Warren Buffett, often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” has long been revered as one of the most successful investors in history. At the helm of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett has built a conglomerate that is synonymous with shrewd investment strategies and substantial long-term gains. Founded in the mid-20th century as a textile company, Berkshire Hathaway has evolved under Buffett’s leadership into a behemoth holding a diverse portfolio that includes everything from insurance and utilities to transportation and consumer goods.

Buffett’s approach to investing is characterized by a focus on companies with strong economic moats, exemplary management, and undervalued market positions, a strategy that has rewarded Berkshire’s shareholders handsomely over the decades. With a keen eye for value and a penchant for simplicity, Buffett’s investment choices often reflect his practical, down-to-earth business philosophy. As of the latest updates, Berkshire Hathaway continues to manage a vast portfolio, proving that even in volatile markets, Buffett’s strategies remain robust and effective.

Understanding 13F Filings and Data Sources

The information presented in this article is derived from 13F filings, which are quarterly reports filed by institutional investment managers to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A 13F filing is required for managers with control over investments worth more than $100 million. These filings provide a snapshot of an institution’s holdings in U.S. equities at the end of each quarter, helping investors understand where the major institutional players are allocating their resources.

These reports are public records and serve as a key source of data for analyzing investment trends and portfolio strategies of leading investors like Warren Buffett. While the filings give a glimpse into the strategies of high-profile investors, they do not disclose non-U.S. equities, bonds, or other types of assets, thus providing a focused yet incomplete picture of an investor’s complete asset allocation.

Q4 update for warren buffetts portfolio

2024 Q4 Portfolio Update

Top Buys (13F)

• STZ Constellation Brands: 0.47% — A new, notable entry as Buffett diversifies the portfolio.
• DPZ Domino’s Pizza Inc: 0.17% — Continued confidence in consumer discretionary sectors.
• VRSN VeriSign Inc: 0.11% — Investment in technology infrastructure.
• SIRI Sirius XM Holdings Inc: 0.07% — Expanding into media holdings.
• POOL Pool Corporation: 0.02% — A smaller, strategic stake.

Top Sells (13F)

• C Citigroup, Inc: 0.91% — A significant reduction, signaling a shift away from certain financial stocks.
• BAC Bank Of America Corp: 0.69% — Scaling back on a long-term banking investment.
• NU Nu Holdings Ltd: 0.29% — Reducing exposure in emerging market financials.
• CHTR Charter Communications: 0.09% — Minor reduction in telecom.
• LPX Louisiana-Pacific Corp: 0.02% — Complete exit from this materials sector holding.

13F Holdings Summary

• AAPL Apple Inc: 28.12% — Dominates the portfolio with a robust market value.
• AXP American Express Co: 16.84% — A staple in Berkshire’s credit services investments.
• BAC Bank Of America Corp: 11.19% — Despite reductions, still a substantial holding.
• KO Coca-Cola Co: 9.32% — A long-term favorite for its dividend growth.
• CVX Chevron Corp: 6.43% — Significant energy sector investment reflecting strategic sector allocation.

Notable Changes:

During Q4 2024, Warren Buffett made pivotal adjustments to Berkshire Hathaway’s investment strategy. The acquisition of a stake in Constellation Brands highlights a broader diversification tactic, especially pertinent given the volatile market conditions. The ongoing commitment to Apple underscores its importance, now representing a substantial portion of the total equity portfolio.

Conversely, the scaling back on historically significant holdings such as Bank of America and Citigroup indicates a recalibration of Berkshire’s exposure to the financial sector. The full divestiture from Louisiana-Pacific underscores strategic portfolio realignment efforts, further illustrating Buffett’s nimble management style in adapting to evolving market landscapes.

How has Buffets Allocation Mix changed over time

This bar chart depicts the sector allocation over time of a certain investment portfolio across four consecutive quarters, from Q4 2022 to Q4 2023

• The Finance sector (green) maintains a consistent presence throughout the year, indicating a stable investment focus in this area.
• The Consumer Staples sector (orange) shows some variation in allocation but remains a significant part of the portfolio across all quarters.
• Information Technology (red) represents the largest share in each quarter, although it sees a slight decrease in its proportion by Q4 2023.
• Health Care (pink) and Consumer Discretionary (light blue) sectors appear to hold relatively smaller but steady portions throughout the observed periods.
• Utilities and Telecommunications (dark blue), Energy (light green), Materials (yellow), and Transports (blue) sectors generally occupy the smallest allocations, with minor fluctuations over the quarters.

This visualization illustrates strategic adjustments in the portfolio’s sector exposure, reflecting shifts in investment focus or responses to market conditions over the year.

Warren Buffets full portfolio as at Q4

The table above provides a detailed view of the top holdings in Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio as of the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, highlighting the diversification and strategic investments managed by Warren Buffett. Information Technology, led by Apple, and Finance, with major stakes in American Express and Bank of America, dominate the portfolio, reflecting Buffett’s confidence in these sectors. Consumer Staples, particularly Coca-Cola and Kraft Heinz, also represent significant portions, showcasing a long-term commitment to these historically stable dividend-yielding stocks.

Energy stocks like Chevron and Occidental Petroleum underline a strategic allocation towards resource-based industries, which are expected to leverage market dynamics for robust returns. Notably, the inclusion of Health Care and Consumer Discretionary sectors through holdings like DaVita and Amazon underscores a balanced approach, aiming to capitalize on market trends and consumer behavior.

This diversified portfolio not only mirrors Buffett’s investment philosophy of buying quality stocks at fair prices but also reflects a tactical positioning to benefit from different economic conditions, affirming Berkshire Hathaway’s robust asset allocation strategy.

Explore More Investor Portfolios

Discover the investment strategies and portfolio compositions of other renowned investors:

• **Guy Spier – Aquamarine Capital:** Examine the thoughtful investment philosophy of Guy Spier, who prioritizes ethical investing and long-term value. Spier’s approach is heavily influenced by Warren Buffett, making his portfolio a study in prudent and ethical financial management.
• **John Armitage – Egerton Capital:** Gain insights into John Armitage’s sharp investment acumen at Egerton Capital. Known for a selective and research-intensive approach, Armitage’s strategies offer lessons in active portfolio management and market analysis.
• **Michael Burry – Scion Asset Management:** Analyze the distinct investment style of Michael Burry, famous for his prediction of the 2008 financial crisis and his focus on undervalued and distressed securities.

Explore these analyses to understand how each investor’s unique strategies and choices might provide valuable lessons for your own investment endeavors.