Buffett's first step down! Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A.US) has issued a massive 272.3 billion yen bond after his resignation, continuing to boost confidence in the Japanese market.

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A.US) issued 272.3 billion Japanese yen (1.7 billion USD) in yen bonds, marking the company's first such transaction since Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO. The bonds were issued in six tranches with maturities ranging from three years to thirty years. The 10-year bond was priced at a premium of 90 basis points above the benchmark rate, with a coupon rate of 3.084%. Berkshire Hathaway previously issued yen bonds in November 2025 with a 10-year coupon rate of 2.422%. The Nebraska-based company expanded its investments in Japan, including holdings in major trading companies, and recently agreed to invest approximately 300 billion yen in Tokio Marine Holdings Inc., indicating the company's continued confidence in the Japanese market. Despite heightened volatility in Japanese government bonds due to tensions in Iran, the transaction still attracted investors. This is the company's third largest yen bond transaction to date, with previous issuances of 430 billion yen in 2019 and 281.8 billion yen in October 2024. "In this environment, issuers with lower visibility may find it difficult to enter the market," said Shunsuke Oshida, Managing Director of Manulife Investment Management in Japan. "Issuers with a strong track record and presence in the Japanese market can offer assurance, making it easier for investors to participate."