Warren Buffett’s equity portfolio is drawing significant attention as Wall Street analysts project substantial upside potential for many of his holdings in the year ahead. Using data from FactSet, Berkshire Hathaway's third-quarter equity portfolio to identify stocks expected to deliver the highest returns based on analysts’ average 12-month price targets.
Berkshire Hathaway may find these optimistic forecasts particularly useful following a remarkable 2024. The conglomerate’s Class A shares soared 25.5% last year, outperforming the S&P 500 and marking its best annual performance since 2021. This stellar run was driven by strong operating earnings, fueled by robust investment income and underwriting profits from its auto insurer Geico. Notably, this performance came despite the “Oracle of Omaha” discontinuing Berkshire’s stock buyback program.
Liberty Latin America: A High-Upside Pick
Wall Street analysts are particularly optimistic about Liberty Latin America, a telecommunications firm serving markets in Latin America and the Caribbean. They project the stock could climb nearly 58% over the next 12 months, making it a standout performer in Buffett’s portfolio. Berkshire Hathaway has held a small stake in Liberty Latin America for nearly a decade, valued at just $37 million. Given the modest size of this holding, it is speculated that one of Buffett’s investment managers, rather than Buffett himself, likely initiated the position.
Atlanta Braves Holdings is another Berkshire holding analysts expect to shine in 2025, with an anticipated 42% upside. This baseball franchise was spun off from John Malone’s Liberty Media last summer, setting the stage for potential strategic moves, including a sale. Market observers have speculated that the team, which faced an early playoff exit in 2024 after being swept by the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card round, could attract interest from a billionaire buyer looking to take it private.
Occidental Petroleum: Value in the Energy Sector
Occidental Petroleum is poised for a rebound, with analysts forecasting a more than 20% gain over the next year. The Houston-based oil and gas producer, Berkshire’s sixth-largest equity holding, has seen its stock decline by 17% in 2024, creating an attractive buying opportunity for Buffett. True to his style, Buffett has been increasing Berkshire’s stake in Occidental during its downturn. However, he has firmly ruled out a full acquisition of the company.
Coca-Cola and Other Notable Holdings
Berkshire’s long-standing investment in Coca-Cola is also expected to yield solid returns, with analysts projecting a 20% upside for the iconic beverage giant. Coca-Cola has been a cornerstone of Buffett’s portfolio for decades, embodying his preference for enduring, high-quality brands.
Other stocks in Berkshire’s portfolio that analysts view favorably include homebuilder Lennar Corporation, financial giant Citigroup, and energy heavyweight Chevron Corporation. Each of these companies is poised for significant growth, reflecting the diversity and strength of Berkshire’s equity investments.
Berkshire Hathaway’s impressive track record and the favorable outlook for its portfolio holdings underline the conglomerate’s resilience and strategic acumen. While 2024 delivered exceptional results, analysts’ bullish forecasts for key stocks in Buffett’s portfolio suggest the potential for another strong year ahead.
As always, Buffett’s investment philosophy of focusing on long-term value and quality continues to guide Berkshire’s portfolio decisions. With stocks like Liberty Latin America, Atlanta Braves Holdings, and Occidental Petroleum leading the way, 2025 could prove to be another year of notable gains for the legendary investor and his company.
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