Since the Oracle first bought into DaVita back in Q4 2011, he has now boosted his position in four consecutive quarters, and shares of the dialysis services provider have already popped more than 6% since the start of the year (through mid-February). This company, along with the rest of the healthcare space, has a generally bullish outlook, and the sell-side expects mid-double-digit earnings growth through at least 2017.
General Motors, meanwhile, saw Buffett increase his stake by two-thirds in the fourth quarter, and the automaker was a splendid investment in 2012, returning over 40%. A revamp of its product lineup and an ongoing management restructuring effort are long-term positives, and like most of Buffett’s investments, GM’s stock is also cheap. Shares currently trade below 8 times forward earnings and sport a sub-1.0 PEG. A book value near parity also indicates that there’s obvious value here.
Wells Fargo, new no. 1
In addition to DaVita and GM, Buffett and Berkshire were also upping their stake in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC), albeit by only 4% or so. Still, the move makes the bank Buffett’s new No. 1 holding, inching past previous top dog The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO).
Wells Fargo has been a solid investment over the past year, returning more than 16%, and over the longer term, the company has benefited from its Buffett-connection by playing a key role in the financing of multiple Berkshire acquisitions. Shares of WFC aren’t particularly expensive at 9 times forward earnings and 1.2 times book, and a dividend yield of 2.8% outpaces JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE:JPM) and PNC Financial Services (NYSE:PNC), giving it the highest payout in the S&P 500’s money center banking industry.
In short, both income and value-seeking investors can’t really go wrong with Wells Fargo, and continued support from the smartest of the smart money makes this stock a slam dunk.
What other moves was Buffett making in Q4?
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