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Berkshire Hathaway’s enduring investments in iconic brands like Apple, American Express, and Coca-Cola reflect the conglomerate’s commitment to long-term value creation.Omaha TodayAs Warren Buffett steps down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, the company’s key stock holdings remain intact, including Apple, American Express, and Coca-Cola. These “Buffett stocks” are considered high-quality, wide-moat businesses that can deliver steady returns over the long term.
Why it matters
Buffett’s investment philosophy of buying wonderful companies at fair prices has guided Berkshire’s portfolio for decades. As the company transitions to new leadership, these core holdings are expected to remain cornerstones of the portfolio, offering investors stability and growth potential.
The details
Berkshire Hathaway’s largest holding is a 1.6% stake in Apple worth $56.4 billion, representing 18.1% of the portfolio. Buffett was initially wary of tech stocks but found Apple’s customer loyalty and ecosystem to be a wide moat. American Express, a 22% Berkshire holding, also benefits from a strong brand and loyal customer base. Coca-Cola, owned by Berkshire since the late 1980s, is a dividend powerhouse with 64 consecutive years of annual payout growth.
- Berkshire Hathaway built up its American Express stake between 1991 and 1995.
- Berkshire first started buying Coca-Cola shares in early 1988.
The players
Warren Buffett
The legendary investor who served as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway from 1965 to the end of 2025.
Greg Abel
Longtime Berkshire lieutenant who took over as CEO when Buffett retired.
Apple
A tech giant and Berkshire’s largest equity position, representing 18.1% of the portfolio.
American Express
A financial stock that Berkshire has held a 22% stake in since the 1990s.
Coca-Cola
A beverage company that Berkshire has owned since the late 1980s, making up 9.7% of its portfolio.
What they’re saying
“It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.”
— Warren Buffett
What’s next
As Berkshire Hathaway transitions to new leadership, investors will be watching closely to see if the company maintains its commitment to these core “Buffett stocks” that have delivered steady returns over the long term.
The takeaway
Buffett’s investment philosophy of buying high-quality, wide-moat businesses has guided Berkshire’s portfolio for decades. As the company enters a new era, these “Buffett stocks” like Apple, American Express, and Coca-Cola remain cornerstones that can provide stability and growth potential for long-term investors.
