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Mitsui

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🌱 Idea Evolution & Maturity

How this concept developed over time, tracking its transformation from an early practice to a formalized Berkshire pillar.

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1
◌Seed Stage

The Initial Investment

2020
Strategic Catalyst
Berkshire purchases a 5% stake in five major Japanese trading houses, including Mitsui.
Operational Shift

Berkshire makes a massive, unprecedented bet on Japanese trading companies.

Philosophical Shift

A recognition of the incredible value and stability offered by the Japanese trading houses, characterized by strong cash flows and low valuations.

“

We are delighted to participate in the future of Japan.

— 2020 Letter
2
◐Named Stage

The Silent Compounding

2021 - 2022
Strategic Catalyst
The steady performance of the trading houses.
Operational Shift

Mitsui and the others continue to perform exceptionally well, validating the investment thesis.

Philosophical Shift

The investment proves that great value can be found outside the US when the fundamentals are incredibly strong.

“

The five Japanese trading companies continue to be excellent investments.

— 2022 Letter
3
◑Defined Stage

The Stake Increase

2023
Strategic Catalyst
Buffett visits Japan and increases the stakes to 9%.
Operational Shift

Berkshire commits further capital, treating the Japanese trading houses almost as permanent holdings.

Philosophical Shift

Mitsui is recognized as a global powerhouse with a business model that closely resembles Berkshire's own decentralized structure.

“

These are companies we expect to own for decades.

— 2023 Letter
4
●Mature Stage

The Partnership Model

2024 - Present
Strategic Catalyst
Continued strong performance and dividend growth.
Operational Shift

Mitsui is fully integrated into Berkshire's long-term 'permanent' equity portfolio.

Philosophical Shift

The Japanese trading house model is the ultimate example of sensible diversification and shareholder-friendly capital return.

“

The Japanese trading companies are treating us very well as partners.

— 2024 Letter

📚 Historical Mentions & Citations (3)

Click a reference document below to expand and read the exact paragraph(s) containing this concept in the archive.

📜
2023 LetterExcerpt Available
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In certain important ways, all five companies — Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Mitsui and Sumitomo — follow shareholder-friendly policies that are much superior to those customarily practiced in the U.S. Since we began our Japanese purchases, each of the five has reduced the number of its outstanding shares at attractive prices .
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📜
2024 LetterExcerpt Available
▼
It’s been almost six years since Berkshire began purchasing shares in five Japanese companies that very successfully operate in a manner somewhat similar to Berkshire itself. The five are (alphabetically) ITOCHU, Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Mitsui and Sumitomo. Each of these large enterprises, in turn, owns interests in a vast array of businesses, many based in Japan but others that operate throughout the world.
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🎙️
2024 MeetingReference Only
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Mentioned in this document.

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