Companies continue aggressive repurchases and dividends. If you were CEO, why would you want to do this? If you were a policy maker/politician, what would be your reaction?
How much of a real difference do you think the changes at GS will make for younger bankers (analysts and associates)? Why are they making the changes?
Why would businesses sign the Statement of Purpose of a Corporation without apparently following through with changes that elevated “stakeholders”?
How would you spend the “excess cash”? If M&A, how would you ID a target? If you needed advisory services, to whom would you turn?
What’s your opinion on the insider stock sales? Should it be changed at this company (e.g., with blackout periods)? Why or why not? Are there legal issues?
What’s the calculation? What level of margin would you need to make up for reduced volume? Is it sustainable? What are some externalities?
How does Berkshire’s ownership structure affect its operations? Its financial reporting? How will more institutional ownership change this?
Do you think the change in lessor accounting was to fix an “oversight” in the standard? Or, was the FASB bowing to pressure?
Will you consider the new human capital disclosures in your investment decisions? If so, how? If not, why not?
