Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Warren Buffett's investment in ConocoPhillips, highlighting the lessons learned from the investment's poor performance during the 2008 financial crisis and the cyclical nature of resource stocks [2][5][9]. Investment History - Buffett first invested in ConocoPhillips in 2006, acquiring 17.94 million shares at a cost of $1.067 billion. He significantly increased his stake in 2008 when oil prices peaked, spending $7 billion to buy an additional 70 million shares [3]. - The price of oil surged from $30 per barrel in 2003 to a peak of $147 per barrel in 2008, leading to a belief that prices would continue to rise [2][3]. Financial Performance - Following the 2008 financial crisis, oil prices plummeted, causing ConocoPhillips' stock price to drop from over $90 to below $40. Buffett sold most of his shares in 2009, incurring a loss of $2.6 billion [3][4]. - The actual annualized return from investing in ConocoPhillips since 2006 is 5.34%, and since 2008, it is only 3.27%, both trailing behind the S&P 500 [4]. Lessons Learned - The investment in ConocoPhillips is viewed as a significant mistake by Buffett, who acknowledged that he failed to accurately assess oil price trends and industry cycles [6][7]. - The management of ConocoPhillips made poor decisions, such as overpaying for acquisitions at the peak of the market, which led to high leverage and reduced return on equity [8][9]. Investment Strategy Recommendations - Resource stocks exhibit strong cyclical characteristics, making it challenging to predict their cycles. It is advised that investors consider entering these stocks only during clear cyclical lows [9]. - Long-term returns in resource stocks depend not only on price cycles but also on the management's ability to allocate capital effectively. Companies that acquire quality assets at low prices during downturns tend to perform better [9][10].
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