Warren Buffett Has Nearly 50% of His Money in 1 Stock!

Warren Buffett’s portfolio contains some Canadian Stocks like Suncor Energy Inc (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU), but they pale in comparison to this one holding.

| More on:
Man holding magnifying glass over a document

Image source: Getty Images.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

Did you know that Warren Buffett has nearly 50% of his money in just one stock?

To be more specific: did you that he has 50% of his publicly traded stock portfolio in just one stock?

Buffett has gone on the record as saying that 99% of his personal fortune is in Berkshire Hathaway. However, when people talk about Buffett’s investments, they’re usually referring to the Berkshire portfolio he controls. And as it happens, 49.33% of that money is invested in one stock.

While Buffett only owns 5.6% of this company, its massive market cap makes that position worth over $100 billion. So, what is this ultra-valuable company, and why does Buffett own so much of it?

Apple

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is a company that needs no introduction. A massive international manufacturer of smartphones, laptops, and headphones, it’s the world’s most valuable company. Apple’s market cap clocks in at an unbelievable $2 trillion, which is bigger than any other company on earth by far. Saudi Aramco still has the Cupertino company beaten on revenue, but it seems like only a matter of time before Apple wins on that front, too.

So, why does Buffett like Apple so much?

It comes down to three main factors:

  1. Brand power: Apple has enormous brand loyalty, with many customers opting to buy Apple products by default regardless of their high prices.
  2. Profitability: Apple is enormously profitable, with higher profit margins and returns on equity than other tech companies.
  3. Cash flow: Apple generates far more cash per share than it spends.

It all adds up to an ultra-profitable company that has the potential to grow and remain profitable for the foreseeable future.

A nice chunk of Canadian stocks in the mix

Lately, much discussion of Warren Buffett’s portfolio has centered on its massive concentration in Apple. However, that’s not the whole story. Berkshire’s portfolio contains dozens and dozens of stocks, and despite its heavy weighting, Apple is just one among many.

Among Warren Buffett’s favourite stocks, you can even find some Canadian companies.

One of the biggest is Suncor Energy (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU). In the most recent quarter, Buffett upped his stake in Suncor, which represents 1.3% of his total portfolio. Although Buffett has lost money on this investment, it’s not hard to see why he likes it. The company has its own chain of Petro Canada stations across Canada, which provides it with a kind of economic moat. As a domestic-oriented energy company, it doesn’t have to compete for exports to the United States, which are under pressure from domestic production. Finally, as a fully integrated energy company, it can capture a lot of profit from each barrel of oil it extracts.

It all adds up to an energy company that has historically been a lot more profitable than average. This year, it’s under some strain thanks to April’s oil rout. But it may remain a thriving company over the long run.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Andrew Button has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple and Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and recommends the following options: long January 2021 $200 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), short January 2021 $200 puts on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), and short September 2020 $200 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares).

More on Energy Stocks

Group of industrial workers in a refinery - oil processing equipment and machinery
Energy Stocks

Up by 25%: Is Cenovus Stock a Good Buy in February 2023?

After a powerful bullish run, the energy sector in Canada has finally stabilized, and it might be ripe for a…

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Energy Stocks

Cenovus Stock: Here’s What’s Coming Next

Cenovus stock has rallied strong along with commodity prices. Expect more as the company continues to digest its Husky acquisition.

Read more »

A stock price graph showing growth over time
Energy Stocks

What Share Buybacks Mean for Energy Investors in 2023 and 1 TSX Stock That Could Outperform

Will TSX energy stocks continue to delight investors in 2023?

Read more »

Arrowings ascending on a chalkboard
Energy Stocks

2 Top TSX Energy Stocks That Could Beat Vermilion Energy

TSX energy stocks will likely outperform in 2023. But not all are equally well placed.

Read more »

Gas pipelines
Energy Stocks

Suncor Stock: How High Could it Go in 2023?

Suncor stock is starting off 2023 as an undervalued underdog, but after a record year, the company is standing strong…

Read more »

oil and natural gas
Energy Stocks

Should You Buy Emera Stock in February 2023?

Emera stock has returned 9% compounded annually in the last 10 years, including dividends.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Energy Stocks

TFSA: Investing $8,000 in Enbridge Stock Today Could Bring $500 in Tax-Free Dividends

TSX dividend stocks such as Enbridge can be held in a TFSA to allow shareholders generate tax-free dividend income each…

Read more »

oil and natural gas
Energy Stocks

3 TSX Energy Stocks to Buy if the Slump Continues

Three energy stocks trading at depressed prices due to the oil slump are buying opportunities before demand returns.

Read more »