NRF)
NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. operates as a real estate investment trust in the United States. It invests in real estate debt business, which acquires, originates, and structures debt investments secured primarily by income-producing real estate properties; real estate securities business that invests in commercial real estate debt securities, including commercial mortgage backed securities, REIT unsecured debt, and credit tenant loans; and net lease properties business, which acquires properties that are primarily net leased to corporate tenants. The company has elected to be taxed as a REIT and it would not be subject to federal income tax, provided it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its shareholders. NorthStar Realty Finance was founded in 1997 and is based in New York City.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Lauren Pollock]
NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.(NRF) disclosed a plan to spin off its asset-management business into a separate publicly traded company, a move investors praised. NorthStar’s shares rose 17% to $11.60 premarket.
- [By Rich Duprey]
Not only will following the north star help you find your way when lost, but it will lead you to riches, too. NorthStar Realty Finance� (NYSE: NRF ) �announced yesterday it�will pay a�regular quarterly dividend�of $0.19 per share on May 17 to the holders of record at the close of business on May 13.�
- [By alicet236]
Northstar Realty Finance Corporation (NRF): Chairman and CEO David T. Hamamoto Sold 639,182 Shares
Chairman and CEO of Northstar Realty Finance Corporation (NRF) David T. Hamamoto sold 639,182 shares on 01/13/2014 at an average price of $14.14. NorthStar Realty Finance Corporation is a Maryland corporation formed in October 2003. Northstar Realty Finance Corporation has a market cap of $4.16 billion; its shares were traded at around $14.00 with and P/S ratio of 4.15. The dividend yield of Northstar Realty Finance Corporation stocks is 5.57%.
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies To Own In Right Now: Dollar Financial Corp.(DLLR)
DFC Global Corp. provides retail financial services to unbanked and under-banked consumers, and small businesses. Its primary products and services include short-term consumer loans, single-payment consumer loans, check cashing services, secured pawn loans, and gold buying services. The company also provides other retail services and products comprising money order and money transfer products, foreign currency exchange, VISA and MasterCard branded reloadable debit cards, electronic tax filing, bill payment, and prepaid local and long-distance phone services. In addition, it offers military installment loan and education services, such as fee based services to enlisted military personnel applying for loans to purchase new and used vehicles. The company provides its products and services through storefront locations, as well as via the Internet. As of August 25, 2011, it operated through a network of approximately 1,300 retail storefront locations. It operates its locations principally under the Money Mart, The Money Shop, mce, Insta-Cheques, Suttons and Robertson, The Check Cashing Store, Sefina, Helsingin Panttism, Optima, and Money Now in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Poland, the Republic of Ireland, Sweden, and Finland. The company was formerly known as Dollar Financial Corp. and changed its name to DFC Global Corp. in August 2011. DFC Global Corp. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By John Udovich]
Despite�a slow global economy and continued high unemployment in many countries, small cap payday or pawn stocks Cash Store Financial Services Inc (NYSE: CSFS), DFC Global Corp (NASDAQ: DLLR) and Cash America International, Inc (NYSE: CSH) have not exactly been performing well since the start of the year. In fact, these three stocks are the worst performers in the payday or pawn loan sector, down 38.5%, down 14.4% and up 4.6%, respectively, since the start of the year.
- [By John Kell]
DFC Global Corp.'s(DLLR) fiscal second-quarter profit tumbled 88% as the operator of check-cashing stores was hurt by weaker gold prices and a weaker Canadian dollar. Results for the period badly missed Wall Street’s expectations, and DFC cut its expectations for the fiscal year. Shares dropped 24% to $8 premarket.
Top Mid Cap Stocks To Buy Right Now: American Eagle Outfitters Inc (AEO)
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO, Inc) is a specialty retailer that operates in the United Sates and Canada, and online at ae.com. AEO, Inc operates under the American Eagle (AE), aerie by American Eagle (aerie), and 77kids by american eagle (77kids) brands. Through the Company�� family of brands, it offers clothing, accessories and personal care products. As of January 28, 2012, the Company operated 1,090 stores in the United States and Canada under the American Eagle Outfitters, aerie and 77kids brands. The Company also had 21 franchised stores operated by its franchise partners in 10 countries. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Company opened 33 new stores. As of December 31, 2011, it operated in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. During fiscal 2011, the Company remodeled and refurbished a total of 106 AE stores.
AE Brand
The American Eagle Outfitters brand targets 15 to 25-year old men and women. Denim is the cornerstone of the American Eagle product assortment, which is complemented by other categories including sweaters, graphic t-shirts, fleece, outerwear and accessories. As of January 28, 2012, the Company operated 911 American Eagle Outfitters stores. During fiscal 2011, it opened 11 AE stores.
aerie by American Eagle
The Company�� aerie is a collection of Dormwear, intimates and personal care products for the AE girl. The collection is available in aerie stores throughout the United States and Canada, online at aerie.com and at select American Eagle stores. As of January 28, 2012, AEO, Inc operated 158 aerie stores. During fiscal 2011, it opened 10 aerie stores.
77kids by american eagle
77kids offers clothing and accessories for kid�� ages 2 to 14 and babies under the brand name little77TM. As of January 28, 2012, the Company operated 21 77kids stores. All 77kids clothing is backed by the brand�� 77wash and 77soft. During fiscal 2011, AEO, Inc opened 12 77kids stores.
AEO Direct
The Company's online business, AEO Direct, ships to 77 countries worldwide. The Company sells merchandise via its e-commerce operations, ae.com, aerie.com and 77kids.com, which are extensions of the lifestyle that it conveys in its stores. As of December 31, 2011, AEO Direct shipped to 77 countries worldwide. In addition to purchasing items online, customers can experience AEO Direct in-store through Store-to-Door. Store-to-Door enables store associates to sell any item available online to an in-store customer in a single transaction. The Company accepts PayPal and Bill Me Later as a means of payment from its ae.com, aerie.com and 77kids.com customers.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Andrew Marder]
Yesterday, teen apparel retailer American Eagle (NYSE: AEO ) posted its first-quarter results. The company has struggled over the last year as it tries to find its niche. Recently, management has tried to shift from supplying just basics to a wider range of fashion items. Apparently, it hasn't caught on just yet.
- [By Traders Reserve]
One name that you can probably count on becoming a target is American Eagle Outfitters (AEO). Like Abercrombie, shares of American Eagle have fallen over the last year. Fashion-fickle teens and a challenged consumer economy have made for a tough go of it. That said, the company is an iconic brand that will be in favor again. A private equity or hedge fund manager is likely to acquire shares at these levels before they take off similarly to Abercrombie.
- [By Douglas A. McIntyre]
The Old Navy decision is not a direct threat to full service retailers, but for niche clothiers, particularly targeting young people, the sweepstakes could trigger problems. Shares of Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE: ANF) have already been bludgeoned due to a forecast of�falling sales and a plan to close stores. Its shares trade at $33, near the 52-week low and well off the 52-week high of just above $55.� And, smaller rival American Eagle Outfitters�(NYSE:AEO) recently revised its earnings forecasts higher for the current quarter due to�better margins. Its shares, however, remain near one year lows.
- [By Johanna Bennett]
Meanwhile, Barclays Capital analyst Matthew McClintock expects to get �� good read��on the teen category from both Aeropostale (ARO) and American Eagle (AEO) when they report results on Wednesday and Friday, respectively. Meanwhile, November sales for Gap (GPS), L Brands (LB), and Costco Wholesale (COST) are slated to be released on Thursday.
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies To Own In Right Now: LivePerson Inc.(LPSN)
LivePerson, Inc. provides online engagement solutions that facilitate real-time assistance and expert advice in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company facilitates real-time online interactions, such as chat, voice/click-to-call, email, and self-service/knowledgebase for corporations of various sizes; and connects businesses and independent service providers with individual consumers seeking help on its hosted software platform. Its products and services comprise LP Chat that creates real-time connections for businesses to connect with consumers through Websites, social media, and mobile devices; LP Voice, which provides customers a connection between a Website and the voice channel to engage prospects and consumers online; and LivePerson Expert Platform, a marketplace platform that allows users to chat live with independent experts in various categories. The company?s products and services also include LP Marketer that o ffers a real-time data-driven targeting solution that delivers personalized digital user experiences; and LP Insights, which provide customers with a text analytics tool that enables them to data mine for ?Voice of the Customer? and ?Voice of the Agent? content. In addition, it offers provides professional services and value-added business consulting services. The company sells its products through direct and indirect sales channels to small and mid-sized businesses, Internet businesses, online merchants, universities, libraries, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations, as well as to financial, retail, telecommunications, technology, and travel/hospitality industries. LivePerson, Inc. was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By GURUFOCUS]
LivePerson, Inc. (LPSN) provides online engagement solutions (e.g., chat, marketing campaigns) and analytics. LivePerson's stock pulled back following first quarter results that missed management's expectations due to several enterprise customers cancelling the service. While we had been patient with the company's challenging transition from single product (chat) company to an engagement platform provider, we decided to exit our position as the large customer cancellations were inconsistent with our investment thesis. (Gilad Shany)
- [By Brendan Byrnes]
The following video excerpt was taken from an interview with Robert LoCascio, founder and CEO of LivePerson (NASDAQ: LPSN ) , as he talks about what was behind the company's incredible success story. In this segment, he discusses how his company survived the bursting of the dot-com bubble burst.
- [By Brendan Byrnes]
The following video excerpt was taken from an interview with Robert LoCascio, founder and CEO of LivePerson (NASDAQ: LPSN ) , as he talks about what was behind the company's incredible success story. In this segment, he�explains how his line of products and services uses predictive technology to move beyond a basic chat company. A transcript follows the video.
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies To Own In Right Now: Austin Engineering Ltd (ANG)
Austin Engineering Limited is engaged in the manufacture, repair, overhaul and supply of mining attachment products, general steelwork structures and other associated products and services for the industrial and resources-related business sectors. The Company operates in four segments: Australia, which includes mining equipment, other products and repair and maintenance services; Americas, which includes mining equipment and other products, consisting of North America and South America; Asia, which includes Indonesia for mining equipment and other products, and the Middle East, which includes aluminum smelter equipment and products. In October 2013, Austin Engineering Limited completed the acquisition of the business of Servigrut. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Julia Leite]
South African miners rallied after a recovery in gold prices. The FTSE/JSE Africa All-Share Index climbed 1.5 percent in Johannesburg, with Harmony Gold Mining Co. (HAR) and AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (ANG) adding at least 5.2 percent.
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies To Own In Right Now: Cynosure Inc.(CYNO)
Cynosure, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets aesthetic treatment systems to the dermatology, plastic surgery, and general medical markets. Its aesthetic treatment systems incorporate a range of laser and other light-based energy sources, including Alexandrite, pulse dye, Nd:Yag, and diode lasers, as well as intense pulsed light. The company?s aesthetic treatment systems comprise the Elite product line for hair removal, treatment of facial, and leg veins and pigmentations; the Smartlipo product line for LaserBodySculpting for the removal of unwanted fat; the Cellulaze, SmoothShapes XV, and TriActive product line for the temporary and long-term reduction in the appearance of cellulite; the Affirm/SmartSkin product line for anti-aging applications, such as treatments for wrinkles, skin texture, skin discoloration, and skin tightening; the Cynergy product line for the treatment of vascular lesions; and the Accolade product line for the removal of benign pigmented lesion s, as well as multi-colored tattoos. It sells its products through a direct sales force in North America, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Korea, China, Japan, and Mexico; and through international distributors in 84 other countries. Cynosure, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is based in Westford, Massachusetts.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Rich Duprey]
Aesthetic-laser maker Cynosure (NASDAQ: CYNO ) announced yesterday that it had completed the acquisition of rival laser specialist Palomar Medical Technologies for $146 million cash and 6 million shares for a total value of around $294 million.
- [By Seth Jayson]
There's no foolproof way to know the future for Cynosure (Nasdaq: CYNO ) or any other company. However, certain clues may help you see potential stumbles before they happen -- and before your stock craters as a result.
- [By John Udovich]
On Tuesday, small cap biotech stock Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: KYTH) surged around 25% after announcing that its ATX-101 REFINE-1 and REFINE-2 Phase III trials met all primary and secondary endpoints for the reduction of so-called double chins; but if investors missed out on that rally, small caps Zeltiq Aesthetics Inc (NASDAQ: ZLTQ), Solta Medical Inc (NASDAQ: SLTM) and Cynosure, Inc (NASDAQ: CYNO) each have a piece of the aesthetic market as well. In the case of Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, its ATX-101 can be injected to deal with double chins���meaning its less invasive than liposuction as the drug dissolves fat cells but leaves other tissue alone. JP Morgan has noted:
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies To Own In Right Now: Stryker Corporation(SYK)
Stryker Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a medical technology company worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Reconstructive, MedSurg, and Neurotechnology and Spine. The Reconstructive segment offers orthopaedic reconstructive (hip and knee) and trauma implant systems, as well as other related products. The MedSurg segment provides surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems; endoscopic and communications systems; patient handling and emergency medical equipment; and other related products. The Neurotechnology and Spine segment offers neurovascular products, spinal implant systems, and other related products. The company sells its products through local dealers and direct sales force to doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, as well as through third-party dealers and distributors in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Japan, Canada, the Pacific region, and the Latin America region. Stryker Corporat ion was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Jake L'Ecuyer]
Equities Trading UP
MAKO Surgical (NASDAQ: MAKO) shot up 82.38 percent to $29.49 after the company agreed to be acquired by Stryker (NYSE: SYK) for $30 per share in cash. Shares of Ascena Retail Group (NASDAQ: ASNA) got a boost, shooting up 16.34 percent to $20.17 after the company reported upbeat fiscal fourth-quarter results. - [By Maxx Chatsko]
A costly recall of Colleague infusion pumps that forced the company to take a $588 million charge to net income in 2010 -- and tens of millions more in other years -- is now finally behind it. It isn't alone. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ ) and Stryker (NYSE: SYK ) both suffered setbacks with hip implants in recent years, although few companies have a recall history that rivals Johnson & Johnson.�
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies To Own In Right Now: C&F Financial Corporation(CFFI)
C&F Financial Corporation operates as the holding company for Citizens and Farmers Bank that provides various banking and related financial services to individuals and businesses. It operates through three segments: Retail Banking, Mortgage Banking, and Consumer Finance. The Retail Banking segment offers various types of checking and savings deposit accounts; business, real estate, development, mortgage, home equity, and installment loans; and ATMs, Internet banking, and credit cards, as well as travelers? checks, safe deposit box rentals, collection, notary public, wire service, and other customary bank services. This segment provides retail banking services at its main office in West Point, Virginia; and 17 branches in Chester, Hampton, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Newport News, Norge, Providence Forge, Quinton, Saluda, Sandston, Varina, West Point, Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Richmond, Virginia. The Mortgage Banking segment originates conventional mortgage loans, mortga ge loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration, mortgage loans partially guaranteed by the Veterans Administration, and home equity loans. This segment provides mortgage loan origination services through 15 locations in Virginia, 4 in Maryland, and 2 in North Carolina, as well as 1 each in Wilmington, Delaware; Moorestown, New Jersey; and York, Pennsylvania. The Consumer Finance segment provides automobile loans in Virginia and in portions of Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, and West Virginia through offices in Richmond and Hampton, Virginia; Nashville, Tennessee; and Towson, Maryland. The company also offers brokerage services, and insurance and title insurance services. C&F Financial Corporation was founded in 1927 and is based in West Point, Virginia.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Doug Hughes]
An example of that would be C&F Financial (CFFI) in Westport, Virginia. The CEO, Larry Dillon, has been there for 35 years, plus, the bank is trading at a p/e of 6 or 7, if you can believe it. It's only $2 over book value.
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies To Own In Right Now: Pazoo Inc (PZOO)
Pazoo, Inc., formerly IUCSS, Inc., incorporated on November 16, 2010, is a development-stage company. The Company is an online retailer and distributer of nutritional foods/supplements, wellness goods, and fitness apparel.
As of December 31, 2011, the Company�� source of revenue was through www.pazoo.com. The Company offers a range of products through various catalogs, such as health and beauty, vitamins and supplements, apparel, accessories, food and beverages, fitness and sports equipments, gifts, videos and books, and pet wellness.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Bryan Murphy]
For those traders who were lucky and smart enough to be in an Arotech Corporation (NASDAQ:ARTX) before today, then congratulations - you're up at least 38% on your position. Now it's time to get out. Conversely, if you're looking for a new name to get into (or perhaps looking for a place to park your ARTX proceeds), then you may want to consider Pazoo Inc. (OTCBB:PZOO)... a tiny online retailer of health and fitness goods. PZOO has dropped several tell-tale hints that more upside is on the way.
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies To Own In Right Now: United States Cellular Corporation(USM)
United States Cellular Corporation operates as a wireless telecommunications service provider in the United States. The company offers wireless voice and data services to retail consumer and business customers. It provides wireless services in postpaid service plans with voice, messaging, and data services; and prepaid service plans with minutes, messaging, and data services for a monthly fee. The company also offers various additional features, including caller ID blocking, call forwarding, voicemail, call waiting, and three-way calling; and data usage features consisting of Web browsing, email services, instant messaging, text messaging, and picture and video messaging. As of December 31, 2010, it provided wireless voice and data services to 6.1 million customers in 26 states. In addition, the company operates retail stores that sell a range of wireless devices, including handsets, modems, and tablets, as well as accessories, such as carrying cases, hands-free devices, b atteries, battery chargers, memory cards, and other items to consumers and small businesses. Further, it sells wireless devices to agents and other third-party distributors for resale; operates service facilities that provide servicing and repair for wireless devices; and enables customers to activate service and purchase wireless devices online. The company?s business customers include small-to-mid-size businesses in various industries, including construction, retail, professional services, and real estate. It offers its products and services through retail sales and service centers, direct sales, and independent agents. The company was founded in 1983 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. United States Cellular Corporation is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Tim Beyers]
Low price-to-book stocks suffer from a similar problem. Who cares if the stock sells for a discount to its assets if the company can't earn a good return on said assets? United States Cellular (NYSE: USM ) has seen its returns on assets and equity decline steadily since 2011. Thus, despite a history of trading near or below book value, the stock is down 22% since the beginning of last year.
Investment strategies are just that: strategies. Recognize that every company is different. Analyze the underlying strengths and weaknesses before you buy. Because the more you understand about what drives a business to grow, the more likely it is you'll pay a fair price to own a piece of it, Tim says.
Do you agree? Please watch the video to get Tim's full take, and then leave a comment to let us know which investment strategies have worked best for you. - [By Evan Niu, CFA]
Wireless carrier U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM ) will get Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL ) iPhone "later this year," the company has announced.
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