Inside Himalaya Capital’s Portfolio: A Masterclass in Focus and Conviction

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Olori Uwem

Well-Known Member
Mar 18, 2024
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️ Inside Himalaya Capital’s Portfolio: A Masterclass in Focus and Conviction

Himalaya Capital, founded by the brilliant investor Li Lu (a close ally of Charlie Munger), is one of the most respected names in value investing. Known for its long-term view, deep research, and disciplined patience, Himalaya Capital’s latest stock portfolio offers timeless lessons for every serious investor.

Portfolio Breakdown in Detail

Himalaya Capital’s portfolio reflects a thoughtful mix of global exposure, concentrated bets, and classic value holdings.

The largest position is Bank of America (BAC), which makes up about 18% of the total portfolio. This shows Himalaya’s strong confidence in the resilience of the U.S. banking system and the steady profitability of well-managed financial institutions.

Another significant holding is East West Bancorp (EWBC), accounting for roughly 10% of the portfolio. This regional bank bridges financial relationships between the U.S. and Asia — a sign that Himalaya values institutions with strong cultural and economic ties across borders.

The portfolio also features Alphabet, the parent company of Google, held in both its share classes — GOOG and GOOGL — each representing about 16% of the total. This double allocation indicates a high level of conviction in Alphabet’s future growth, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital advertising, and cloud computing.

A striking 17% of the portfolio is invested in Pinduoduo (PDD), the Chinese e-commerce giant that owns Temu. This holding underscores Himalaya’s confidence in the innovation and long-term potential of China’s consumer and technology markets, despite short-term volatility or regulatory pressures.

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) is another 16% of the portfolio, perfectly aligning with Himalaya’s value-driven DNA. Owning Berkshire reflects an appreciation for companies that compound capital steadily under exceptional management.

Other notable names include Occidental Petroleum (OXY) — a calculated play on energy resilience and inflation protection, Citigroup (C), and Biglari Holdings (BH), both representing Himalaya’s taste for underappreciated value opportunities. The remaining 7% is spread across smaller or emerging positions, offering a touch of diversification.

What Stands Out

Himalaya Capital’s portfolio is remarkably concentrated — a handful of stocks make up most of its value. Financials take up about a third of the portfolio, led by Bank of America and East West Bancorp. This reflects a strong belief in the long-term earnings power of the banking sector.

The two Alphabet positions (GOOG and GOOGL) combined make up nearly one-third as well, showing confidence in digital transformation, AI innovation, and the enduring relevance of technology leaders. Meanwhile, the presence of Pinduoduo adds a global twist — proof that Himalaya is not afraid to look beyond the U.S. when the opportunity is compelling.

Adding Berkshire Hathaway and Occidental Petroleum brings balance — stable, cash-generating, real-economy businesses that complement the tech-heavy exposure.

Key Lessons from Himalaya Capital

1. Concentration Reflects Conviction
Himalaya doesn’t spread its bets across dozens of stocks. It holds only a few names it deeply understands and believes in.
Lesson: Great investors don’t aim for diversification; they aim for understanding. Focus builds wealth.

2. Think Globally, But Act Selectively
By investing in both U.S. and Chinese companies, Himalaya shows that opportunity knows no borders — but quality still comes first.
Lesson: Don’t let location limit your portfolio. A great business is a great business, anywhere in the world.

3. Value Investing Never Goes Out of Style
Owning banks, Berkshire, and energy companies alongside tech leaders proves that value investing remains timeless.
Lesson: Fundamentals, discipline, and patience always outperform hype and speculation.

4. Patience Is the Ultimate Edge
Himalaya is famous for holding stocks through cycles. They let compounding do the heavy lifting.

Lesson: The real test of an investor isn’t timing — it’s time. Staying invested in quality wins over reacting to noise.

Final Takeaway

Himalaya Capital’s portfolio is a powerful reminder that successful investing isn’t about owning everything — it’s about owning the right things.
By combining focus, global perspective, and unwavering patience, Li Lu and his team continue to demonstrate what intelligent investing truly looks like.

For investors in our community, this portfolio is an open lesson:
Understand deeply. Invest selectively. Hold patiently.