Nearly 66% of Warren Buffett's Portfolio Is Invested in These 5 Stocks as 2025 Begins
Monday, Jan 6, 2025 4:17 am ET
As the new year begins, legendary investor Warren Buffett's portfolio is heavily concentrated in just five stocks, accounting for nearly 66% of his total holdings. These companies, Apple, American Express, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, and Chevron, have been the cornerstones of Buffett's investment strategy for years, and their consistent performance and strong fundamentals have made them attractive long-term investments. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Buffett's confidence in these stocks and discuss their potential for future growth.

1. Apple (AAPL):
Buffett's largest holding, Apple, has been a significant part of his portfolio for several years. The company's strong brand, innovative products, and massive cash flow make it an exceptional business. Despite reducing his stake in late 2023 and 2024, Buffett's continued ownership of Apple indicates his long-term confidence in the company's prospects. Apple's average annual return over the past five years is approximately 25%, reflecting its strong performance and growth potential.
2. American Express (AXP):
Buffett has owned American Express for several decades, highlighting his commitment to long-term holding. The company's strong brand, customer service focus, and recurring revenue model make it an attractive investment. Buffett expects to own American Express "indefinitely," as mentioned in his 2023 and 2024 shareholder letters. The company's net card fees totaled nearly $2.2 billion in Q3 2024, up 18% over the year-ago quarter, reflecting the strength of its brand and customer loyalty.
3. Bank of America (BAC):
Buffett's significant stake in Bank of America reflects his confidence in the company's ability to generate shareholder value over time. Although he has been selling shares of BofA since July 2024, this could be due to valuation concerns or a desire to reallocate capital to other opportunities. Bank of America's large customer base, diversified revenue streams, and potential deregulation benefits make it an attractive investment. The company's forward price-to-earnings multiple is below 12, indicating an attractive valuation.
4. The Coca-Cola Company (KO):
Coca-Cola is Buffett's longest-held position, demonstrating his commitment to buying and holding exceptional businesses. The company's unmatched global brand presence, strong distribution network, and consistent sales performance make it an attractive choice for boosting passive income. Coca-Cola's dividend yield is around 3.14%, and it has raised its dividend annually for the past 62 years, reflecting its financial stability and commitment to shareholders.
5. Chevron (CVX):
Buffett initiated a position in Chevron in late 2020, indicating his belief in the company's long-term prospects. Chevron's strong balance sheet, dividend history, and exposure to the energy sector make it an attractive investment. The company's forward P/E ratio is around 14.23, in line with its historical average, making it an attractive entry point for long-term investors. Chevron's strong fundamentals and potential benefits from increased energy demand could lead to significant long-term gains.
In conclusion, Warren Buffett's long-term investment in these five stocks reflects his preference for steady performers with strong brand recognition, market dominance, and consistent earnings growth. These companies' attractive valuations, dividend payouts, and growth potential make them attractive long-term investments for income-oriented investors seeking consistent returns. As the new year begins, these stocks remain well-positioned to create long-term shareholder value and continue to be attractive additions to any diversified portfolio.