Ever wonder what it takes to hold onto a stock for decades—or even forever? Warren Buffett doesn’t just teach long-term investing; he lives it. Some of his favorite picks have been in the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio for 20, even 30 years. But why? And what makes these holdings worth keeping around?
In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 10 stocks Warren Buffett’s held the longest—peeling back the curtain with fresh stories, investor insights, and my own “aha” moments. No robotic recaps—just honest, curious conversation. Ready? Let’s dive in.
The List: Warren Buffett’s Long-Term Core Holdings
While not all his holdings have exact “20-year” timestamps, several clearly stretch back decades. Based on SEC filings and Warren Buffett’s letters:
- Coca-Cola (KO) – Acquired in 1988 and famously described by Buffett as his favorite holding “forever”. That’s nearly four decades.
- American Express (AXP) – First bought in 1994 via a clever warrants deal—still a cornerstone of the portfolio.
- See’s Candies – Purchased as a private business in 1972. Not a stock, but a holding that exemplifies Buffett’s culture: buy for quality, hold for decades.
- Insurance businesses (e.g., National Indemnity, GEICO) – Buffett invested in the first in 1967; these have been cash-generating workhorses for over 50 years.
- BNSF Railway – Acquired in 2009; not quite 20 years yet, but baseline still long-term commitment in line with infrastructure investing.
- Berkshire Hathaway Energy – Built up since 2000; another multi-decade holding.
- BYD (Chinese EV maker) – Investment began in 2008, and though Buffett trimmed over time, he held the stake through 2024—a solid 16+-year span.
- National Fire & Marine – One of his first big insurance acquisitions in 1967; again private, but critical to his long-term float strategy.
- Must-hold stock picks like Occidental, Moody’s, Kraft Heinz – While many of these peaked later, they reflect a pattern of long-term conviction, even if slightly under the 20-year mark.
Beyond the List—What Makes These Holdings Stick Around?
- Quality that withstands time:
I mean, Coca-Cola has stayed in people’s hearts—and Warren Buffett’s books—for decades. It’s not hype; it’s brand stickiness. - Float and the insurance engine:
Buffett didn’t just invest in businesses—he bought insurance firms like National Indemnity and GEICO to generate “float,” capital he could deploy for even more long-term bets. That’s bankroll building, folks. - Emotional conviction grounded in logic:
Buffett once admitted selling some banks too soon was a mistake. That humility—in admitting error—is part of why his longer-held stocks stand the test of time. - Private holdings in trusted industries:
Investments like See’s Candies remind us: value isn’t just in public markets. It’s in businesses with clear economics and trustworthy management.
Personal Angle: Why This Matters to You
I remember talking to a friend—let’s call her Priya—who was trying to time the market. I said, “What if instead you chose two or three reliable businesses and just stayed with them?” She thought it sounded boring—until she saw how much Buffett earned by doing exactly that.
That’s the big unlock: long-term investing isn’t flashy, but it works. Holding for decades means you ride out short-term noise and let compounding do its magic.
Conclusion: Takeaways & Food for Thought
Warren Buffett’s longest-held holdings aren’t random—they’re built on clarity: quality, trustworthy management, and economic moat. From Coca-Cola to See’s to insurance giants, these holdings reflect belief, not just financial logic.
So next time you’re tempted to trade, ask yourself: is this a business you’d want to own even—gasp!—20 years from now?