Value Investing Observatory

The Buffett Lens

"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."

Issue #20 · Weekly Stock Analysis · August 19, 2026

This Week's Analysis

Welcome to this week's edition of The Buffett Lens, where we apply Warren Buffett's time-tested investment principles to identify stocks with durable competitive advantages, strong management, and sensible valuations.

Our quantitative model screens thousands of US-listed stocks against 26 key factors derived from Buffett's shareholder letters, including consistent earning power, high returns on equity with minimal debt, and favorable long-term prospects. The top-scoring stocks receive a detailed analysis written in the folksy, straightforward style that has characterized Berkshire Hathaway's communications for decades.

This week, we present 2 stocks that exemplify the principles of value investing.

#1: United Therapeutics Corporation (UTHR)

Healthcare $529.14 Buffett Score: 80.7/100 Source: yfinance
Returning Pick: Previously recommended in Issue #1 (2026-02-18), with a Buffett Score of 80.6. The score has improved by 0.1 points to 80.7.
Data Quality Notice: Source=yfinance; only 6 periods available (target: 8+ quarters); missing metric fields=0.

Weekly Price History

Weekly HLOC Price Chart

Revenue & Net Income

Revenue and Net Income Chart

Profitability Metrics

Profitability Chart

Financial Health

Financial Health Chart

Valuation Multiples

Valuation Chart

Buffett-Style Analysis

Picture a sturdy old barn that keeps the rain off the livestock no matter how hard the weather turns. United Therapeutics builds treatments for folks with serious lung conditions, and its recent results show the kind of steady output that rewards owners over many seasons rather than flashy yearly jumps.

In my view, the numbers line up well with the tests that matter. Return on equity sits at 20.5 percent lately, and the five-year average is still a respectable 15.7 percent, all with zero debt on the balance sheet. That combination avoids the pitfalls of borrowed money inflating results, letting the true earning power of the business show through. Revenue has climbed from near zero to 3.2 billion dollars over the last four quarters, and net income reached 1.3 billion, pointing to consistent operating strength rather than accounting tricks. The moat score of 76.8 reflects patent protection and research know-how that can keep competitors at bay for a while, much like a castle wall that gives the defenders time to adapt. Management appears focused on running the operation well, with institutional owners holding essentially all the shares and insiders maintaining a modest stake that keeps skin in the game.

Still, no business sails without risk. Drug makers live under the shadow of regulatory decisions, possible patent challenges, and the chance that a new therapy could shift demand. The sector can swing with reimbursement changes or clinical setbacks, and past growth rates in any single company rarely continue unchanged. Valuation at 16.9 times earnings and 3.5 times book value looks reasonable on paper, yet market prices can stay detached from intrinsic worth for long stretches, testing an owner's patience.

Over the long haul, a company that earns solid returns on equity without leverage and sits inside a protected niche may compound value for those willing to hold through the ups and downs. The key remains buying at prices that leave room for the business itself to deliver, not for the market to hand out quick gains. For those looking to act on this, the ticker for United Therapeutics Corporation on eToro is $UTHR.

— Buffett Bot

Trade United Therapeutics Corporation — The ticker for United Therapeutics Corporation on eToro is $UTHR

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Trade on eToro

Key Metrics Summary

Metric Value Buffett Threshold Status
ROE (Latest) 20.5% >15% PASS
Debt/Equity 0.00x <0.5x PASS
Gross Margin 87.3% >40% PASS
Market Cap $22.7B >$10B PASS
LTM Revenue (Last 4Q) $3.2B Positive, with YoY growth preferred PASS
LTM Net Income (Last 4Q) $1.3B Positive, with YoY growth preferred PASS

#2: lululemon athletica inc. (LULU)

Consumer Cyclical $119.45 Buffett Score: 78.9/100 Source: yfinance
Returning Pick: Previously recommended in Issue #1 (2026-02-18), with a Buffett Score of 80.0. The score has declined by 1.1 points to 78.9.
Data Quality Notice: Source=yfinance; only 6 periods available (target: 8+ quarters); missing metric fields=0.

Weekly Price History

Weekly HLOC Price Chart

Revenue & Net Income

Revenue and Net Income Chart

Profitability Metrics

Profitability Chart

Financial Health

Financial Health Chart

Valuation Multiples

Valuation Chart

Buffett-Style Analysis

Lululemon reminds me of a sturdy pair of running shoes that folks keep lacing up year after year because they fit just right and hold up under real use, rather than some flashy new model that gets tossed aside after a few miles. The company designs and sells technical athletic wear for yoga, running, and training, building a following through quality that turns customers into repeat buyers across many countries.

This outfit shows real strength in earning power on the capital it employs. Its latest return on equity sits at 30 percent, with a five-year average near 25 percent, all while carrying only modest debt at 0.44 times equity. That lines up with the simple test of good performance: solid returns without leaning on gimmicks or heavy borrowing. The brand itself adds a protective layer, much like a castle wall built from customer loyalty and recognition, scoring a solid moat rating. Management appears aligned too, with insiders holding a slice of ownership and institutions showing steady interest, letting talented operators focus on running the business rather than fighting poor fundamentals.

Still, no investment comes without a few clouds. As a player in consumer goods that rise and fall with spending moods, Lululemon could feel pressure if shoppers tighten belts or if rivals copy its styles too closely. Growth has been strong, moving from smaller revenue and income figures to over eleven billion in sales and one and a half billion in net income over the last four quarters, yet past rates like these rarely keep climbing at the same pace forever. Market swings can also cloud reported results, so it pays to look past short-term numbers toward lasting value.

Over the long haul, the combination of a respected brand, consistent high returns on equity, and reasonable pricing at nine point seven times earnings and two point nine times book value suggests room for sensible ownership if one stays patient and focuses on intrinsic worth rather than daily ups and downs. For those looking to act on this, the ticker for lululemon athletica inc. on eToro is $LULU. — Buffett Bot

Trade lululemon athletica inc. — The ticker for lululemon athletica inc. on eToro is $LULU

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. Capital at risk.

Trade on eToro

Key Metrics Summary

Metric Value Buffett Threshold Status
ROE (Latest) 30.2% >15% PASS
Debt/Equity 0.44x <0.5x PASS
Gross Margin 54.2% >40% PASS
Market Cap $13.6B >$10B PASS
LTM Revenue (Last 4Q) $11.2B Positive, with YoY growth preferred PASS
LTM Net Income (Last 4Q) $1.5B Positive, with YoY growth preferred PASS

⚠️ Watchlist Alerts: Past Picks Under Review

The following stocks from previous issues have fallen below our Buffett thresholds. We believe in accountability - when our picks deteriorate, you should know.

⚠️ Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (WMS) WARNING

Recommended in Issue #4 (2026-03-25) with score 80.1

Current score: 78.0 (-2.1 points)

ROE: 26.4% | Debt/Equity: 0.97x | Gross Margin: 38.6%

Consider reviewing your position.

⚠️ Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (WMS) WARNING

Recommended in Issue #3 (2026-03-18) with score 77.6

Current score: 78.0 (+0.4 points)

ROE: 26.4% | Debt/Equity: 0.97x | Gross Margin: 38.6%

Consider reviewing your position.

⚠️ Nucor Corporation (NUE) WARNING

Recommended in Issue #11 (2026-06-10) with score 67.4

Current score: 72.0 (+4.6 points)

ROE: 14.5% | Debt/Equity: 0.31x | Gross Margin: 15.6%

Consider reviewing your position.

⚠️ Xylem Inc. (XYL) WARNING

Recommended in Issue #11 (2026-06-10) with score 67.0

Current score: 73.0 (+6.0 points)

ROE: 9.2% | Debt/Equity: 0.29x | Gross Margin: 39.2%

Consider reviewing your position.

⚠️ Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI) WARNING

Recommended in Issue #12 (2026-06-17) with score 66.4

Current score: 75.0 (+8.6 points)

ROE: 21.5% | Debt/Equity: 0.64x | Gross Margin: 10.8%

Consider reviewing your position.

Disclaimer

This newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. The analyses presented are based on publicly available information and quantitative models. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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