Finance

India on Berkshire's Radar: Opportunities and Challenges

For the first time ever, India took center stage at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting. Rajeev Agarwal, representing a US hedge fund focused on Indian investments

Published: 05-May-2024 Updated: 05-May-2024

For the first time ever, India took center stage at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting. Rajeev Agarwal, representing a US hedge fund focused on Indian investments, inquired about Berkshire's interest in the Indian market's potential.

Buffett acknowledged India's booming economy and the vast opportunities it presents. However, he highlighted a key challenge for Berkshire: gaining an edge. Unlike the US and Japan, where Berkshire has experience and established connections, India presents a new landscape.

 

 

Buffett mentioned Berkshire's positive experience in Japan, where they capitalized on undervalued trading houses. He expressed optimism about potentially finding similar "unexplored or unattended" opportunities in India.

However, Berkshire faces competition from other investors, particularly those managing assets and incentivized by volume, not necessarily the best deals. Berkshire, on the other hand, prioritizes value investing and acquiring entire businesses or significant stakes directly from owners.

 

 

Buffett humorously acknowledged his age (94) and hinted at a potential future change in leadership. He expressed confidence that "the next management" could leverage Berkshire's reputation and explore avenues in India.

The article concludes by highlighting the contrasting investment philosophies: Agarwal's DoorDarshi Fund aiming for long-term returns in Indian equities, and Berkshire's focus on value and direct acquisitions.