People look up to Warren Buffett because he is a winner. The legendary investor has built a massive following through his years of making billions of dollars. His influence in the investing world is so extensive that his moves during the present COVID-19 pandemic are highly anticipated.
Buffett’s investment record is at stake. The stock portfolio of his conglomerate, Berkshire Hathaway, is vulnerable to the coronavirus-induced market crash as are the holdings of ordinary investors. However, Buffett has been known to thrive even in downturns and still earn reasonable gains.
The intelligent investor
According to Buffett, one of his best buys is a book. Benjamin Graham’s The Intelligent Investor helped him develop his intellectual framework for investing.
Graham, the proponent of value investing, is an influential figure in Buffett’s life. It is from the book that Buffett gleaned a precise and clear prescription for the proper framework. Buffett discovered that you don’t need to have a stratospheric IQ, unusual business insights, or inside information to succeed.
The key to long-term success is providing emotional discipline. He said, “What’s needed is a sound intellectual framework for making decisions and the ability to keep emotions from corroding that framework.”
Keeping a low profile
The size and scale of the 2020 market rout are unprecedented — and something Buffett hasn’t seen in his lifetime. He’s been pretty quiet lately, which his followers find uncharacteristic. Moreover, he’s been selling stocks instead of buying aggressively like in previous market crashes.
Buffett is either fearful of the one-two punch (coronavirus pandemic and oil shock) or biding his time. The man is exercising emotional discipline at this time. Berkshire is likely to post a huge net loss due to unrealized losses on its stock holdings.
Abundance of caution
Despite the ravage that COVID-19 inflicted on stock markets, Buffett and his conglomerate are expected to withstand the current global economic shock. Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR) is among his holdings capable of weathering the storm.
Unlike smaller restaurants, big fast-food chains won’t be fighting for life. RBI, the owner of global brands Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes, is suffering from huge but temporary sales loss. The operations have been limited to takeout and delivery.
Recently, this $20 billion company drew $1 billion from its revolving credit facility to fortify its balance sheet position. RBI CEO Jose Cil describes the move as an abundance of caution. With $2.5 billion cash on hand, RBI can support restaurant owners and employees throughout this challenging time.
Suspension of dividends for a quarter or two is a possibility, as RBI can save around $300 million more. Nevertheless, as one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant companies, RBI should rebound in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Cautious stance
Warren Buffett usually makes the big moves during market crashes. He has a $128 billion cash hoard at his disposal which he isn’t burning yet. If he isn’t buying, you must be watchful.
Emotional discipline is at play here. Now is not the season to make ill-time investments. You’re safer keeping your emotions in check while market volatility is extremely high.
