
Li Lu, the founder of Himalaya Capital, has a unique approach to investing. He believes in focusing on the long-term value of a company, rather than short-term gains.
Li Lu's investment strategy is centered around finding undervalued companies with strong fundamentals. He looks for companies with a history of profitability, a solid balance sheet, and a strong management team.
One key aspect of Li Lu's strategy is his focus on the "three-legged stool" of a company: the business, the management, and the financials. He believes that a company must excel in all three areas to be a successful investment.
Li Lu has a keen eye for spotting undervalued companies, and his investment track record is impressive.
Li Lu's Philosophy and Practice
Li Lu emphasizes the importance of understanding that stocks confer part-ownership of a business.
He stresses the necessity of a margin of safety, which is crucial for successful investing.
Li Lu also discusses the concept of 'Mr. Market' as an irrational guide, warning against getting caught up in market fluctuations.

He shares personal anecdotes throughout his speech, highlighting the practical challenges and mental discipline required for successful investing.
Li Lu contrasts speculative investing with value investing, highlighting the significance of staying within one's circle of competence.
He believes that investing transcends mere financial decision-making, permeating life more broadly.
Li Lu's passion for investing is driven by his curiosity and desire for education on the world around us.
He views investing as an incredible profession that allows you to spend every minute studying new things and compounding knowledge, practical experience, and judgement.
Interview with Li Lu
Li Lu's approach to value investing is centered around adopting an owner's mentality. He emphasizes that if you were the 100% owner of a company, it's all about the business, not the stock price.
This mentality is crucial because the market will always expose your weaknesses, and if you don't have the necessary knowledge, you'll be at a disadvantage. Li Lu stresses the importance of studying the history of a business to gain a deeper understanding of the company and its opportunities.
Li Lu's approach to value investing is centered around adopting an owner's mentality, where you think of a company as if you were the 100% owner, focusing on the business rather than the stock price.
Li Lu Interview 2021 – New Technologies

Li Lu emphasizes the importance of investing in new technologies, citing examples like bitcoin and 5G.
Investing in new technologies can be challenging due to the uncertainty of their impact on businesses.
Li Lu notes that the car industry has been disrupted by four trends: ride sharing, battery technology, intelligent design, and autonomous driving.
The competition in the car industry is fierce, making it difficult to predict which companies will emerge as winners.
However, Li Lu believes that it's not difficult to predict the megatrend, which is the overarching direction of the industry.
He recommends finding businesses with unique technology, scale, and the right strategic focus to achieve success.
Li Lu's own investment in BYD is a testament to this approach, as the company has successfully navigated the changing landscape of the car industry.
Interview 2021 – 3 Key Factors to Start with Value
Li Lu emphasizes the importance of adopting an owner's mentality when starting with value investing. He says that if you were to get 100% ownership of a company, it's all about the business and not about the stock price.

You have to think of a company you invest in as if you were the 100% owner. This approach is crucial because the market will always hit your weaknesses, and if you don't possess the knowledge, you'll be destroyed.
Li Lu stresses the need to spend as much time as possible studying the history of the business. The more you study the history, the better you'll be at judging the company and opportunity.
Li Lu's experience as a Columbia student was fortunate, but he emphasizes that a 100% ownership approach is essential for value investing. This mentality helps you avoid making decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.
Li Lu warns that the market has been designed to catch those who don't have a 100% ownership approach. He encourages investors to think critically and make informed decisions, rather than relying on speculation.
Li Lu's advice is to think of a company as if you owned 100% of it, and make decisions based on its fundamental value, rather than its stock price. This approach requires discipline and a willingness to learn and adapt.
Himalaya Capital

Himalaya Capital is a notable investment firm founded by Li Lu, a Chinese-born businessman who currently resides in the United States. He studied at Columbia University where he was inspired by Warren Buffett's lecture to buy his first stocks.
Li Lu's investment approach is focused on value and long-term growth, as evident from his strategic selection of established companies in his portfolio. His top five stocks reflect this approach, with a mix of financial services, technology, and diversified holdings.
Here are the top five stocks in Li Lu's portfolio:
- Bank of America Corp.
- Alphabet Inc - Ordinary Shares - Class C
- Alphabet Inc - Ordinary Shares - Class A
- Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Ordinary Shares - Class B
- East West Bancorp, Inc.
These investments demonstrate Li Lu's confidence in traditional financial sectors, innovation, and market dominance in online advertising and technology. His portfolio has seen significant growth, with a 24.0% increase in shares in Q1 2023.

Li Lu's investment strategy has resulted in a diverse portfolio with a significant presence in various sectors, including finance and insurance, management of companies and enterprises, and manufacturing. His holdings have a current value of $836 Million.
Himalaya Capital's portfolio has experienced notable increases in shares, including a 168.3% increase in Q4 2022 and a 77.2% increase in Q2 2022. The firm's investment approach has been successful in identifying robust companies capable of sustaining profitability and ensuring durable competitive advantages.
Investment Career and Experience
Li Lu's investment career spans over two decades, with a strong focus on long-term value creation. He has a proven track record of making successful investments in various sectors.
Li Lu's experience in the investment world began in the 1990s, when he started working at a hedge fund in New York. This early exposure to the global financial markets laid the foundation for his future success.
With his unique blend of Western and Chinese perspectives, Li Lu has been able to identify and capitalize on opportunities that others may have overlooked. His ability to think critically and make informed decisions has been a key factor in his success.

Li Lu's investment philosophy is centered around the idea of long-term value creation, which is reflected in his investment approach at Himalaya Capital. He believes in taking a contrarian view and investing in companies that are undervalued or misunderstood by the market.
Li Lu's experience in the investment world has also given him a deep understanding of the importance of risk management. He has developed a disciplined approach to risk management, which has allowed him to navigate even the most challenging market conditions.
At Himalaya Capital, Li Lu has been able to apply his investment philosophy and experience to achieve significant returns for his investors. His ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities has been a key factor in the success of the fund.
Transcript
Li Lu's investment firm, Himalaya Capital, has a unique approach to investing. They focus on long-term value creation.
Li Lu, the founder of Himalaya Capital, has a strong track record of successful investments, including a 50% return on investment in a Chinese company. He is known for his contrarian approach to investing.

Himalaya Capital's investment strategy is centered around value investing, which involves identifying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals. They look for companies with a competitive advantage and a strong management team.
The firm's investment portfolio includes a mix of Chinese and international companies, with a focus on industries such as technology and healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Himalaya Capital?
Himalaya Capital is owned by Li Lu, its founder and Chairman. He is a seasoned investor with a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio.
What companies does Li Lu own?
Li Lu's portfolio includes top holdings in Bank of America, Alphabet (Google), Berkshire Hathaway, and East West Bancorp, among others. These companies make up a significant portion of his investment portfolio as of September 2024.
What is the minimum investment for Himalaya Capital Management?
The minimum investment for Himalaya Capital Investors, L.P. is $5 million. This investment requirement applies to those interested in partnering with Himalaya Capital.
Sources
- https://svencarlin.com/li-lu-himalaya-capital-2021-interview-value-investing-in-asia/
- https://www.investmenttalk.co/p/the-greatest-investor-youve-never
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Lu
- https://stockcircle.com/portfolio/himalaya-capital
- https://www.theinvestorspodcast.com/episodes/billionaire-investing-legend-li-lu-w-clay-finck/
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