investmd

Should there be any correlation btw BBY price and principle shareholder FFH? BBY up 25% over past 2 days, while FFH is flat. Conversely, would a sudden drop in BBY price move the needle on FFH price? I do realize that while FFH is a big part of BBY, BBY makes up only a small percentage of FFH.

I see above several references to Francis Chou liking/holding Torstar and I had the same recollection. However checked Chou's latest holdings in Assoc, Asia and Europe as of Dec 31st and Torstar is not listed. Does anyone know for sure if Chou was holding Torstar. thanks,

Even ignoring the equity hedge, the investment portfolio produced less than 5% return in 2013! Hard to fathom. Thoughts around the poor 5 year results on investments with or without hedging? On the other hand glad to see the insurance business is doing well with operating margins <100%.

Even though BRK and FFH are based on the same principles of writing good insurance, & using the float to invest, the tone of the respective 2013 annual letters is completely different. While Buffett is clearly very optimistic about the future of America, Watsa has decided to play for the one in 50 event and admits to being very bearish. Tough climate when 2 very similarly minded individuals think so differently. Delimma for investors who follow the two.

Am optimistic about the positive changes since John Chen has come on board and am a fan of Watsa's intellect, insight and deep value approach. However, am troubled by Watsa's opinions on management for this company. When he first bought in, he made a point of stating how good Lazardis and Balsille were and strong management was a major reason for him to buy in. When that fell apart, he was confident that Thorsten Heins was the man and spoke highly of him. Now similar words about Chen with no explanations as to why his previous choices did not work out. A certain lack of clarity in the process.