Buffett says U.S. stocks attractive

OMAHA, Neb. — Billionaire Warren Buffett says U.S. stocks remain attractive investments even at today’s high prices when compared to bonds or real estate.

Buffett reiterated his view that stocks are the best long-term investment during an interview on CNBC Thursday.

“If you had your choice between buying and holding a 30-year bond for 30 years or holding a basket of American stocks, there’s just no question you’re going to do better owning stocks,” he said.

Buffett took some of his own advice and bought a few more Apple shares for his Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate. The Omaha, Nebraska-based company already held 252 million Apple shares at the end of June.

Buffett said the U.S. economy overall continues to improve gradually just as it has done ever since the fall of 2009, although a number of Berkshire’s businesses are seeing their costs increase a bit because of inflation.

Shareholder suing Papa John’s

A Papa John’s International Inc. shareholder sued the struggling pizza chain, claiming it misled investors by failing to disclose inappropriate behavior by its executives, including founder John Schnatter.

The pizza chain is facing slowing sales following Schnatter’s resignation as chairman last month over the use of a racial slur. Papa John’s shares have fallen 18 percent this year and 39 percent in the past 12 months. They fell 58 cents to $45.96 at 2:38 p.m. in New York trading.

Joanne E. Danker sued Thursday in Manhattan federal court, alleging that Louisville, Kentucky-based Papa John’s failed to tell investors that executives had engaged in sexual harassment and other inappropriate conduct — and that company policies were inadequate to prevent the behavior.

— From wire reports