Warren’s trip to Japan
Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway has just turned 90 years old and instead of enjoying retirement in the Hamptons, he has announced that Berkshire Hathaway has acquired a slightly more than 5% stake in each of the five leading Japanese trading companies.
Japan’s resources are scarce. It is only natural that the five leading Japanese trading companies import everything from energy and metals to food and textiles into the country. The 5 companies included in the purchase are that of Itochu Corp, Marubeni Corp, Mitsubishi Corp, Mitsui & Co, and Sumitomo Corp.
In classic Buffet fashion, he intends to hold the investments for the long term. Additionally, he says that his stake in the companies may increase up to a maximum of 9.9% if prices are viewed as favorable by the veteran investor as time goes on.
This is no small bet. Based on Friday’s market closing prices, a 5% stake in each of the 5 companies would be valued at around $6.25 Billion. Like Rome, this position was not built in a day. Berkshire said it acquired the holdings over a 12-month period through regular purchases on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
With his record-breaking track record, it’s crazy to think that a guy like Warren Buffet is still in the ring and looking for another win. What will you be doing at 90 years old?
I am not a financial advisor and my comments should never be taken as financial advice. Investments come with risk, so always do your research and analysis beforehand.