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Warren Buffett's Top 5 Berkshire Holdings Revealed: Apple, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, American Express, U.S. Bancorp

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 6:05 GMT by The Motley Fool
      Locale: Illinois, UNITED STATES

Warren Buffett’s Five Biggest Holdings – A Deep Dive Into the Berkshire Hathaway Portfolio

When you think of Warren Buffett, the image that typically comes to mind is a long‑term, value‑focused investor who sits at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway and calmly watches the stock market oscillate in front of him. Yet, over the past decade, Buffett’s most significant positions have grown far larger than many of his other famous bets, and the companies at the core of his portfolio reveal a consistent investment philosophy: strong fundamentals, durable competitive advantages, and the ability to generate sustainable cash flow.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the top five stocks that comprise the largest portion of Berkshire’s holdings, as reported by The Motley Fool in a November 30, 2025 article titled “Billionaire Warren Buffett’s 5 Biggest Stocks.” The article lists the companies, gives key metrics such as current market value, share count, percentage of the portfolio, and, in many cases, links to additional resources for deeper context. The five names are:

1. Apple Inc. (AAPL)
2. Bank of America Corp. (BAC)
3. The Coca‑Cola Company (KO)
4. American Express Company (AXP)
5. U.S. Bancorp (USB)

Let’s break down each holding, why Buffett is interested in it, and what the numbers say about the performance and size of these positions.

1. Apple Inc. (AAPL) – The Largest Berkshire Stake

Apple has become Berkshire’s biggest single investment, with an approximate 3.9 million shares—a value of roughly $250 billion at the time of the article. That equates to about 12% of Berkshire’s total equity portfolio, dwarfing the next largest positions. Buffett first bought Apple in 2016, and over the years he has continued to add shares as the company’s valuation rose.

Why Apple? Buffett’s reasoning is rooted in a combination of cash‑generation capacity, brand strength, and product ecosystem lock‑in. Apple’s operating margin is high, and its cash‑on‑hand has been expanding rapidly, giving Berkshire a steady stream of free cash flow. Moreover, Apple’s dominant position in consumer electronics and services creates a “moat” that is difficult for competitors to penetrate.

The article’s linked reference to a separate Motley Fool analysis (“Why Buffett Loves Apple”) highlights several additional points: Apple’s consistent earnings growth, the expansion of its services segment, and its strategic approach to share buybacks and dividends. All of these factors reinforce Buffett’s conviction that Apple will continue to deliver robust returns to shareholders for years to come.

2. Bank of America Corp. (BAC) – A Major Banking Exposure

Following Apple, Buffett’s largest holdings are in the financial sector. Bank of America represents about $100 billion of Berkshire’s portfolio with roughly 23.3 million shares. The banking stock accounts for roughly 5% of Berkshire’s holdings.

Buffett has been a long‑term admirer of Bank of America’s resilient balance sheet and its leadership in retail banking. The company’s dividend yield and its share‑buyback program make it a natural fit for Buffett’s preference for income‑generating assets. Moreover, the article notes that Bank of America’s loan portfolio and its strategic shift towards higher‑margin commercial banking have contributed to its strong financial performance.

A linked Motley Fool piece in the article provides more granular insight into Bank of America’s quarterly earnings and commentary on how macroeconomic factors—such as interest rates and loan growth—could influence the bank’s future profitability.

3. The Coca‑Cola Company (KO) – A Classic Blue‑Chip

Coca‑Cola, a stalwart of Berkshire’s portfolio, is worth approximately $20 billion with 9.5 million shares. The beverage giant accounts for about 3% of Berkshire’s holdings. Buffett’s investment in Coca‑Cola dates back to the early 1980s, making it one of his longest‑standing positions.

What makes Coca‑Cola attractive? The brand’s global dominance, the robustness of its supply chain, and its steady dividend payouts provide a low‑risk return profile. Coca‑Cola’s ability to maintain pricing power in the face of changing consumer preferences underscores the company’s “economic moat.” The Motley Fool’s supplemental article emphasizes Coca‑Cola’s diversification strategy, including its expansion into healthier beverage options, which has helped sustain its growth trajectory.

4. American Express Company (AXP) – Premium Service and Strong Balance Sheet

American Express is valued at around $15 billion with 7.7 million shares, making it a sizable component of Berkshire’s holdings (approximately 2.5%). Buffett’s stake in American Express grew substantially after the company’s strategic shift away from charge cards in the early 2000s toward more flexible credit offerings.

The article notes that American Express’s recurring revenue model and its high customer retention rates make it a “steady, dependable” investment. Furthermore, American Express’s partnership with Visa and Mastercard gives it access to a broad merchant network, reinforcing its market position. The linked Motley Fool analysis dives deeper into the company’s recent earnings and its ongoing commitment to share buybacks.

5. U.S. Bancorp (USB) – The Rising Bank

The final position in the top five is U.S. Bancorp, which Buffett has been adding to since the 1990s. It is worth roughly $4 billion with 12.5 million shares, accounting for about 1% of Berkshire’s portfolio. Although smaller than the other holdings, U.S. Bancorp’s position has grown significantly thanks to Buffett’s consistent purchases.

U.S. Bancorp’s appeal lies in its strong asset‑quality metrics, robust capital ratios, and diversified geographic presence. The article highlights the bank’s consistent dividend payouts and its strategic focus on digital banking services—an area that aligns well with Buffett’s preference for businesses that combine legacy strengths with forward‑looking innovation.

What These Holdings Reveal About Buffett’s Investment Strategy

Across all five stocks, common themes emerge that underscore Buffett’s long‑term approach:

• Stable Cash Flow: Each company generates strong, predictable cash flows that support dividends, share buybacks, and future growth initiatives.
• Moat & Competitive Advantage: Whether through brand strength (Coca‑Cola, Apple), network effects (American Express, Bank of America), or operational efficiency, all holdings have a durable competitive edge.
• Capital Allocation: Berkshire’s management of these positions showcases prudent capital allocation—buying during dips, maintaining large blocks for long‑term upside, and avoiding short‑term volatility.
• Alignment With Berkshire’s Core Values: All five companies adhere to rigorous governance standards and are considered “respectable” by Berkshire’s ethical criteria.

The article also contextualizes these holdings within the broader market. For instance, it notes that while the tech sector, particularly Apple, has been a significant driver of Berkshire’s recent performance, the presence of banking and consumer staples ensures a balanced risk profile.

Bottom Line

Buffett’s five biggest stocks represent a cross‑section of the U.S. economy: a global tech giant, two banking leaders, a beverage staple, and a consumer‑credit firm. Together, they form a portfolio that balances high‑growth exposure with defensive stability. Their performance not only showcases Berkshire’s ability to capture value over time but also highlights Buffett’s disciplined, evidence‑based investment philosophy that prioritizes quality, cash generation, and long‑term value creation.

For investors curious about emulating Buffett, the article’s linked analyses offer deeper dives into each company’s fundamentals and market dynamics—providing a richer understanding of why these particular stocks have become cornerstones of one of the world’s most respected investment vehicles.