This episode explores the investment strategies and philosophies of François Rochon, a seasoned investor with a remarkable track record. Against the backdrop of a strong 2024 market performance, particularly for large-cap companies, Rochon emphasizes the importance of long-term investing and avoiding market timing. More significantly, he details his approach to identifying "owner's earnings" as a key metric for evaluating company performance and intrinsic value, highlighting the strong correlation between earnings growth and stock price appreciation over the long term. For instance, he discusses his investment in Booking Holdings, a company he's followed for years, emphasizing its strong competitive advantage and conservative accounting practices. The discussion also touches upon his four key risk considerations for equity investors: diversification, business quality, valuation, and investor behavior. Ultimately, Rochon's insights underscore the value of patience, thorough due diligence, and a focus on owning great businesses as the foundation for long-term investment success.
