Core Viewpoint - The differing perspectives of Warren Buffett and Duan Yongping on financial reports reflect their distinct judgments on the correlation between information and the future, highlighting the core logic of analyzing financial statements [1] Group 1: Perspectives on Financial Reports - Buffett views financial reports as a "storytelling" tool, focusing on historical data to capture competitive advantages, operational logic, and management traits, which he believes are indicative of future profitability [1] - For Buffett, stable profit margins, healthy cash flows, and reasonable debt structures are direct manifestations of a company's moat, as evidenced by his investment in Coca-Cola, where decades of stable gross margins and market share data validate the brand's sustainability [1] - Duan Yongping, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of business models and corporate culture over financial data, arguing that financial reports may not accurately reflect core competitiveness due to industry cycles and short-term policies [1] Group 2: Financial Reports vs. Other Information Channels - The effectiveness of financial reports in predicting future profitability depends on the stability of the industry and the maturity of the business model; in stable industries, coherent financial data is a significant reference, while in rapidly changing sectors, the relevance of financial reports may diminish [1] - Financial reports are just one of many information channels; industry research reports, on-site investigations, user feedback, and supply chain dynamics can provide more timely and comprehensive insights [1] - Ultimately, the value of any information lies in its ability to clarify a company's future profitability logic, whether through financial reports or alternative sources [1]