which stocks does warren buffett own: 2024 snapshot

Which stocks does Warren Buffett own

Short lead: The question which stocks does Warren Buffett own is primarily answered by looking at the publicly disclosed equity holdings of Berkshire Hathaway, the investment vehicle Buffett chairs. Public reports such as SEC Form 13F, Berkshire Hathaway’s shareholder letters and company filings reveal the portfolio but are date‑sensitive — holdings and weightings change quarterly and must be checked against the latest filings.

As of March 31, 2024, according to Berkshire Hathaway’s Form 13F filings (filed in May 2024) and public trackers such as CNBC’s Berkshire portfolio tracker, Berkshire’s public equity holdings were concentrated in a relatively small number of large positions. Readers should treat any concrete list as a snapshot tied to a reporting date. For live access to filings and updated snapshots, consult SEC EDGAR and reputable portfolio trackers.

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Overview of Berkshire Hathaway's equity portfolio

When readers ask which stocks does Warren Buffett own, they usually mean which public equities are held within Berkshire Hathaway’s disclosed portfolio. Berkshire’s equity sleeve is large in dollar terms and typically highly concentrated: a handful of holdings often represent a majority of the public-portfolio market value. The portfolio mixes long-standing, low-turnover stakes alongside occasional high-conviction purchases and opportunistic trades. Equity positions are reported quarterly and reflect the filing entity’s holdings; some assets (private businesses, wholly owned subsidiaries) are not part of public 13F disclosures.

Key characteristics to expect:

• Concentration: top positions (commonly Apple, major financials, and large consumer brands) often dominate portfolio value.
• Long holding periods: many positions are held for years or decades, consistent with value-oriented, buy-and-hold philosophy.
• Opportunistic moves: at times Berkshire builds or reduces stakes materially (examples include purchases of energy names and international holdings).

How Buffett’s holdings are reported

Answering which stocks does Warren Buffett own requires understanding disclosure mechanisms and timing. Primary reporting channels include:

• SEC Form 13F: Institutional investment managers managing over $100 million in qualifying securities must file Form 13F quarterly. Berkshire Hathaway’s 13F shows U.S. equity positions (and some ADRs) held by the filing entity as of quarter-end, with a filing deadline roughly 45 days after quarter-end. Because of this lag, 13F snapshots are historical views.

• Berkshire Hathaway filings and shareholder communications: Berkshire’s annual report, quarterly results and Warren Buffett’s shareholder letters provide context about overall capital allocation, major purchases or whole-business acquisitions, and commentary on strategy.

• Country-specific disclosures: International stakes (for example, positions in foreign companies) may be reported via local regulators or disclosed in Berkshire’s investor communications.

Reporting limitations and timing: 13F files do not include short positions, many derivatives, or non‑reportable securities. 13F shows holdings of the filing entity, not necessarily Buffett’s personal account, and displays positions as of quarter end — so trades occurring after that date won’t appear until the next filing.

Distinction — Berkshire Hathaway holdings vs. Warren Buffett’s personal holdings

A common source of confusion for people asking which stocks does Warren Buffett own is mixing Berkshire’s portfolio with Buffett’s personal investments. Important distinctions:

• Berkshire Hathaway holdings: Most public reporting refers to equity positions held by Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate Buffett chairs. These are managed at the company level and reported under Berkshire’s entity filings.

• Warren Buffett’s personal holdings: Buffett personally owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway and a small number of other assets that may be disclosed in personal filings or interviews. His personal net worth is dominated by his Berkshire stake, and many high-profile positions are effectively Berkshire-level investments rather than small personal accounts.

• Decision-making: Buffett and his team (including vice-chairmen and delegated portfolio managers) influence Berkshire’s investments, but not every position listed on a 13F is solely the result of Buffett’s direct trading — it may reflect the broader Berkshire investment organization.

Top holdings (summary)

If you ask which stocks does Warren Buffett own in the sense of Berkshire’s largest publicly disclosed stakes, a short list typically recurs: Apple (AAPL), American Express (AXP), Bank of America (BAC), Coca‑Cola (KO), Chevron (CVX), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), Kraft Heinz (KHC), Moody’s (MCO), and larger financial or industrial names. Exact ranking and percent weights change each quarter.

As of March 31, 2024, according to Berkshire Hathaway’s 13F and public trackers, Apple was the single largest equity position by market value, followed by Bank of America and American Express. Always check the most recent 13F filing for the current ranking and sizes.

Top 10 holdings (recommended content)

Below is a sample format and an illustrative snapshot of the top 10 positions that answers which stocks does Warren Buffett own. The sample numbers are illustrative and tied to a reporting date; verify all figures against the latest 13F or Berkshire filings.

Note: The table below is an illustrative example based on public reporting patterns and should not be used as an authoritative or up-to-date source. For live, verifiable numbers, consult SEC filings and major trackers.

| Rank | Company | Ticker | Approx. Shares Held (illustrative) | Approx. Market Value (illustrative) | Approx. % of Public-Equity Portfolio (illustrative) | Reporting date / source | |------|---------|--------|-----------------------------------:|------------------------------------:|----------------------------------------------------:|------------------------:| | 1 | Apple Inc. | AAPL | 915,000,000 | $160 billion | ~40–50% | As of 2024-03-31, per Berkshire 13F (May 2024) / CNBC tracker | | 2 | Bank of America | BAC | 1,010,000,000 | $30–35 billion | ~10–12% | As of 2024-03-31, per 13F | | 3 | American Express | AXP | 151,000,000 | $25–30 billion | ~8–10% | As of 2024-03-31, per 13F | | 4 | Coca‑Cola Co. | KO | 400,000,000 | $20–25 billion | ~5–7% | As of 2024-03-31, per 13F | | 5 | Chevron Corporation | CVX | 100,000,000 | $15–20 billion | ~4–6% | As of 2024-03-31, per 13F | | 6 | Occidental Petroleum | OXY | 300,000,000 | $12–18 billion | ~3–5% | As of 2024-03-31, per 13F | | 7 | Kraft Heinz Co. | KHC | 325,000,000 | $8–12 billion | ~2–4% | As of 2024-03-31, per 13F | | 8 | Moody’s Corp. | MCO | 23,000,000 | $7–10 billion | ~1–3% | As of 2024-03-31, per 13F | | 9 | U.S. Bancorp / Other banks | (various) | — | — | — | As of 2024-03-31 | | 10 | Japanese trading houses (aggregate) | — | — | $12+ billion (aggregate) | ~3–6% | Stakes disclosed in 2020–2024 disclosures; reported locally and in Berkshire communications |

Sources: illustrative example compiled from Berkshire Hathaway 13F (filed May 2024) and public trackers such as CNBC and Motley Fool. Exact shares, market values and percent allocations vary by reporting date. Always verify with the latest SEC 13F and Berkshire filings.

Sector and geographic allocation

When evaluating which stocks does Warren Buffett own through Berkshire, it helps to look at sector and geographic spread:

• Sector concentration: Historically, Berkshire’s public equity portfolio has been heavy in financials (banking and payment franchises), consumer staples (brand-dominant companies), energy (including large stakes in oil & gas companies), and technology (primarily Apple). The exact weight shifts with market moves and active trades.

• Geographic exposure: Most of Berkshire’s 13F-reported equities are U.S.-listed. However, Berkshire has taken notable stakes in international companies — for example, a substantial set of investments in Japanese trading houses announced in 2020 and 2021 — which created meaningful non‑U.S. exposure. Some international positions are reported via local filings or disclosed in Berkshire communications rather than being fully visible in a U.S. 13F.

• Evolution over time: Allocation evolves: Apple’s outsized rise over the past decade made technology the dominant sector by value even though Berkshire’s original approach emphasized non‑tech businesses. Similarly, large energy purchases (e.g., Chevron, Occidental) shifted energy exposure higher in multiyear windows.

Notable individual investments — case studies

Below are short case studies of some high‑profile positions that frequently answer the question which stocks does Warren Buffett own.

Apple (AAPL)

• Why it matters: Apple became Berkshire’s single-largest equity holding by market value after Buffett’s team built a position beginning in 2016 and expanded it in subsequent years.
• Rationale: Buffett has cited Apple’s strong brand, ecosystem, recurring revenue, and capital-efficient business model. The stake functions in some ways like a consumer-brand holding with tech exposure.
• Reporting note: As of March 31, 2024, Apple represented the largest single public-equity weighting in Berkshire’s 13F disclosures.

American Express (AXP)

• Why it matters: A long-term holding, American Express represents Buffett’s attraction to strong financial franchises with durable consumer-brand moats.
• Rationale: Brand loyalty, payment network advantages and stable fee-based income underpin the investment.

Bank of America (BAC)

• Why it matters: Bank of America is among Berkshire’s largest bank holdings by market value. Buffett has emphasized regulatory resilience, management quality and scale in bank investments.

Coca‑Cola (KO)

• Why it matters: Coca‑Cola is a classic Buffett-style consumer-staples holding — long-lived brand, predictable cash flow and high returns on invested capital.

Chevron (CVX) and Occidental Petroleum (OXY)

• Why it matters: These energy holdings demonstrate Berkshire’s willingness to make large sector bets during periods of market dislocation or attractive commodity pricing outlooks.
• Rationale: Energy investments can reflect value-oriented opportunities and attractive cash returns in certain market cycles.

Japanese trading houses (aggregate positions)

• Why it matters: Starting in 2020–2021, Berkshire disclosed substantial stakes in multiple large Japanese trading firms, signaling a notable international allocation and a willingness to diversify geographically.

Each case study reflects a combination of durable business advantages, attractive expected return profiles, and conviction by Berkshire’s investment team. Reporting dates for sizes and weights are crucial — see the specific 13F quarter-end date when referencing holdings.

Historical changes and recent trades

To fully answer which stocks does Warren Buffett own, it helps to trace patterns of change: Berkshire’s public equity roster is generally stable but not static. Recent multi-year patterns include:

• Building Apple (2016 onward): Berkshire accumulated Apple shares starting in 2016 and increased the position over time, making it the largest by market value.

• Energy purchases and sales: Strategic purchases in Chevron and a large position in Occidental at times expanded energy exposure. These moves were disclosed in filings and company statements.

• Bank positions: Berkshire has periodically rebalanced bank holdings; for instance, in some quarters positions in certain banks were trimmed while stakes in Bank of America remained large.

• Airline exits: During the COVID-19 period, Berkshire reduced or sold airline stakes that had previously existed in its portfolio.

• International moves: The cluster of Japanese trading-house investments (announced 2020–2021) was a notable expansion into large-cap international equities.

How trades are discovered: Because 13F filings show quarter-end holdings, investors and analysts spot changes when quarters end and filings are posted. Media and specialized trackers summarize trades and provide context.

As of March 31, 2024, according to SEC 13F data filed by Berkshire and summarized by outlets such as Motley Fool and CNBC, Berkshire’s public equity portfolio still showed the multi-year pattern of concentration in several large holdings with occasional rebalancing.

Investment philosophy behind the holdings

A core question behind which stocks does Warren Buffett own is: what principles guide those choices? Buffett and Berkshire’s approach centers on several enduring tenets:

• Durable competitive advantages (moats): Preference for companies with strong brands, pricing power or network effects that protect long‑term profits.
• Predictable and durable earnings: Firms with stable cash flow and predictable business models are preferred.
• High-quality management: Emphasis on honest and capable leadership with rational capital allocation.
• Intrinsic value and margin of safety: Buying businesses when price is attractive relative to long-term intrinsic value.
• Long-term orientation: Berkshire often holds positions for many years, minimizing turnover and compounding returns over time.

These principles explain persistent stakes in consumer franchises, financial companies and select industrials, as well as the concentrated nature of the portfolio: Buffett prefers to allocate significant capital to a few thoroughly researched opportunities.

How to interpret and use Berkshire’s holdings as an investor

Many investors ask which stocks does Warren Buffett own and then consider mimicking the portfolio. Practical guidance:

• Scale differences: Berkshire operates at a very large scale. Position sizes and trading strategies that work for Berkshire may not suit smaller investors due to liquidity constraints.

• Timing and context: 13F snapshots are lagged and do not capture rationale, internal sizing rules or off‑market deals. Copying a position without understanding context can be risky.

• Tax and personal circumstances: Individual investors face different tax, time-horizon and liquidity needs.

• Due diligence: Use Berkshire’s holdings as a starting point for research rather than a direct recommendation. Read annual letters, company reports and independent analysis to understand each company’s fundamentals.

• Risk awareness: Concentration and sector bets that are appropriate for Berkshire may expose individual investors to undue risk if not scaled correctly.

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Limitations and caveats of public holdings data

When answering which stocks does Warren Buffett own using public filings, keep these limitations in mind:

• Reporting lag: 13F filings are filed weeks after quarter-end and reflect past positions.

• Omitted instruments: 13F does not require disclosure of many derivatives, short positions or certain privately negotiated holdings.

• Entity-level reporting: 13F shows the holdings of the filing entity; it does not necessarily reflect Buffett’s personal account.

• Valuation swings: Market movements can materially change percent allocations even if share counts are unchanged.

• International reporting differences: Some foreign positions are disclosed through local filings or in Berkshire communications rather than appearing fully in U.S. 13F.

Therefore, any statement about which stocks does Warren Buffett own should specify the reporting date and source and should be treated as a snapshot rather than an absolute, up‑to‑the‑minute truth.

Tracking Berkshire’s portfolio — tools and resources

To monitor which stocks does Warren Buffett own over time, rely on a mix of official filings and reputable secondary trackers:

• SEC EDGAR (13F filings): The most authoritative legal source for U.S.-listed equities held by large institutional managers. Check filings by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. for quarter‑end snapshots.

• Berkshire Hathaway investor materials: Annual reports, shareholder letters from Warren Buffett and filings with the SEC provide strategic context and official disclosures.

• News and analysis sites: Outlets like Motley Fool, Kiplinger and Bankrate regularly summarize Berkshire’s holdings and notable trades. These sources add context but always verify with primary filings.

• Portfolio trackers and data providers: Trackers (e.g., CNBC’s Berkshire tracker, specialized tracking services such as BuffetBuys and HedgeFollow) aggregate filings, show historical changes and flag large trades. Use these to get quick snapshots and alerts.

• Data aggregators: Services that compile 13F data (WhaleWisdom-like providers) can show time-series and concentration metrics.

How to use these tools: Start with the official 13F filing for verification, then consult trackers for summarized views and historical comparison. For investors interested in trading or custody in digital markets, use trusted platforms and wallets — for example, Bitget as an execution venue and Bitget Wallet for self-custody and Web3 interaction.

Succession, governance and decision-making

Understanding which stocks does Warren Buffett own also involves governance: Buffett’s leadership and succession plans influence how Berkshire will allocate capital in the future.

• Decision-making: Buffett, along with vice-chairmen and delegated Berkshire investment teams, makes major allocation choices. Berkshire also has insurance subsidiaries and separate business units that contribute capital and capital allocation choices.

• Succession: Berkshire has publicly discussed succession planning. Changes in leadership or management approach could influence future investment style, turnover and sector focus.

• Governance implications: Investors watching which stocks does Warren Buffett own should monitor corporate governance updates at Berkshire and any statements about future investment mandates from the leadership team.

Criticisms and controversies

Public discussion about which stocks does Warren Buffett own sometimes highlights criticisms and debates:

• Concentration risk: Heavy concentration in a few names increases exposure to idiosyncratic risk.

• Large cash balances: Some analysts criticize periods when Berkshire holds substantial cash, arguing it represents missed opportunities.

• Sector bets and timing: Investments in energy or late-cycle purchases sometimes draw scrutiny when commodity cycles reverse.

• Scale constraints: At Berkshire’s size, finding large, high-return investments is increasingly challenging, prompting debate about future returns.

These debates are part of normal market discourse and illustrate why investors should treat Berkshire’s holdings as informative but not prescriptive.

Examples of public reporting snapshots

To illustrate how holdings are presented, here are sample reporting-snapshot statements that answer which stocks does Warren Buffett own — each tied to a reporting date and source. These are examples; verify live data with filings.

• As of March 31, 2024, according to Berkshire Hathaway’s 13F filed in May 2024, Apple was the largest public equity holding by market value, followed by Bank of America and American Express.

• As reported in February–May 2024 coverage by Motley Fool and CNBC, Berkshire’s holdings showed continued concentration across consumer brands, major financials and select energy names.

• ValueSider and Buffett-tracking services summarized quarter‑over‑quarter changes and highlighted any material increases or decreases in positions.

When presenting snapshot tables or charts, always include the quarter‑end date and the filing or tracker source so readers know the exact timing of the data.

See also

• Berkshire Hathaway
• Warren Buffett (biography and investment philosophy)
• SEC Form 13F
• Institutional investing and 13F reporting
• Value investing principles
• Major company pages: Apple, American Express, Bank of America, Coca‑Cola, Chevron

References and sources

Primary sources and reporting channels used for holdings data and commentary include:

• SEC Form 13F filings for Berkshire Hathaway (quarterly filings) — authoritative source for U.S.-listed equity positions and reporting date references.
• Berkshire Hathaway annual reports and shareholder letters by Warren Buffett — for strategy and capital allocation commentary.

Secondary sources for reporting, analysis and tracking include:

• CNBC Berkshire portfolio tracker — ongoing summaries and snapshots of holdings.
• Motley Fool coverage of Berkshire holdings and trades.
• Bankrate, Kiplinger and ValueSider analyses summarizing Berkshire portfolio moves.
• BuffetBuys and other Buffett-focused trackers that compile time-series and alert to trades.

Note on timeliness: When you ask which stocks does Warren Buffett own, always check the reporting date. For example, as of March 31, 2024, many trackers and Berkshire’s 13F showed Apple as the largest public-equity position; later quarters may show a different ranking.

External links (recommended resources to search)

For live filings and tracking, search for the following resources (no direct hyperlinks provided here):

• SEC EDGAR — search for Berkshire Hathaway 13F filings by quarter-end date.
• Berkshire Hathaway investor relations — annual reports and shareholder letters.
• CNBC Buffett Watch / Berkshire portfolio tracker.
• Reputable finance news sites and Buffett-specific trackers (Motley Fool, Kiplinger, Bankrate, ValueSider, BuffetBuys).

Practical next steps and tools

If you regularly ask which stocks does Warren Buffett own and want to monitor changes:

1. Set a calendar reminder for each quarterly 13F filing window (15–45 days after quarter-end is when filings appear).
2. Use a combination of official filings and at least two independent trackers to cross-check numbers and context.
3. For trade execution or custody in digital markets, use trusted platforms — for crypto assets and Web3 interactions, consider Bitget and Bitget Wallet for secure trading and self-custody.
4. Keep a research log: note reporting dates, sources and rationales reported by Berkshire to avoid misinterpreting lagged data.

Final notes and guidance

Answering which stocks does Warren Buffett own is fundamentally a matter of checking Berkshire Hathaway’s public filings and reputable financial trackers — and then interpreting that snapshot in context. Data is always date‑stamped and subject to change. If you rely on 13F-derived lists, remember they reflect the filing entity’s holdings as of quarter-end and omit certain instruments.

Further exploration: monitor Berkshire’s shareholder letters for Buffett’s commentary, review 13F filings for exact share counts and market values as of quarter‑end, and use portfolio trackers for historical comparison. For on‑chain and crypto-adjacent tasks (if you’re mapping tokenized equivalents or managing digital assets), Bitget and Bitget Wallet are recommended as trusted tools in this guide.

If you want, I can prepare a live-check checklist showing how to pull the latest 13F, convert holdings into a portfolio view, and set up alerts — or generate an updated top-10 snapshot tied to the most recent quarter-end filings that you specify.

Action: To get a verified, date-stamped list of which stocks does Warren Buffett own right now, tell me which quarter-end date you want (for example, 2024-06-30) and I will produce a labeled snapshot with source references and next-step suggestions for tracking.