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There are two kinds of businesses: The first earns 12%…

“There are two kinds of businesses: The first earns 12%, and you can take it out at the end of the year. The second earns 12%, but all the excess cash must be reinvested - there's never any cash. It reminds me of the guy who looks at all of his equipment and says, 'There's all of my profit.' We…” quote by Charlie Munger
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“There are two kinds of businesses: The first earns 12%, and you can take it out at the end of the year. The second earns 12%, but all the excess cash must be reinvested - there's never any cash. It reminds me of the guy who looks at all of his equipment and says, 'There's all of my profit.' We hate that kind of business.”

Charlie Munger

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Two business models: one returns cash to owners, the other reinvests everything, limiting liquidity.

In simple terms: Some businesses lock up cash, others give it back.

Key Takeaway

Prefer models that return cash to shareholders.

Themes

finance business strategy liquidity

Mood

analytical pragmatic

Type

financial strategic

When to use this quote

  • stock investing
  • private equity
  • entrepreneurship
  • cash management

Key Concepts

cash flow shareholder value investment risk management

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which model aligns with your risk tolerance?
  • How does cash flow affect valuation?
A Different Perspective

Reinvesting can fuel growth but may limit flexibility.

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