Warren Buffett remains one of the most iconic figures in the world of investing. Through Berkshire Hathaway, the legendary investor has built a reputation for long-term success, value investing, and strategic patience.
As of December 31, 2023, Berkshire had a staggering $862 billion market capitalization, and by March 31, 2024, it held $189 billion in cash—demonstrating both strength and flexibility. This article explores Buffett’s current portfolio, key moves, and timeless investment philosophy.
Berkshire Hathaway’s Top Holdings
Key Stock Holdings (as of December 31, 2023)
Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio is dominated by a few large bets, with Apple Inc. taking the top spot:
- Apple Inc. (AAPL) – 40.1% of portfolio, $144.8 billion
- Bank of America Corp. (BAC) – 10.6%, $38.5 billion
- American Express Company (AXP) – 9.7%, $35.0 billion
- Coca-Cola Co. (KO) – 6.9%, $24.9 billion
- Chevron Corp. (CVX) – 5.5%, $19.7 billion
- Occidental Petroleum Corp. (OXY) – 4.4%, $16.0 billion
Top 10 Holdings by Portfolio Weight
- Apple (AAPL) – 39.6%
- Bank of America (BAC) – 10.8%
- Chevron (CVX) – 8.6%
- American Express (AXP) – 6.9%
- Coca-Cola (KO) – 6.1%
- Occidental Petroleum (OXY) – 5.1%
- Kraft Heinz (KHC) – 3.1%
- Moody’s (MCO) – 2.6%
- U.S. Bancorp (USB) – 1.7%
- Activision Blizzard (ATVI) – 1.6%
Buffett’s Favorites
Among these holdings, Buffett has repeatedly praised Apple, calling it “perhaps the best business I know in the world.” His top favorites include:
- Apple
- Bank of America
- American Express
- Coca-Cola
- Chevron
- Occidental Petroleum
These selections reflect Buffett’s preference for consumer brands, financial institutions, and energy stocks—companies with strong brands, stable earnings, and clear business models.
Recent Buying and Selling Activity
Exit Positions
- Completely Sold: Paramount Global
- Exited Stakes In: D.R. Horton, StoneCo, Globe Life, Markel Group, Activision Blizzard
Reduced Stakes
- Trimmed Positions In:
- Apple (to prevent portfolio overconcentration)
- HP
- Paramount Global
- Taiwan Semiconductor
- U.S. Bancorp
- Bank of New York Mellon
Increased Holdings
- Energy Sector:
- Chevron Corp: +15.85 million shares
- Occidental Petroleum: +19.59 million shares
- Others:
- Sirius XM Holdings: +30.56 million shares
- Apple: Increase in earlier quarters despite recent trimming
Notable Transactions Summary
| Company | Transaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Chevron (CVX) | +15.8M shares in Q4 2023 |
| Apple (AAPL) | Trimmed by 77.7%, selling ~79.7M shares |
| Occidental (OXY) | Net increase, +243.7M shares |
| Sirius XM (SIRI) | +30.6M shares, up 315.6% |
| Paramount Global (PARA) | Reduced by 30.4M shares (-32.4%) |
Buffett’s allocation of $189 billion in cash provides significant room for future opportunities, reinforcing his strategy of patience and discipline.
Warren Buffett’s Timeless Investment Principles
1. Value Investing
Buffett follows Benjamin Graham’s philosophy—buying businesses trading below their intrinsic value.
“Price is what you pay, value is what you get.”
2. Long-Term Focus
He invests with a 10+ year horizon and avoids short-term market noise.
“If you’re not willing to own a stock for ten years, don’t even think about owning it for ten minutes.”
3. Economic Moat
Buffett prioritizes companies with a durable competitive advantage, such as strong brands or dominant market positions.
4. Invest in What You Understand
He avoids complex industries, speculative trends, and sectors like crypto or biotech.
5. Margin of Safety
Buffett insists on a “margin of safety” by purchasing stocks well below their fair value to minimize downside risk.
6. Contrarian Thinking
Buffett famously says:
“Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.”
He thrives on opportunities where the broader market sentiment is pessimistic but the fundamentals are strong.
Key Strategies Buffett Follows
- Long-term compound growth over quick wins
- Focus on consistent, cash-generating companies
- Avoid hype-driven sectors
- Reinvest profits into solid businesses
- Stay calm during market volatility
Conclusion
Warren Buffett’s investing legacy continues to guide generations of investors. With Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio reflecting his tried-and-true strategy of buying quality companies at fair prices, Buffett consistently delivers in both bull and bear markets.
His recent activity—trimming some tech stocks, exiting others, and doubling down on energy—illustrates a commitment to disciplined, rational investing amid changing economic conditions. As we navigate the complexities of today’s market, Buffett’s wisdom serves as a powerful compass for long-term investment success.
