In this article, we explore the 13 Best Long-Term Stocks to Invest in According to Warren Buffett.
Warren Buffett’s long-term investing philosophy is rooted in patience, quality, and understanding. As he famously put it: “If you aren’t willing to own a stock for ten years, don’t even think about owning it for ten minutes,” and “Our favorite holding period is forever.” Time, he says, is “the friend of the wonderful business, the enemy of the mediocre.”
During the 2025 Berkshire Annual Meeting (on May 4), the investing titan cautioned against emotional reactions to market swings. He reinforced his timeless principle: “If a 15% drop rattles your confidence, you’re not investing, you’re reacting.” Emotional discipline is central.
Buffett’s stewardship of Berkshire Hathaway is evidence that this approach does work. Under his leadership from 1965 to 2023, shareholder returns achieved an average annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of about 19.8%, compared to 10.2% for the S&P 500 (with dividends). The overall cumulative return over this period is 4,384,748% for Berkshire Hathaway and 31,223% for the S&P 500.
Other seasoned investors echo Buffett’s long-term discipline. Michael Schaffer of Wells Fargo emphasizes investing only in businesses with durable competitive advantages. Jeremy Siegel, a Wharton finance professor and author of Stocks for the Long Run, advocates for passive long-term investing.
This post explores some of the names that Warren Buffett thinks fit into the long-term investing framework.
Our Methodology
To identify the 13 best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett, we analyzed Berkshire Hathaway’s Q2 2025 13F portfolio. From the full list of holdings, we focused on companies that have been part of Berkshire’s portfolio for at least five consecutive years. We then reviewed hedge fund sentiment around these stocks using Insider Monkey’s database of Q2 2025 13F filings, which tracks the number of hedge funds holding each security. Finally, the stocks were ranked in ascending order based on the value of Berkshire Hathaway’s stake in each company.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is straightforward: our research has demonstrated that we can outperform the market by replicating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
Best Long-Term Stocks to Invest in According to Warren Buffett
13. Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $433,699,170
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q2 2016
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 21, Wells Fargo resumed coverage of Charter Communications with an “Equal Weight” rating and set a price target of $300. Wells Fargo noted that despite tough conditions in the cable industry, Charter is the “strongest performer” among its competitors. This is due to its early and aggressive approach to its subscriber strategy, which has helped it maintain a strong market position. The company generates significant annual revenue of $55.22 billion.
Wells Fargo values Charter at an enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio of 5.9x, which is higher than that of its rivals, such as Comcast’s (NASDAQ:CMCSA) Cable & Platforms business, at 5.3x. This premium is justified by Charter’s better subscriber trends and potential for EBITDA growth. The actual EV/EBITDA for Charter is 6.14x.
The analysts valued Cox, another company in the industry, at the same 5.9x EV/EBITDA multiple, resulting in an enterprise value of about $32 billion. This is slightly below the $34.5 billion mentioned in deal documentation, with Wells Fargo noting a reduction in Charter’s equity value.
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a telecommunications and mass media company. It provides broadband internet, video, mobile, and voice services to residential and commercial customers across the United States under the Spectrum brand. The company also offers advertising and news programming through Spectrum Reach and Spectrum Networks.
12. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $2,193,900,000
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q1 2019
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 335
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 27, 2025, TD SYNNEX (SNX) announced a multi-year strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services to accelerate cloud and AI adoption across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The partnership will channel investment into connecting small and mid-sized partners with AWS services, simplifying access to AWS Marketplace programs and expanding business capabilities through TD SYNNEX’s distribution network and StreamOne cloud platform.
Building on their existing collaboration in Europe, TD SYNNEX brings deep AWS expertise in areas like Migration, Education, and Cloud Operations. Initiatives such as Destination AI and the AI Accelerator Practice Builder aim to help partners modernize amid financial constraints and evolving tech demands. AWS’s Brian Bohan highlighted the alliance as a catalyst for innovation and growth across the region’s cloud and AI landscape.
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is a multinational technology and e-commerce company. It operates a global online marketplace, while also providing cloud computing solutions through Amazon Web Services (AWS).
11. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $2,240,256,977
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q1 2011
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 158
Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 25, the company announced a partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Gemini and blockchain company Ripple to release an XRP Edition of the Gemini Credit Card. This new card is issued by WebBank and operates on the Mastercard network.
The card allows users to earn crypto rewards in the form of XRP, the native digital currency of the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Rewards include 4% back in XRP on gas, electric vehicle charging, and rideshare; 3% back on dining; 2% back on groceries; and 1% back on other purchases. The card also offers access to discounts through the World Elite Mastercard program. Holders will not pay any annual fees and the card will function like a regular bank card. That is to say, users will be able to pay with XRP at millions of merchants worldwide, instantly converting the cryptocurrency into local currency at the time of purchase.
Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is a financial technology company. It operates a global payments network that facilitates electronic transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and governments. The company offers credit, debit, and prepaid card solutions, as well as digital payment technologies, cybersecurity services, and data analytics, to support secure and efficient commerce worldwide.
10. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $2,946,013,173
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q3 2011
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 167
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 22, the company shut down its US open-banking unit. A company spokesperson stated that Visa will now focus its open-banking strategy in high-potential markets like Europe and Latin America.
Visa cited persistent regulatory uncertainties concerning consumer data rights and the likelihood of elevated fees associated with customer information as the reasons for the decision. The unit enabled third parties, including fintech firms, to access banking data and streamline processes for sign-ups and fund transfers.
The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) had issued a final rule on “Personal Financial Data Rights” that gave Americans the right to share their financial data with third-party providers. However, under the new administration, the CFPB moved to have this rule rescinded and has begun a new process to revise the open-banking regulations. The new rulemaking process is seeking comments on issues such as fees, data security, and data privacy.
Visa will now prioritize high-potential markets like Europe and Latin America, where regulations already require banks to share data with authorized third parties. The decision marks a change from the company’s earlier strategy, which included a $5.3 billion bid for Plaid (ultimately blocked in 2021) and later acquisition of Tink in Sweden for $2 billion to bolster open-banking capabilities.
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is a global payments technology company. It operates one of the world’s largest electronic payment networks. The company processes billions of transactions annually through its VisaNet infrastructure and offers products including credit, debit, and prepaid cards.
9. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $3,586,500,001
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q4 2019
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 68
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 11, Kroger and C&S Wholesale Grocers reached a confidential settlement, resolving a lawsuit that C&S had filed against Kroger. The lawsuit stemmed from the collapse of Kroger’s proposed $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons. To gain regulatory approval for that merger, Kroger and Albertsons had agreed to sell hundreds of stores and other assets to C&S Wholesale Grocers.
C&S sued Kroger in March, alleging that it was owed a $125 million termination fee. The lawsuit argued that Kroger’s inability to finalize the merger prevented C&S from acquiring nearly 600 supermarkets, private-label brands, and other assets, which were part of the divestiture plan. However, Kroger responded that C&S was not entitled to the termination fee. In a separate legal battle, Kroger had also filed a lawsuit against Albertsons, claiming that Albertsons and C&S had “secretly coordinated” and undermined the merger deal.
A joint court filing in the Delaware Superior Court confirmed that all claims have been resolved. The case was dismissed with prejudice, which means C&S is barred from bringing the same claims against Kroger in the same court.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States. It operates over 2,700 supermarkets and multi-department stores under various banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, and Harris Teeter. The company also manufactures and processes food for sale in its supermarkets and offers pharmacy, fuel, and financial services.
8. DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $4,814,317,266
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q4 2011
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 43
DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 21, the company confirmed that a ransomware attack led to a data breach impacting millions of individuals. The company filed a report with the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which shows that the breach affected 2,689,826 people.
The attack began on March 24, 2025, and was discovered and partially mitigated by April 12 when DaVita removed the attackers from its systems. The ransomware group Interlock claimed responsibility and has leaked some of the stolen data.
DaVita stated that the attack caused a temporary disruption to its operations, primarily affecting its laboratories. However, it maintained uninterrupted delivery of critical dialysis services across its network of over 3,100 outpatient clinics and home treatment programs worldwide. The company incurred about $13.5 million in expenses during the second quarter of 2025 to address the incident. Around $1 million was attributed to increased patient care costs and $12.5 million to general and administrative expenses for system restoration and third-party professional assistance.
DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) is a leading provider of kidney care services. It operates a network of outpatient dialysis centers across the United States and in select international markets. The company also provides integrated care programs, laboratory services, and clinical research support.
7. The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $8,407,891,001
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q3 2015
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45
The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 25, Mizuho maintained a “Neutral” rating on Kraft Heinz stock with a price target of $29. The firm made the decision following recent investor meetings. In Mizuho’s view, Kraft Heinz is aware of its portfolio issues and is showing signs of improving execution.
The company is focusing on renovation and innovation, with new products and marketing activities planned for the future. It is also prioritizing the protection of its dividend and investment-grade status. However, Mizuho sees potential for improvement. The firm suggested that better revenue traction or news about strategic transactions could lead to a more positive outlook. The firm notes that uncertain economic conditions and competition are limiting positive revenue projection revisions.
The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) is a global food and beverage company. It manufactures and markets a wide portfolio of packaged foods and condiments, including iconic brands such as Heinz, Kraft, Oscar Mayer, and Philadelphia. The company distributes its products worldwide through retail, foodservice, and e-commerce channels.
6. Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $12,374,113,948
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q4 2010
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 82
Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 22, BMO Capital reiterated a “Market Perform” rating for Moody’s with a price target of $534. The decision follows leadership changes at Moody’s.
Stephen Tulenko, President of Moody’s Analytics, a division of Moody’s Corporation, announced his resignation effective September 2, 2025, to pursue another opportunity. The parent company has not yet named a permanent successor. Andy Frepp, Moody’s Analytics Chief Operating Officer, assumed Interim President duties to ensure continuity during the transition. BMO noted that, although they do not believe there are issues with the company, the stock could face pressure because investors highly respected Tulenko.
Besides that, BMO appreciates Moody’s strong financial health. This, the analysts stated, is demonstrated by 15 years of consecutive dividend increases and an overall 28-year streak of dividend payments. Moody’s solid market position in credit ratings, research, and risk analysis supports steady long-term demand. BMO views the company as well-positioned to benefit from secular trends, including increased private credit activity, transition finance, digital infrastructure funding, and emerging market growth.
Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) is a global integrated risk assessment firm. It operates through two segments: Moody’s Ratings (formerly Moody’s Investors Service) and Moody’s Analytics. The company serves governments, financial institutions, and corporations across more than 40 countries.
5. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $17,478,457,567
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q3 2020
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 76
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. Two tankers chartered by Chevron carrying Venezuelan crude oil arrived in US waters on August 21. This marks the first US imports of Venezuelan crude in several months. The tankers are scheduled to discharge their cargo at US ports, with one headed to Port Arthur, Texas, and the other to New Orleans, Louisiana.
These oil shipments happened because Chevron received a restricted license from the Treasury Department in late July. This license allows the company to operate in Venezuela and export its crude. It reverses a previous, stricter sanctions policy that had been in effect since April and had caused a three-month pause in Chevron’s Venezuelan oil operations. However, the license carries a strict condition: no money from oil proceeds can be transferred in any way to the administration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is an integrated energy company. It explores, produces, and refines oil and natural gas while also manufacturing petrochemicals and transportation fuels. The company operates worldwide across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments.
4. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $28,300,000,000
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q4 2010
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 84
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 27, Apollo Global Management entered early-stage talks with Coca-Cola’s advisers about a potential acquisition of Costa Coffee. While discussions are ongoing, formal bids are not expected for several weeks, and Apollo may ultimately opt out of making an offer.
KKR has also reportedly engaged with Lazard, Coca-Cola’s adviser in the sale process, but is unlikely to submit a bid. Coca-Cola is still in the initial phase of exploring divestment options for Costa, which it currently owns, as interest from private equity firms begins to surface.
Costa Coffee operates over 4,000 stores in more than 50 countries, including over 2,700 outlets in the UK and Ireland. Coca-Cola acquired it in 2018 for over $5 billion. The goal was to strengthen Coca-Cola’s presence in the global coffee market and to diversify away from sugary soft drinks. However, Costa has faced operational challenges, including rising costs for coffee beans, labor, and real estate, as well as increasing competition from premium coffee brands. Despite some revenue growth, profitability has been under pressure, with Costa reporting a pre-tax loss of £9.6 million in 2023, following a profit of £245.9 million in the prior year.
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is a global beverage manufacturer. It produces and markets nonalcoholic drinks including soft drinks, juices, teas, coffees, and water under more than 200 brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and Minute Maid. The company operates in over 200 countries through a franchise bottling system.
3. Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $28,641,252,185
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q3 2017
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 115
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. The company, in partnership with Alaska Airlines, introduced a premium co-branded credit card on August 20. The credit card, dubbed Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite, is designed for “global travelers” and “modern explorers.” This card is the first premium offering in the new Atmos Rewards loyalty program, which was created following the merger of Alaska Airlines’ and Hawaiian Airlines’ loyalty programs. The card has a $395 annual fee. This is noted as being a lower fee compared to many other premium airline cards on the market.
The card offers a new “Global Companion Award,” a ticket benefit that can be redeemed for a companion’s ticket on a qualifying award booking. Cardholders can earn up to two such awards per year. The card includes eight annual passes to any Alaska Lounge. Cardholders also get access to an elevated bar experience in the lounges through 2026.
This program is part of a renewed long-term partnership between Alaska Air Group and Bank of America, which was extended through 2030. The partnership aims to enhance customer loyalty and drive growth for both companies.
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is a multinational financial services company. It provides banking, investment management, and risk solutions to individuals, businesses, and institutions across more than 35 countries. The company operates through three segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management, and Global Markets.
2. American Express Company (NYSE:AXP)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $48,360,781,086
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q4 2010
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 70
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 20, the company became the official payments partner of Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins, and the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix through a multi-year agreement.
As per the deal, eligible American Express cardholders will enjoy several exclusive perks and access at Hard Rock Stadium. Hard Rock Stadium will become part of the American Express Venue Collection network. All cardholders will have access to a dedicated Card Member entrance, and eligible card members can enroll for an exclusive concession offer. The Platinum Card Members will have access to an exclusive lounge within Hard Rock Stadium. Finally, all cardholders will have access to “Amex Presale Tickets” for Hard Rock Stadium events, including Miami Dolphins regular-season games and the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
The partnership complements American Express’s global sports and entertainment portfolio, which includes involvement in over 20 Formula 1 races worldwide and sponsorships across various sports, including theater, basketball, music, tennis, and golf.
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) is a financial services company. It provides charge and credit card products, travel services, and expense management solutions to consumers and businesses worldwide. The company also offers merchant acquisition, payment processing, and loyalty programs.
1. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Stake: $57,447,600,000
Berkshire Hathaway’s First Major Purchase: Q1 2016
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 156
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to Warren Buffett. On August 22, Apple began early discussions with Google to potentially integrate its Gemini AI into a revamped version of Siri. The move could mark a major upgrade for Apple’s voice assistant as it seeks to catch up in the generative AI race. The goal is to create a more capable foundation for a new Siri, with a potential debut as early as 2026.
Apple is conducting an internal “bake-off” to compare its own AI model, code-named Linwood, with external models, including Google’s Gemini, code-named Glenwood. No final decision has been made on whether to use an external partner or stick with Apple’s in-house model, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. Earlier in the year, the company held discussions with OpenAI and Anthropic to explore using their AI models for this task. However, negotiations stalled due to high fees, prompting the current talks with Google.
Apple’s software engineering chief, Craig Federighi, described the Siri project as a “second-generation” architecture, stating, “This has put us in a position to not just deliver what we announced, but to deliver a much bigger upgrade than that we envisioned,” emphasizing an “end-to-end revamp” for advanced personalization features.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is a technology company. It designs, manufactures, and markets consumer electronics, software, and digital services worldwide. The company’s flagship products include the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. It also operates a services segment that encompasses the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud.
While we acknowledge the potential of AAPL to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AAPL and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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