Moving on to another large position, Samsung Electronics (XKRX:000830) is up substantially from its lows this year, and therefore not as attractive as it used to be. However, the balance sheet is pristine, the company sells not too far from tangible book value, and we believe the semiconductor franchise is highly profitable and solid. As for the telecom handset franchise, well, I'm sure you'll remember Motorola, Nokia, Siemens, SAGEM, or Sony Ericsson handset businesses? Yes, they all went out of business.
So, what do we see there? Why should it be different for Samsung Electronics? Well, SmartPhones today are computers; capital employed in the business is very low. Basically, Samsung simply assembles the mini-computers. It's a business model akin to the Dell business model, not to a Nokia. The industry has consolidated; through its scale, Samsung is able to achieve buying power and a low-cost position; and through the advanced manufacturing of display components and semiconductors, Samsung has an edge in innovation. We anticipate this business may remain profitable in the future, with single-digit operating margin being sustainable despite heavy Chinese competition. Capital allocation and governance have been issues in the past for the Samsung Group. There are encouraging signs on both fronts. Time will tell.
From Charles de Vaulx (Trades, Portfolio)'s semi-annual 2016 IVA Funds call.
