Warren Buffett's Stealthy Stock Picks: Occidental Petroleum and VeriSign

Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha, has quietly built stakes in undervalued companies like Occidental Petroleum and VeriSign. His strategy is to buy low and hold long-term, betting on shifts in the energy industry and VeriSign's domain registry moat. While these picks may not be without risks, Buffett's $2.6 billion Q4 2024 spree across six stocks signals confidence. For value hunters, these picks hint at upside, but patience is key.

Warren Buffett, the renowned investor known as the Oracle of Omaha, continues to demonstrate his prowess in identifying undervalued companies. His recent moves, such as boosting Berkshire Hathaway Inc's holdings in Occidental Petroleum Corp (OXY) and VeriSign Inc (VRSN), exemplify his strategy of buying low and holding long-term. These investments, while not without risks, signal Buffett's confidence in the potential of these companies.

Occidental Petroleum: A Classic Buffett Play
Buffett has built a significant stake in Occidental Petroleum, with a 28.2% ownership as of Q1 2022 [1]. The company has seen its stock price dip 3.5% from around $45 to $43.59 by August 2025, lagging the S&P 500's 30% surge. However, Buffett appreciates OXY's robust cash flows and its carbon capture ventures, positioning it as a potential beneficiary of long-term shifts in the energy industry. The company's 40% cost advantage in the Permian Basin further underscores its competitive edge.

VeriSign: A Patience Payoff
Buffett's investment in VeriSign, initiated in 2012, has proven to be a patient investor's dream. Berkshire Hathaway started building its stake in VRSN in 2012, adding 474,000 shares in Q4 2024 at $206.96. Since 2013's entry point of around $125, VRSN has surged 119% to $273.99, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 90% gain. VeriSign's domain registry moat, akin to internet real estate, keeps competitors at bay, reflecting Buffett's keen eye for durable businesses.

Risks and Rewards
While Buffett's picks are not without risks, his $2.6 billion Q4 2024 spree across six stocks, including OXY and VRSN, signals confidence. Occidental's oil price sensitivity and VeriSign's tech volatility could impact returns, but Buffett's track record of long-term success suggests these risks are manageable. For value hunters, these picks hint at potential upside, but patience is key, as Buffett's wins often unfold over decades, not days.

Conclusion
Warren Buffett's stealthy investments in Occidental Petroleum and VeriSign underscore his strategy of buying low and holding long-term. While these picks come with risks, they signal Buffett's confidence in the companies' long-term prospects. For investors seeking value, these picks offer a glimpse into Buffett's secret playbook, but patience and a long-term perspective are essential.

References:
[1] https://www.benzinga.com/markets/hedge-funds/25/08/47127975/buffetts-stealthy-stock-picks-occidental-petroleum-and-the-oracles-quiet-wins
[2] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/filing-bulltick-wealth-management-llc-invests-495000-in-occidental-petroleum-corporation-nyseoxy-2025-08-12/
[3] https://www.investors.com/news/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-13f-secret-stock-pick-apple-bac/?mod=newsviewer_click&refcode=aflMarketWatch&src=A00619