Osisko (TSE:OSK) – Yet another promotional gold miner

Originally, I was interested in Osisko since it has dropped by three quarters since 2011 and it seemed cheap.  However, the company consistently uses aggressive accounting so it’s not as cheap as it seems.  Overall, Osisko is hard for me to evaluate since (1) I don’t trust the promotional management and (2) there isn’t enough information being disclosed.  I also prefer to invest in management teams that are really good at generating value.

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Avid (AVID): how to lose money when you’re the market leader

Avid develops the software used to make the majority of Hollywood movies, TV shows, and other high-end film/TV productions.  In professional high-end markets, they are the #1 leader.  Yet this company manages to lose money.

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For-profit dialysis: an unethical industry / DaVita (DVA)

I’ve been researching the dialysis industry because Berkshire Hathaway owns DaVita (DVA), one of the largest dialysis providers in the US.  However, I’m not quite sure why Berkshire Hathaway owns this stock.  The for-profits are rarely rewarded for creating value while there are large financial rewards for unethical behaviour.  Buffett has been vocal about not owning Lorillard (a tobacco company) so I don’t see why he would be ok with owning DaVita.  It is possible that Buffett hasn’t researched the company much as Ted Weschler (probably) made the decision to buy it.

Historically, DaVita has been very rewarding for shareholders ever since Kent Thiry saved it from bankruptcy and turned it around.  However, his integrity strikes me as questionable and I’m of the opinion that entrusting your money with unethical people is not a good idea.

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