SUMMARY
- Berkshire's Climb: Shares hit record highs, making it the leading non-tech firm in market cap.
- Japanese Adventure: Buffett eyes overlooked Japanese trading giants, garnering admiration and profits.
- Apple Affinity: Buffett's fondness for Apple fetches over $100 billion for Berkshire since 2016.
![broken image](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/9596329/541638_757745.jpeg)
Warren Buffett, affectionately known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” celebrated his 93rd birthday with his business venture, Berkshire Hathaway, in better shape than ever. With shares reaching sky-high levels thanks to record profits, it's no surprise Berkshire is now the mightiest non-tech company based on market cap. The past year saw Buffett dabble in underrated Japanese stocks and smoothly handle a rise in interest rates.
Despite nearing a century, Buffett's cognitive prowess remains undimmed. David Kass, a finance don at the University of Maryland, vouched for this, reminiscing about Buffett's lunch interactions with his students. Notably, as interest rates have risen, Buffett's massive $147 billion cash reserve, which once raised eyebrows, now brings him handsome returns, with short-term rates surpassing 5%.
Apple, a personal favorite of Buffett, accounts for a whopping half of Berkshire's equity assets, especially after its 40% hike this year. To Buffett, Apple isn't just a tech giant; it's a consumer brand, and its stock buybacks are particularly appealing. Since 2016, his Apple investment alone has added over $100 billion to Berkshire's coffers.
Japan was also on Buffett's radar. His investments in five major Japanese firms had observers singing praises. The country, stuck in a prolonged deflationary phase, had these giants overlooked until Buffett's strategic involvement. These companies, similar in structure to Berkshire, consistently provide dividends and growth, further cementing Buffett's reputation as a visionary.
The last Berkshire annual meet in May showcased Buffett in all his glory. A rigorous six-hour Q&A session saw him and Charlie Munger, his long-term business partner, delve into a wide range of investor concerns. His clear insights and wisdom left many in awe, considering most executives his age are comfortably retired. Buffett's influence, to this day, maintains accountability and brand consistency, and his success story at Berkshire speaks for itself.
WOM Money Picks
Be a part of the winning team | 81% Success Rate.