Invest Like Warren Buffett to Profit From the Looming Stock Market Crash

Invest like Warren Buffett to profit from the next stock markt crash and buy Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR).

| More on:
Going against the grain

Image source: Getty Images

The March 2020 stock market crash had a sharp impact on stocks and the confidence of investors. Stocks remain highly volatile, even after the April 2020 rally and substantial government economic stimulus. This has done little to allay fears of another stock market crash. Warren Buffett, long considered the world’s greatest investor, is acting as if there is worse ahead.

Stock market crash ahead

It appears that the Oracle of Omaha is preparing for yet another market crash. Through Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett is building a war chest of cash. By the end of the first quarter 2020, Buffett’s company had a record US$133 billion in cash and short-term investments.

He is raising more cash by selling stocks. Buffett offloaded the four major U.S. airlines in April for an estimated US$6 billion in cash. This means Berkshire Hathaway’s cash hoard is approaching an eye-popping US$140 billion.

The April 2020 U.S. jobs numbers highlight the significant economic fallout from the coronavirus. Around 20.5 million jobs were lost and unemployment hit a worrying 14.7%, the highest rate since the Great Depression. Banking giant JPMorgan believes that U.S. first-quarter 2020 GDP will contract by 10% and then 25% for the second quarter.

Buffett’s preferred valuation measure, the total market cap as a ratio of GDP, indicates U.S. stocks are heavily overvalued. This presages that another sharp market correction is due, potentially explaining why Buffett is actively building his cash reserves.

Buffett’s strategy

The Oracle of Omaha has long held that when a market downturn is approaching, investors should bolster their cash reserves. This boosts their firepower to take advantage of sharply weaker stock prices and acquire quality businesses trading with extremely attractive valuations.

Buffett’s approach to investing is encapsulated in this quote: “We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful.”

As fear engulfs stock markets during the upcoming crash, there will be plenty of opportunity to acquire companies with wide economic moats, robust balance sheets and solid businesses at significant discounts to their indicative fair value. This contrarian strategy will unlock outsized returns over the long term.

Buy this Buffett stock

One stock that fits Buffett’s criteria is Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR). The Oracle of Omaha owns 8.4 million shares of the quick-service restaurant company, which owns three iconic brands: Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes. Restaurant Brands hasn’t been as harshly handled by the market like many other stocks, having lost a modest 16% since the start of 2020.

Despite being impacted by the coronavirus pandemic like other restaurant and entertainment businesses, Restaurant Brands reported some credible first-quarter 2020 results. Drive through, takeout, and curbside delivery options have shielded Restaurant Brands from the worst of the coronavirus fallout for restaurants.

While first-quarter system-wide sales growth was 0% compared to 6.4% a year earlier, earnings only fell moderately. Total revenues of US$1.2 billion were only 3% down year over year, while EBITDA dropped 11% to US$444 million. The result was a 9% year-over-year decrease in diluted earnings per share to US$0.48.

Earnings will rebound significantly once the pandemic ends. Even as the economic toll of the virus mounts the impact on Restaurant Brands will be minimal. This is because the popularity of fast-food restaurants rises during recession and times of economic stress, as consumers become more budget conscious.

Restaurant Brands possesses solid fundamentals, which will allow it to weather the current storm and emerge in good shape. This includes finishing the first quarter with US$2.5 billion in cash.

Restaurant Brands has almost US$14 billion in long-term debt and lease liabilities. That large number is some what worrying, because it is more than six times 2019 annual EBITDA. It is only around 2.5 times annual revenue, and fast-food restaurants generate considerable cash flow, further mitigating the risks posed by such a large pile of debt.

Foolish takeaway

Stock market crashes provide the ultimate opportunity to employ Buffett’s contrarian investment strategy. As fear drives investors to the exits, stock prices cascade ever lower, creating the opportunity to acquire quality businesses at less than their fair value. When the next market crash occurs, it will be a once-in-a-decade opportunity to acquire quality stocks at extremely attractive valuations.

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 Matt Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). The Motley Fool recommends RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC and recommends the following options: long January 2021 $200 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), short January 2021 $200 puts on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), and short June 2020 $205 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares).

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 »