Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has been a powerhouse in the investing world for decades. The company’s success can be attributed to its diverse portfolio of businesses and investments and Buffett’s disciplined approach to investing. Berkshire Hathaway owns various subsidiaries across various industries, from insurance and energy to manufacturing and retail.
This diversification allows the company to weather economic fluctuations and generate shareholder returns. One of the key drivers of Berkshire’s success has been its insurance segment, which has seen rapid growth in recent years. In the first quarter of 2024, the company’s net underwriting earnings nearly tripled year over year, and they almost doubled in the second quarter.
Buffett’s investment strategy has also played a crucial role in Berkshire’s performance. He believes in finding businesses with strong competitive advantages and backing them long-term. In a letter to shareholders in 2023, Buffett emphasized the importance of patience when investing in genuinely wonderful businesses.
This year, Berkshire made some notable changes to its core portfolio, selling nearly half its stake in Apple and a significant portion of its Bank of America position. As a result, the company currently holds a substantial amount of cash, much of it in liquid assets like short-term U.S. Treasuries.
Berkshire Hathaway’s strategic shifts
This move suggests Buffett may be waiting for the right opportunity to invest in businesses he believes will outperform existing holdings in the long run. At 94 years old, Warren Buffett’s retirement is an impending reality that could impact the company within the next five years. However, Berkshire has been preparing for this transition, with Buffett and the late Charlie Munger grooming a team of managers who have independently controlled parts of the portfolio for years.
Despite the potential challenges ahead, Berkshire Hathaway’s strong foundation and strategic foresight suggest that the company will likely remain successful over the next five years. The continued strength of its subsidiaries and potential strategic investments, combined with its current cash reserve, indicate that Berkshire’s stock is expected to outperform the market. For investors looking to add more Berkshire shares to their portfolios, Buffett’s own actions can provide insights into the company’s valuation.
In 2018, Berkshire’s board of directors changed the rules, allowing Buffett to repurchase shares anytime he believes they are priced below the company’s intrinsic value. If significant buybacks occur, Buffett thinks his stock is undervalued. Over the past five years, Berkshire has spent billions buying back its shares, although the buybacks hit their lowest level last quarter.
While a decline in buybacks doesn’t necessarily indicate that Buffett believes the stock is overpriced, it is a trend that investors should keep an eye on. In conclusion, Berkshire Hathaway’s unique structure and diverse portfolio have made it a resilient and profitable investment, creating wealth for numerous shareholders. Even after Warren Buffett eventually steps down from his role, the conglomerate’s robust business model suggests that it will continue to be a powerhouse in the investment world, making it a compelling option for investors seeking long-term growth and stability.
