Warren Buffett’s time-tested investment strategy has transformed Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B) from a modest textile operation into a $1 trillion investment giant grounded in the core principles of value investing.
With a portfolio built on ‘forever’ stocks—companies boasting strong fundamentals, consistent cash flow, and lasting competitive advantages, Buffett’s portfolio is designed to weather economic turbulence and deliver steady long-term returns.
As recession fears, inflationary pressures, and global market volatility rattle investors, Berkshire Hathaway remains one of the few major firms delivering consistent gains.
While the S&P 500 has dropped 3.58% year-to-date, falling back to 5,670 points, nearly 8% below its February peak and revisiting levels last seen in September 2024—Berkshire has surged 18% since January, reaching a new all-time high of $537 on April 2, 2025.
Buffett beats the downturn, even as top holdings fall
Interestingly, despite Berkshire’s stellar performance, some of its largest holdings, making up over 56% of its portfolio have underperformed this year. Yet a select group of Buffett’s other stocks are not only outperforming the market but also setting new records.
The legendary investor’s biggest winner, by far, though, is BYD (1211.HK) the Chinese electric vehicle giant, up an impressive 43% year-to-date. BYD’s shares hit new highs recently after the Chinese electric-vehicle giant announced its new fast-charging technology.
Another bright spot comes from across the Atlantic. Aon plc (NYSE: AON), the UK-based professional services firm, has risen nearly 10% in 2025 to $396.03, also marking a new all-time high earlier in March.
Back in the U.S., several defensive and income-generating stocks in the Berkshire portfolio have added to its gains. Kroger (NYSE: KR) has climbed nearly 10% this year, even after a slight pullback from its recent peak.
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), one of Buffett’s longest-held positions, has risen 14%, proving its value as a durable, dividend-paying play.
In the telecom sector, T-Mobile US (NASDAQ: TMUS) has gained 18% year-to-date, reaching $264 and setting a new record high in March. Similarly, VeriSign (NASDAQ: VRSN) that manages crucial internet infrastructure, has jumped 23% in 2025.
Finally, energy and fintech holdings have also contributed. Chevron (NYSE: CVX) is up 12%, and Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU)—the parent of Latin American digital banking leader Nubank has also posted a 2% gain so far this year, with a modest but steady growth in the fintech space.
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