Warren Buffett Did This 1 Smart Thing During the 2008 Market Crash

The Air Canada stock could be a worthwhile asset to consider investing in during the ongoing market crash based on this Warren Buffett long-term strategy from the ‘08 crisis.

| More on:
close-up photo of investor Warren Buffett

Image source: The Motley Fool

The 2010s were a fantastic decade for global stock markets. The Toronto Stock Exchange kept climbing to all-time highs amid phenomenal performances all around. While there were fears of a recession, there were no signs of it until March 2020 began. The outbreak of COVID-19 began in China and spread to the rest of the world.

At writing, the pandemic has infected more than 1.9 million people worldwide. The pandemic has stirred up panic in the world of investment. It is stunting global economic growth, and investors are losing significant capital due to the turbulent market.

I am going to talk about what Warren Buffett did during the 2008 market meltdown and how you can apply a similar strategy amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Be greedy when others are fearful

“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.”

It is perhaps one of the most iconic quotes by the Oracle of Omaha regarding financial crises. The key to being a successful investor, especially during a recession, is to take on a contrarian approach. It is against human nature to be contrarian. The pandemic is far scarier than previous market crashes, because it is not just economic safety on the line. Peoples’ lives are in danger.

It might be a tempting strategy to wait for the market to bottom out before you begin investing. However, waiting for the coronavirus-fueled meltdown to end puts you at the risk of missing out on exceptional bargains to leverage.

What is Warren Buffett doing?

It is obvious that he is probably buying stocks right now. We will not find out which assets Buffett is investing in until much later. It is ill-advised to try and guess what he might be buying, because you might be wrong. Still, you can adopt a well-informed strategy for considering assets to this end.

You need to consider investing in assets that are trading for a significant bargain right now. High-quality companies with phenomenal potential that are beaten down due to the ongoing market crash could be perfect for the situation. To this end, I would like to draw your attention towards the Air Canada (TSX:AC)(TSX:AC.B) stock.

It is one of the most affected stocks on the TSX due to the global health crisis. Airline operators across the world are suffering from devaluation as demand for air travel declines. In the previous recession, people preferred not to fly to save money. In the current crisis, people are not flying due to concerns for their safety.

AC has cut down its operations by 90% amid the crisis. At writing, the Air Canada stock is trading for $19.31 per share, a whopping 63% down from its January 2020 high. With layoffs in the company and significantly reduced operations, Air Canada might not look like an option you would even want to consider.

I think looking back at its performance before the crisis might change your mind. The stock grew by more than 300% between April 2015 and January 2020. If the company regains its market value back to its January 2020 figures, investors can benefit through monstrous returns.

Air Canada is in a tight spot right now, but I believe the value for its services will substantially increase as the pandemic subsides. When it is all done and dusted, people will want to take on all the travel plans they put off due to the pandemic.

Foolish takeaway

I will tell you that there is a significant risk involved with Air Canada. The stock does not pay cash dividends to its shareholders, so investors can only rely on potential capital gains. If the pandemic continues for several months, you can lose the capital you invest in Air Canada. The company can go belly up. However, if there is a federal bailout, the stock can increase in value as soon as the pandemic ends.

It is a high-risk and high-reward scenario if you choose to invest in Air Canada. If you are willing to take the risk on, you might stand a chance to double or even triple your investment. For investors looking to avail safer options, the stock might not be ideal for you.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Coronavirus

Dad and son having fun outdoor. Healthy living concept
Dividend Stocks

1 Growth Stock Down 15.8% to Buy Right Now

A growth stock is well-positioned to resume its upward momentum in 2024 following its strong financial results and business momentum.

Read more »

Double exposure of a businessman and stairs - Business Success Concept
Stocks for Beginners

3 Things About Couche-Tard Stock Every Smart Investor Knows

Couche-tard stock (TSX:ATD) may be up 30% this year, but look at the leadership and history of the stock to…

Read more »

Plane on runway, aircraft
Coronavirus

Can Air Canada Double in 5 Years? Here’s What it Would Take

Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock has gone nowhere since 2020. Can this change?

Read more »

Senior housing
Stocks for Beginners

Home Improvement Stocks Are Set to Fall (When They Do, Buy These Like Crazy!)

Home improvement stocks are due to drop further in the coming months. But with solid underpinnings for the sector, it…

Read more »

An airplane on a runway
Coronavirus

Forget Boeing: Buy This Magnificent Airline Stock Instead

Boeing (NYSE:BA) stock is looking risky right now, but Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock? Much less so.

Read more »

Man considering whether to sell or buy
Stocks for Beginners

Goeasy Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

When it comes to smart buys, goeasy stock (TSX:GSY) is up there as one of the smartest money can buy.…

Read more »

Woman has an idea
Stocks for Beginners

Here’s Why Magna International Is a No-Brainer Value Stock

Magna stock (TSX:MG) has been climbing back once more, but still offers huge value for long-term minded investors.

Read more »

Aircraft wing plane
Coronavirus

1 TSX Stock Down 60% That Could Bounce Back Stronger

Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock got severely beaten down in the March 2020 COVID crash. Here's why it's probably not going…

Read more »