Follow What Buffett Does, Not Just What He Says

Berkshire Hathaway stock is beating the market — and Buffett’s latest buys and sells show he’s quietly positioning for something bigger.

Berkshire Outpaces AI Stocks and the S&P 500

So far in 2025, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRKB) has outperformed both the S&P 500 and the high-flying AI sector, with shares up over 17% year-to-date. While many investors have chased tech hype, Buffett’s disciplined approach — focused on value and long-term growth — is delivering stronger, more stable returns

Traders watching this market correction may want to take notes.

Berkshire Hathaway’s New Bets and Fast Exits

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Buffett made some key changes:

• Bought: Constellation Brands (STZ), owner of Corona beer
• Sold: Ulta Beauty (ULTA), a rare short-term holding for Buffett

He also reduced stakes in major financials like Bank of America (BAC), Citigroup (C), and Nu Holdings (NU), signaling a shift away from banking exposure — a sector he’s traditionally favored.

2025 Moves: Buffett Adds Oil and Satellite Radio

In early 2025, Berkshire bought more Occidental Petroleum (OXY) and opened a new position in Sirius XM (SIRI) — an unexpected move into satellite radio. Meanwhile, the selling continued in financials, with Bank of America seeing more cuts.

These moves suggest Buffett may be positioning for a consumer shift and a more inflation-sensitive portfolio — with energy and steady-cash-flow companies taking center stage.

Top 10 Buffett Stocks Right Now (by Shares Held)

Here are Buffett’s biggest equity positions as of March 2025

Note:while Apple ranks fourth by shares, it’s Buffett’s largest holding by value — around $75 billion.

The Core Strategy: Quality Over Hype

Buffett doesn’t chase trends. He builds positions in companies with strong brands, consistent cash flow, and capable leadership. Examples include:

• Coca-Cola — held since 1988, with dividends growing for 50+ years
• Apple — started in 2016, now 28% of Berkshire’s equity portfolio
• American Express — held since the 1990s

These are not flashy bets — they’re long-term compounders. This patient style may seem slow in a fast-moving market, but it’s crushing many momentum traders over time.

For Traders: 3 Key Takeaways

1. Don’t Ignore “Old” Stocks
   Buffett’s biggest winners — Apple, Coca-Cola, and American Express — aren’t trendy, but they deliver.
2. Track Quiet Rotations
   His shift away from financials and into energy and consumer staples suggests he’s planning for slower growth and higher inflation.
3. Short-Term Changes Can Be Strategic
   While Buffett is known for buy-and-hold, his recent quicker exits (like Ulta) prove he’s not afraid to change course when the thesis breaks.

Bottom Line

Warren Buffett isn’t just sitting on old winners — he’s still making sharp moves that reflect changes in the economy and market sentiment. As a trader, watching Berkshire’s plays can offer valuable signals — especially when those moves go against popular trends.

Follow what Buffett does, not just what he says.