One of the most well-known investors of all time is seeing his recent investment activity called out by a more recent well-known investor.

Are the comments praise or an attempt to take on his legacy?

What Happened: Legendary investor and Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE: 

BRK-A)(NYSE: 

BRK-B) CEO Warren Buffett has been increasing his bets on Japanese stocks and enjoying strong returns in recent months.

The investment strategy saw his ownership stakes in the Japanese companies increase and came at a time when major Japanese stock market indexes outperformed the key American stock index metrics.

Investor Chamath Palihapitiya, who was once labeled as the “next Buffett” by the media, took to Twitter to share his thoughts on Buffett’s strategy.

“I was really curious about Buffett’s ownership of the Japanese trading companies and wanted to understand why he did it? As it turns out, the trade is really brilliant,” Palihapitiya tweeted. “He found a group of companies that had very low volatility, grew earnings predictably, had a good dividend and, in most cases, were buying back their stock.”

Palihapitiya said the next step by Buffett is one that is “awesome.”

“As far as I can tell, he issues Japanese debt at very low rates, uses the proceeds to buy the stocks and then uses the dividends he then gets from owning these stocks (which are greater than the interest rates he’s paying to borrow in the first place) to pay the coupon

The investor said this could be a “near-risk less bet” by borrowing trillions of Japanese Yen for free and using the proceeds to buy stakes in companies that are “growing earnings in the mid-teens.”

“And over a 10-20 year holding period, he becomes insensitive to currency vol and so really can’t lose money. He locks in the earnings gains over this period along with whatever spread he keeps between his dividends and his coupons.”

The risk for Buffett is the concern that the Japanese economy could totally blow up, which Palihapitiya said is “pretty unlikely” as the companies in question are also exposed to the rest of the world.

“It’s inspiring to see folks act this intelligently at scale. That’s why he’s the (GOAT).”

One user questioned the potential criticism of Buffett as he once compared himself to the famed investor. Palihapitiya said he never compared himself to Buffett and it was the media.

“Don’t trust what you read,” Palihapitiya said.

Another user said this was misleading as the shareholder letters issued by Social Capital in 2018, 2019 and 2020 compared early returns of his Social Capital to Berkshire Hathaway.

“You chose Buffett as your benchmark. Which is comparing yourself to him,” the user said.

Palihapitiya said this was different than a comparison and was only a benchmark.

One user was quick to point out that Buffett is producing a crazy return on equity by borrowing at 0% to 1% and investing in 7% to 10%. Palihapitiya said it could be better than this with borrowing at 1% to 2% and investing at 12% to 14%.

Palihapitiya acknowledged a user that called Buffett’s strategy as yield farming by calling it “OG yield farming.”

A user asked what it was that the Japanese companies Buffett has invested in do and how he can use this investment strategy.

“They are middlemen that trade in various commodities for many economies in the world. So as long as the world needs ‘stuff’ these folks will provide it for a small fee…hence it’s bet levered world GDP which tends to grow over long periods of time,” Palihapitiya said.

Palihapitiya added the Berkshire Hathaway can issue debt anywhere on the planet.

Short seller Muddy Waters replied to Palihapitiya’s post asking if it “depends on what the definition of ‘is’ is.”

“Don’t worry about this mid level bullsh**. I’m just trolling these guys,” Palihapitiya told Muddy Waters.

The comments by Palihapitiya come as Buffett’s bets on five Japanese companies have grown from $6 billion to $17 billion.

Berkshire Hathaway took 5% stakes in several Japanese companies back in August 2020, positions which have increased along the way. The Japanese companies are:

Itochu Corp ITOCF

Marubeni Corp MARUF

Mitsubishi Corp 

MARUF

Mitsui & Co Ltd MITSY

Sumitomo Corp SSUMF

CNBC

Tragedy struck in Kanangama, Dehiowita, as a young individual lost their life after being attacked with a sharp weapon on Thursday morning (June 22), according to the police.

Reports indicate that the 26-year-old had visited the residence of a local moonshine seller in the neighborhood, seeking illicit liquor. However, a heated argument ensued between the two individuals, escalating the situation. In a desperate act of self-defense, the house owner retaliated by striking the youth with a sharp weapon, resulting in his untimely demise.

In a disturbing turn of events, the 57-year-old suspect then disposed of the victim’s body by dumping it into a nearby stream behind the house.

Upon receiving a statement from the suspect, the police promptly launched an investigation into the incident. The body of the deceased has been transferred to the mortuary at Avissawella Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted following the completion of a magisterial inquest.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has unveiled ambitious plans to finalize the debt restructuring process by September as part of a determined push to address Sri Lanka’s debt crisis and promote national reconciliation. Collaborating closely with Parliament, the President aims to develop a comprehensive strategy that will effectively resolve the nation’s financial burdens.

During his participation in the 40th anniversary event of the International Democrat Union (IDU) in London, President Wickremesinghe joined discussions with former Canadian Prime Minister and Chairman of the IDU, Stephen Harper. He emphasized the circumstances that led to his presidency and highlighted Sri Lanka’s journey towards economic recovery.

While debt restructuring remains a key priority, President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of completing vital structural reforms. His primary focus lies in accelerating economic liberalization and attracting increased investments, with the aim of bolstering Sri Lanka’s financial prospects and driving a more favorable balance of trade in the long run.

Addressing concerns about the timeline for the process, the President expressed confidence in achieving substantial progress by 2024. He builds on the previous initiatives undertaken during his tenure as Prime Minister and actively engages with members of Parliament representing Tamil areas. Notably, agreements have been reached on crucial issues, including the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission, the drafting of legislation, and the presentation of a new anti-terrorist law to Parliament. Disputes between the government and the opposition, including the definition of terrorism, have been resolved through a court ruling.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted efforts to address land-related concerns in the North and East regions, with significant progress being made in resolving these disputes. The Missing Persons Office has taken steps toward utilization, and potential solutions have been shared with Tamil parties. The President anticipates presenting a comprehensive process by the end of July, acknowledging the necessary legislative procedures that need to be followed.

Yesterday (22), the highly anticipated “Industry 2023” National Industry Exhibition took place at the prestigious Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. The event, held in conjunction with the esteemed National Industry Day, was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, who officiated the opening ceremony.

In a symbolic gesture, Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara unveiled a special commemorative stamp, which was then presented to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, further accentuating the significance of the occasion. The exhibition boasted an impressive array of 750 exhibition stalls, showcasing the diverse sectors of the national industry.

Joining the Prime Minister in this momentous event were notable figures such as Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Mass Media State Minister Shantha Bandara, and Deputy Postmaster General (Operation) Rajitha Ranasinghe. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to supporting and promoting the growth of industries within the country.

1. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles reveals that the government is taking stern measures to crackdown violent crimes happening in the Southern and Western Provinces. The move comes in following reports on a number of incidents involving shooting and other types of crimes in the said provinces.
2. The Cabinet has granted special approval to include the Japanese language into the school curriculum. This is in a move to groom future migrant workers targeting career opportunities in Japan, announced Foreign Employment and Labour Minister Manusha Nanayakkara in Parliament
3. President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined plans to finalize the debt restructuring process by September in a determined push to address Sri Lanka’s debt crisis and foster reconciliation. President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the 40th-anniversary event of the International Democrat Union (IDU) in London on June 19 and 20.
4. “Industry 2023” National Industry Exhibition held in conjunction with the National Industry Day held at BMICH under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. A commemorative stamp was issued by Postmaster General, Ruwan Sathkumara. The exhibition consists 750 exhibition stalls.
5. The World Bank is set to provide financial assistance of US $5.5 million to crisis hit Sri Lanka for the streamlining of primary health services.
6. Allegations involving medicines imported to Sri Lanka will be investigated and action will be taken, if any discrepancies are identified, assures Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. He was responding to claims on Indian-manufactured drugs being the cause of several incidents of fatalities and vision impairment.
7. Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando has been appointed as one of the two Vice Chairs for the South Asia Commission of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
8. Indian energy company Petronet LNG has presented short-term solutions to meet the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) requirement for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), reveals Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera.
9. Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva welcomed the strong ownership by the Sri Lankan government to address the current economic challenges, on the sidelines of the “Summit for a New Global Financial Pact” held in Paris, France.
10. Sri Lankan fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera is unlikely to be available for Sri Lanka’s next game which will be played on June 23 against Oman in Bulawayo. He, who was rested for Sri Lanka’s first game against the UAE, has not fully recovered from shoulder pain.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

A few showers may occur in Northern and North-western provinces.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.

Fairly strong winds about (40-45) kmph can be expected at times in Western slopes of the central hills, North-central province and in Puttalam, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershower.