The Calculus of Value

The Calculus of Value

From The Memo by Howard Marks by Oaktree Capital Management

August 14, 2025 · 42 min · Episode 71

About this episode

Howard Marks discusses the relationship between value and price and its implications for investment performance.

In his latest memo, Howard Marks sets forth the essence of value and price, as well as the critical relationship between the two. He posits that value exerts a ‘‘magnetic’’ influence on price, meaning the relationship of price to value should be expected to strongly influence investment performance in the long run, with high valuations presaging low subsequent returns, and vice versa. In the context of today’s elevated U.S. equity valuations and widespread investor optimism, he advises us to consider going to an ‘‘Investment Readiness Condition’’ in which investors shift their portfolios somewhat in the direction of increased defense. You can read the memo here (https://www.oaktreecapital.com/insights/memo/the-calculus-of-value).

People in this episode

Host: Howard Marks

Topics covered

  • value
  • price
  • investment performance
  • equity valuations
  • portfolio defense

Keywords

  • value
  • price
  • investment
  • equity
  • valuations
  • defense
  • performance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Oaktree Capital Management

Places: U.S.

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