Topic: How To Invest

What is Pat’s commentary for the week of September 20, 2016

Article Excerpt

Over the years, many investors have asked why so many of the stocks we recommend have attracted takeover bids. The answer is simple: when we look for stocks to buy, we pay special attention to hidden assets. These are valuable assets that investors overlook, discount or disregard altogether. These same hidden assets have special appeal for companies that are using takeovers to grow. They agree with us: You get more for your money when you buy companies with hidden assets. The conventions of accounting can keep assets out of view. For example, corporate balance sheets generally show the value of real estate at its purchase price. But many corporations own real estate that they bought decades ago, far below today’s prices. The difference between the current value and the balance sheet value is a hidden asset. But it can quickly become apparent if the company sells the real estate, or makes profitable changes in its use. Research spending is another…