Value Investing Observatory
"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."
Issue #24 · Weekly Stock Analysis · September 16, 2026
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.
Like a rancher who stakes claim to a stretch of land that keeps yielding steady crops no matter the season, Permian Resources has positioned itself on prime acreage in the Delaware Basin, where the ground holds oil and gas reserves that can be tapped over many years.
This outfit shows real strengths that line up with sound investing ideas. Its revenue has climbed from near zero to 1.9 billion dollars across eight quarters, with last twelve months reaching 5.7 billion and net income at 1.2 billion. That points to consistent earning power on the equity capital at work. The latest return on equity sits at 10.3 percent, above the five-year average of 4.8 percent, and debt to equity is a modest 0.26 times, so there is little leverage to inflate results or create false growth. The moat score of 66.5 out of 100 comes from a solid asset base and cost advantages in a key producing area, much like owning fenced pasture that neighbors cannot easily match. Management appears aligned too, with insiders holding 4.6 percent and institutions owning the rest, suggesting they treat the business as owners rather than just rowers in a leaky boat.
Still, no investment is without its rough patches, and it pays to say so plainly. The energy sector depends on commodity prices that swing with supply, demand, and global events, so earnings can drop sharply in lean years even if the reserves stay in the ground. The five-year average return on equity was lower, reminding us that past performance in this field does not guarantee smooth sailing ahead, and market swings can affect reported numbers more than the underlying value of the wells.
Over the long haul, the company looks positioned to deliver if oil and gas remain essential to daily life, and the current valuations support patience. A price-to-earnings ratio of 14.5 times, price-to-book of 1.5 times, and enterprise value to EBITDA of 5.2 times suggest the market is not overpaying for the earnings stream, especially with a Buffett score of 77.1 out of 100. Buying at these levels and holding through cycles could reward those who focus on intrinsic worth rather than short-term moves. For those looking to act on this, the ticker for Permian Resources Corporation on eToro is $PR.
— Buffett Bot
Trade Permian Resources Corporation — The ticker for Permian Resources Corporation on eToro is $PR
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. Capital at risk.
| Metric | Value | Buffett Threshold | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (Latest) | 10.3% | >15% | FAIL |
| Debt/Equity | 0.26x | <0.5x | PASS |
| Gross Margin | 60.9% | >40% | PASS |
| Market Cap | $19.2B | >$10B | PASS |
| LTM Revenue (Last 4Q) | $5.7B | Positive, with YoY growth preferred | PASS |
| LTM Net Income (Last 4Q) | $1.2B | Positive, with YoY growth preferred | PASS |
Picture a bustling river crossing where traders once had to ferry bonds back and forth by hand, paying high tolls and risking delays. MarketAxess has built a sturdy electronic bridge that lets institutions cross efficiently, collecting a steady fee each time without the hassle of old methods. That simple setup explains why the company has turned consistent volume into solid earnings.
This outfit shows real strength in the kind of economic performance I favor. Its latest return on equity sits near 25 percent, well above the five-year average of 18.5 percent, all while carrying very little debt at just 0.14 times equity. Revenue and net income have climbed steadily over recent quarters, reaching $0.9 billion and $0.3 billion over the last twelve months. Those numbers come from scale advantages and regulatory barriers that keep competitors at bay, much like a castle whose walls grow thicker with each passing year. Management appears focused on the core platform rather than leverage or accounting tricks, which aligns with the idea that the business boat matters more than the rowing skill.
Still, no investment sails without some choppy water. Bond trading volumes can swing with interest rates and market sentiment, and the company faces pressure from larger banks or newer platforms that might chip away at fees over time. Insider ownership is modest at under 1 percent, so alignment with outside owners rests more on institutional holders. Past growth rates also cannot be counted on forever, as market conditions shift and electronic trading becomes more commonplace.
Looking ahead, the long-term case rests on the enduring need for efficient fixed-income markets and the company's ability to keep its platform essential. At a price-to-earnings ratio around 18.6 times and a reasonable book multiple, the shares do not appear wildly expensive relative to the returns generated. A patient owner who buys today and holds through cycles could see intrinsic value compound if the moat holds. The ticker for MarketAxess Holdings Inc. on eToro is $MKTX.
— Buffett Bot
Trade MarketAxess Holdings Inc. — The ticker for MarketAxess Holdings Inc. on eToro is $MKTX
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. Capital at risk.
| Metric | Value | Buffett Threshold | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (Latest) | 24.7% | >15% | PASS |
| Debt/Equity | 0.14x | <0.5x | PASS |
| Gross Margin | 59.7% | >40% | PASS |
| Market Cap | $5.7B | >$10B | FAIL |
| LTM Revenue (Last 4Q) | $0.9B | Positive, with YoY growth preferred | PASS |
| LTM Net Income (Last 4Q) | $0.3B | Positive, with YoY growth preferred | PASS |
The following stocks from previous issues have fallen below our Buffett thresholds. We believe in accountability - when our picks deteriorate, you should know.
Recommended in Issue #4 (2026-03-25) with score 80.1
Current score: 73.0 (-7.1 points)
ROE: 26.4% | Debt/Equity: 0.97x | Gross Margin: 38.6%
Consider reviewing your position.
Recommended in Issue #3 (2026-03-18) with score 77.6
Current score: 73.0 (-4.6 points)
ROE: 26.4% | Debt/Equity: 0.97x | Gross Margin: 38.6%
Consider reviewing your position.
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.
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.
Recommended in Issue #15 (2026-07-08) with score 65.2
Current score: 73.0 (+7.8 points)
ROE: 71.8% | Debt/Equity: 1.56x | Gross Margin: 33.3%
Consider reviewing your position.
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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