International News 16 January 2025

January 16, 2025 No. 239

Warren Buffett is aggressive again, buying this stock up to US$90 million in 30 days

Warren Buffett, the renowned investor known as the 'Oracle of Omaha', has made a series of significant purchases of VeriSign shares, marking a change in his investment strategy. This follows a period of selling in the second half of 2023, which caused concern in the market. The acquisitions were made between 19 December 2023 and 3 January 2024, with a price range that indicates a strategic approach to investment. The most significant purchase was made on 17 December, with Buffett acquiring 234,312 shares for almost $45.5 million. The smallest purchase was made on 31 December, with 20,044 shares purchased for $4.1 million. The total number of shares acquired by Buffett amounts to 474,267, increasing his total stake in VeriSign to 13.2 million shares. This strategic move is part of a long-term investment strategy, indicating confidence in VeriSign's future prospects

https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/warren-buffett-kembali-agresif-borong-saham-ini-senilai-us90-juta-dalam-30-hari

 

China considers selling US TikTok to Elon Musk

Reports indicate that Chinese officials are considering the sale of TikTok's US operations to Elon Musk, in the event that the popular video app is unable to circumvent a ban. Sources indicate that officials in Beijing would prefer TikTok to remain under the control of its parent company, ByteDance. The sale of TikTok could be pursued through a competitive process or government regulation, indicating that ByteDance may no longer have full control over the app's future. The Chinese government holds a 'golden share' in ByteDance, a move that has been seen as a means of maintaining some degree of oversight over the app. One potential scenario involves Musk's social media platform, X, taking control of TikTok US and running the business jointly. However, it remains uncertain whether ByteDance was aware of these discussions, whether Musk and TikTok have engaged in negotiations, or the likelihood of a deal materialising. A TikTok spokesperson declined to comment on the report.

https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/china-pertimbangkan-jual-tiktok-as-ke-elon-musk

 

Sweetened Beverage Excise Imposed in Second Semester, These Two Issuers Most Affected

The government has announced its intention to implement an excise tax on packaged sugar-sweetened beverages (MBDK) in the latter half of 2025.Prior to implementation, the government will establish technical regulations to determine the threshold, types of MBDK, and the amount of excise tax to be imposed, with the objective of generating IDR3.5 trillion in state revenue from the tax by 2025. The impact of the MBDK excise tax on consumer companies can only be assessed once the government has released the technical regulations.Analysts believe that companies can minimise the negative impact by launching similar products with less sugar and passing on some of the tax burden to the product selling price.PT Mayora Indonesia Tbk (MYOR), with products exposed to MBDK excise comprising 25-30% of total revenue, is expected to feel the largest impact. PT Industri Jamu dan Farmasi Sido Muncul Tbk (SIDO), with an exposure of around 15-20% of revenue, may also be affected.The House of Representatives has proposed a minimum MBDK excise tariff of 2.5% in 2025, which will gradually decrease over time.

https://www.idxchannel.com/market-news/cukai-minuman-manis-berlaku-semester-ii-dua-emiten-ini-paling-terdampak