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This article is part nine of a comprehensive 13-part series examining companies that have delivered astonishing returns of 100,000% for investors over the long run. Below, you will find links to the other stocks featured in this series.
Among the companies highlighted for their remarkable 100,000% returns, Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) stands out as a prime example. Led by the legendary Warren Buffett, known for his down-to-earth wisdom and astute investment strategies, Berkshire Hathaway has successfully navigated the complexities of the financial market.
In typical Buffett fashion, he once remarked that his most regrettable investment was actually purchasing Berkshire Hathaway itself, a struggling textile manufacturer known primarily for producing shirts. Buffett reflects that the capital used on this textile venture could have been far more beneficial had it been invested in the insurance sector, potentially yielding $200 billion over the next 45 years.
The Allure of Insurance in Buffett’s Strategy
Buffett’s affinity for the insurance industry is well-documented, as he has stakes in various companies including National Indemnity Company, GEICO, and General Re, among others. The fundamental allure of insurance lies in the way it generates cash flow.
Unlike traditional lending, where a borrower receives a lump sum followed by monthly repayments, insurance companies collect premiums upfront. This ‘float’ can be strategically invested to yield additional cash flows. In Buffett’s view, this incoming float represents opportunities rather than mere liabilities.
This is evident in Berkshire’s astounding growth in float, skyrocketing from $39 million in 1970 to an impressive $169 billion by 2023. Such strategic deployment of resources has been central to Buffett’s investment philosophy.
Buffett’s investment methodology has also been immortalized in literature, notably in The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life. The book encapsulates how Buffett’s reinvestment of profits into diverse businesses has allowed his wealth to compound over time, similar to a snowball gaining momentum on a downhill journey.
True to his principles, Buffett advocates for diversification. His portfolio reflects this, with significant investments in a variety of sectors, including furniture and confectionery industries.
Among his most notable investments are Apple (AAPL), Coca-Cola (KO), and American Express (AXP), where the snowball effect of reinvestment is clearly observable.
Take Coca-Cola, for example. While it may appear to have steady growth now, Buffett’s initial investment of $1.3 billion in 1988 has seen a meteoric rise to about $24.5 billion today, bolstered by $736 million in dividends received in 2023 alone. This stellar performance is attributed to Coca-Cola’s robust brand recognition and disciplined financial strategy.
Buffett recognized not only the global prowess of the Coca-Cola brand but also its capacity for consistent dividend payments, which have increased significantly over the years. In fact, the annual split-adjusted dividend per share has climbed from 7.5 cents in 1988 to $1.84, showcasing a long-standing commitment to increasing shareholder returns.
Buffett’s investment in Apple further illustrates his strategic foresight. Initially valued at approximately $25 billion in 2016, its worth has burgeoned to over $135 billion as the company’s ecosystem has expanded, creating dependable income streams and enhancing overall profitability.
Note: Content initially appeared in Louis Navellier’s recent publication, The Sacred Truths of Investing: Finding Growth Stocks that Will Make You Rich, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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