Chapter 409 Target: Walmart, Asking for the Sky!
The funds from selling the land and properties were all transferred into Universal Investment Company's accounts.
Thus, the U.S. branch of Universal Investment Company now had the financial backing to begin executing its targeted investment operations.
Over 3.6 billion Hong Kong dollars — it was no small sum.
By now, the employees who had come to America had been here for over ten days and were already gaining deep insights into the U.S. stock market.
In other words, it was time to truly get to work.
Their first target: Walmart.
This future retail legend, founded in 1962, was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1972 with an initial market capitalization of only 36 million dollars.
Even now, almost ten years later, Walmart's market cap was still only around 189 million dollars — far less than newly listed companies like Apple.
Importantly, unlike Apple, Walmart's stock price hadn't remained stagnant after listing.
Although Walmart's current market cap was small by U.S. standards, its share price had consistently risen.
Even during occasional downturns, it quickly rebounded and climbed higher.
By the early 1990s, Walmart's market cap would have grown 500-fold!
By 2001, Walmart's value exceeded 300 billion dollars — nearly a 10,000-fold increase from its original valuation.
Walmart would even hold the top spot on the Fortune Global 500 list for multiple years.
Thus, before the 21st century, investing in Walmart would clearly be far more profitable than investing in Apple.
Now, with Walmart's market value still low, it was the perfect time to get in.
Just think: invest less than a hundred million dollars now, and in the future, watch that grow into hundreds of billions — far more rewarding than painstakingly running businesses!
Additionally, Walmart would serve as Universal Investment Company's first trial target in the U.S.
Lin Haoran had already instructed Su Zhixue:
Use multiple offshore companies to secretly absorb Walmart stock — absolutely no traceable links back to Lin Haoran.
He had no intention of revealing himself as a shareholder.
After all, this was America, not Hong Kong.
Walmart's market cap was so low that he could, in theory, easily take it over.
But what would be the point?
He didn't have the ability to run a giant U.S. retail company.
Moreover, an American retail giant controlled by a non-American would never receive government support.
If he truly controlled Walmart, it would never reach its future heights.
Thus, Lin Haoran's plan for Walmart was simple:
Remain an invisible shareholder.
When Walmart reached unimaginable heights in the future, he could sell at will.
For instance, by the 21st century, when Apple began its meteoric rise, he could cash out of Walmart and pour those funds back into Apple.
At that time, Walmart's growth would have plateaued, but Apple would still have 100x growth potential.
While Su Zhixue and his team were laying out their Walmart strategy, Lin Haoran kept an eye on Apple's stock price.
As the market opened that morning, Apple's share price climbed steadily.
Thanks to the frenzy among U.S. retail investors, Apple's price continued to soar.
By noon, Apple's price had risen from the previous close of $36.25 to $42.33 per share.
Seeing the steady rise, Lin Haoran's mood naturally improved.
However, he also knew that Apple's price in the 1980s wouldn't stay extremely high for long.
This rally was mostly fueled by retail hype.
Once rationality returned, the stock would stabilize.
Still, for now — while he intended to sell his shares — the rising stock price was a wonderful thing.
In the afternoon, the stock continued climbing.
Given that Apple had only floated 4.6 million shares during the IPO — less than one-tenth of the company —
and that few early employees were selling their shares,
the available supply was extremely limited.
Meanwhile, Apple had many wealthy fans willing to buy and hold.
As a result, the stock price continued its upward trend.
Soon, 4:00 p.m. arrived.
Even from Universal Investment Company's offices near Times Square, Lin Haoran could faintly hear the closing bell from NASDAQ.
And he quickly learned Apple's final closing price for the day:
$46.68 per share.
Although the afternoon rally wasn't as strong as the morning's, it was still remarkable.
The previous day's close was $36.25.
Today, it was up more than $10.
With a total of 58.72 million shares outstanding, Apple's market capitalization had now reached $2.741 billion.
Which meant that Lin Haoran's 10% stake was now worth about $274 million.
Judging by investor enthusiasm, the price might even rise further tomorrow.
Seeing this, Lin Haoran's mood brightened even more.
For a moment, he was tempted to instruct Su Zhixue to begin selling his shares.
But he restrained himself.
With such a large holding, dumping shares on the market would crash the price.
And selling just a small amount wasn't worth the trouble.
Better to hold for now — the higher the price rose, the better.
Sure enough, not long after the market closed, Lin Haoran received a phone call.
It was from Walter Wriston, chairman of Citibank.
"Mr. Lin, we have a major client in California — backed by a powerful family — who just contacted me.
They're willing to offer $250 million to buy your 10% stake in Apple," Wriston said.
$250 million — significantly higher than the previous day's $200 million offer — but understandable given today's surge in Apple's price.
"Mr. Wriston, thank you. Please have them contact me directly.
And if any other potential buyers show interest, they can call me too.
I'll be at the office all evening," Lin Haoran said, smiling.
"Understood. Congratulations again, Mr. Lin — Apple's stock soared today!" Wriston added, though his tone carried a hint of regret.
It was true: Citibank had once been offered the chance to invest in Apple — and declined.
Now they could only watch Lin Haoran reap the rewards.
Wriston himself had regretted that decision countless times over the past few days.
After all, $200 million in profit was no small matter.
"Thank you, Mr. Wriston!" Lin Haoran said, then hung up.
Moments later, the phone rang again.
It was the California family's representative — Thomas Morton — calling.
"Mr. Lin, this is Thomas Morton from the Morton Family.
It's a pleasure to speak with you.
We are very interested in your 10% stake in Apple.
Mr. Wriston informed us of your intention to sell.
We are willing to offer $250 million.
Of course, if you have another price in mind, we're open to discussion," Morton said politely.
Lin Haoran smiled, calculating swiftly.
Given Apple's surging stock price, his stake's value was climbing daily.
And from Morton's tone, it was clear they were eager — probably envisioning massive future gains.
Thus, Lin Haoran decided it was time to play hardball.
"Mr. Morton, thank you for your sincerity.
Since we're both interested, let's be frank.
My asking price is $300 million.
Considering Apple's potential and future growth, I believe this is fair.
If your family can accept it, we can close the deal immediately.
If not, I understand — it's a big investment," Lin Haoran said smoothly, asking for the sky.
On the other end, Thomas Morton clearly hesitated but quickly regained his composure.
"Mr. Lin, your price is quite high — well above the current market value.
I think it's unreasonable," Morton said with a wry smile in his voice.
"Mr. Morton," Lin Haoran responded, still smiling,
"you may think it's high, but retail investors certainly don't.
Everyone can see that Apple is an outstanding company.
If not for my urgent need for liquidity, I wouldn't even consider selling.
Given the current momentum, Apple's market cap could easily hit $3 billion soon.
In that context, $300 million is more than reasonable."
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