Buffett Doubles Down on VeriSign

FINANCE
Buffett Doubles Down on VeriSign

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is doubling down on its investment in VeriSign, a 1990s dotcom-era staple, despite the company’s underwhelming performance in 2024. VeriSign, a key player in internet infrastructure, manages .com and .net domain registrations and supports DNS queries, maintaining two of the internet’s 13 root servers. However, its stock has dipped 2% this year, lagging behind the 25% S&P 500 gain and Nasdaq’s 30% surge.

Berkshire recently invested $74 million to acquire 377,736 shares, increasing its ownership to over 13 million shares valued at $2.6 billion, making it the company’s largest shareholder. Despite its stock decline from a peak of $253.82 in 2021 to $205 today, VeriSign boasts some of the highest profit margins among S&P 500 companies, rivaling Nvidia.

This move aligns with Berkshire’s strategy of seeking undervalued, high-margin companies. While Berkshire has sold over half its Apple stake and stockpiled $325 billion in cash, this investment highlights Buffett’s confidence in VeriSign’s strong fundamentals and potential. With its critical role in internet infrastructure and profitability, Buffett’s bet signals optimism in long-term value even amid short-term challenges.

JIMMY CARTER
Jimmy Carter’s Timeless Business Wisdom

Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at age 100, left behind timeless advice for success in business: respect and empathy. Renowned for brokering the historic Camp David Accords and his humanitarian work, Carter’s wisdom stems from a life dedicated to resolving conflicts and building common ground.

In a 1998 Harvard Business Review interview, Carter emphasized, “All negotiations, whether in government or business, require certain things. One is a proper respect for the people across from you whose opinions differ from yours. You can’t be arrogant.” He highlighted the value of understanding others’ perspectives—not necessarily agreeing with them—and the humility required to recognize their equal humanity.

Carter’s insights resonate strongly in today’s evolving workplace. As automation and AI replace technical tasks, soft skills like empathy and adaptability have become increasingly vital. Leaders such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella echo Carter’s sentiments, underscoring that empathy is not a “soft” skill but a crucial one. Carter’s message reminds us that respect and understanding are not just ethical imperatives but also key drivers of success in any professional setting.

CRYPTO
Bitcoin Eyes $200K in 2025

Bitcoin enthusiasts are buzzing with bold predictions for 2025, with many expecting the cryptocurrency to soar to unprecedented levels. After an impressive 150% rally in 2024, bitcoin has reignited investor confidence, sparking forecasts of significant gains in the coming year.

Crypto experts and industry executives told CNBC they anticipate bitcoin to reach new all-time highs in 2025, with several predicting prices to double, climbing to $200,000. Among the most bullish forecasts, some expect the cryptocurrency to surge as high as $250,000.

The optimism stems from growing institutional adoption, advancements in blockchain technology, and favorable regulatory shifts anticipated under pro-crypto policies in key global markets. These factors, combined with increased demand for decentralized financial solutions, have positioned bitcoin for potentially transformative growth.

While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Bitcoin continues to captivate the market, with 2025 shaping up to be a pivotal year for the cryptocurrency's trajectory.

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.