Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) might be Berkshire Hathaway Inc's (NYSE:BRK) (NYSE:BRK) biggest holding today, but it's far from being Warren Buffett's oldest flame.
While Apple accounts for over 28% of Berkshire's portfolio, Buffett only began buying it in the first quarter of 2016. That makes it a relative newcomer compared to three other iconic names Buffett picked up way back in the first quarter of 2001 – and still hasn't let go of.
With the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio holding onto these shares for over two decades, these positions reveal how Buffett's best investments aren't always the flashiest – they're the most enduring.
Buffett's Wallet Staple
As of the fourth quarter of 2024, Berkshire owns 151.6 million shares of American Express (NYSE:AXP), now worth nearly $45 billion, making it Buffett's #2 holding at 16.84% of the portfolio.
Buffett's enduring confidence is underlined by a whopping 21.5% ownership stake in the company. Amex's brand loyalty and capital-light business model make it the quintessential Buffett stock – durable, predictable, and slow to leave the wallet.
The Underrated Winner
Moody's (NYSE:MCO) doesn't make headlines like Apple or Coke, but it's been compounding quietly in Buffett's portfolio for 24 years. Berkshire owns nearly 25 million shares, worth $11.7 billion, or 4.37% of the portfolio.
It's a classic Buffett play: pricing power, industry dominance and little need for reinvestment.
The OG Buffett Bet
Buffett might be most associated with Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO), and for good reason. Berkshire owns 400 million shares, valued at nearly $25 billion, making up 9.32% of the portfolio.
He once called Coke's brand "the most valuable franchise in the world" – and clearly, he's still sipping.
Apple may rule today's headlines, but these three 24-year veterans quietly built Buffett's empire – one quarter at a time.
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