Warren Buffett's enduring stock preferences and lengthiest investment holdings over the years
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When it comes to investing, Warren Buffett, head honcho at Berkshire Hathaway, is a force to be reckoned with. Over the years, he's sent his company's share price soaring by nearly doubling the return of the S&P 500—all while operating outside the limelight of Wall Street.
This reclusive billionaire has a knack for simplifying complex financial concepts and trusting his investments for the long haul. In fact, he's known to hold securities for decades as their values grow for his shareholders. Curious about some of Buffett's top-performing long-term plays? Buckle up, because we're diving into some of his all-time best investments.
Berkshire's Unconventional Approach
What sets Berkshire Hathaway apart is Buffett's flexibility. He's not confined to buying merely stocks. Instead, he views purchasing shares and entire companies as the same endeavor, regardless of whether he's snagging 5% or the entire pie.
Buffet's most lasting and successful buys often have a strong competitive edge, outstanding management, and a "forever" hold mentality. Here's a closer look at some of his longest-standing investments and the secrets to their success.
Proud Purchases: Buffett's Longevity Champions
1. Apple
Buffett established Berkshire Hathaway's position in Apple in 2016, but it wasn't until later that year and in early 2017 that he really stacked up on the tech giant's stock. As a result, it became one of Berkshire's biggest investments ever. In 2024, Buffett told his shareholders that Apple was "just a better business" than anything else he owned. Though he trimmed some shares from 2018 to 2020, he later admitted this was a foolish decision. By mid 2024, Buffett had sold half Berkshire's stake in Apple.
Duration: 9 YearsInitial Investment: ~$10 billion2025 Value: $75.1 billion
2. American Express
Buffett's relationship with American Express spans back to the 1960s when he owned the stock as part of his investment partnership. In the 1990s, Buffett built up the position even further. In his 2022 letter, he shared that dividends from American Express to Berkshire have increased from $41 million in 1995 to $302 million in 2022, with the dividends reaching about $409.3 million in 2024.
Duration: 31 YearsInitial Investment: $1.3 billion2025 Value: $45.0 billion
3. Coca-Cola
Buffett started investing in Coca-Cola's stock in the fall of 1988. Just three years later, the investment was worth $3.75 billion, surpassing the total value of Berkshire at the time. Buffett was captivated by the brand's potential for long-term growth. In 2024, Berkshire pulled in $776 million in dividends from its Coke holdings, and its stake was worth about $28.6 billion.
Duration: 36 YearsInitial Investment: $1.3 billion2025 Value: $24.9 billion
4. Bank of America
Buffett jumped on the Bank of America bandwagon in 2011 through preferred stock and warrants, which were exercised in 2017. Buffett has added to his position occasionally, like in the first quarter of 2023. In 2024, Bank of America became one of Berkshire's largest investments, but the company sold 15 percent of its stake that year.
Duration: 14 YearsInitial Investment: ~ $15.2 billion2025 Value: $29.9 billion
5. Moody's
Buffett acquired a stake in Dun & Bradstreet in early 2000, which later spun off Moody's in the same year. Moody's has solidified its position as a profitable credit rating business with almost unlimited tangible returns.
Duration: 25 YearsInitial Investment: $248 million2025 Value: $11.7 billion
6. Chevron
Berkshire has been buying and selling Chevron stock since 2020. According to Buffett, Chevron is one of the highest-yielding dividend stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. As of 2024, Chevron paid $6.52 per share in dividends.
Duration: 5 YearsInitial Investment: ~ $15.4 billion2025 Value: $17.2 billion
Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are encouraged to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. It's worth noting that past investment performance is no guarantee of future returns.
In Closing
Warren Buffett's investing strategy is a masterclass in value investing. His long-term approach, focus on concentrating investments, and willingness to invest in entire companies rather than just stocks have made him one of the most successful investors of all time. By emulating his strategy, you too could be well on your way to building a prosperous investment portfolio.
- In the realm of business and finance, technology has played a significant role in Warren Buffett's investment strategies, as evidenced by his acquisition of Apple shares in 2016, which later became one of Berkshire Hathaway's largest investments.
- Beyond finance and business, Buffett's diversified portfolio extended into the entertainment industry, where he holdings in companies such as Moody's, a prominent credit rating agency, show his knack for recognizing profitable, long-standing investments, irrespective of the industry.
