Imitating Warren Buffett’s Investment Moves
Many investors have found success by mimicking Warren Buffett’s strategies. While purchasing shares of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B) is straightforward, analyzing Buffett’s key decisions can unveil promising long-term investment avenues.
At the close of 2016, Buffett’s primary holdings included Kraft Heinz (KHC), Wells Fargo (WFC), Coca-Cola (KO), IBM (IBM), and American Express (AXP). Interestingly, four of these stocks have seen significant increases over the past five years. Yet, perhaps one of his most pivotal investments in 2016 was his stake in Apple (AAPL), which he began acquiring in early 2016—quickly making it his largest investment.
It’s intriguing to think about what could have happened if someone had invested in Apple or Berkshire Hathaway back in 2016. Equally worth considering is how much major stock market index funds have appreciated during this time, especially given Buffett’s ongoing endorsements.
Berkshire Hathaway’s stock was valued at $129.77 on January 29, 2016. Fast forward to January 30, 2026, and it closed at $480.53, representing a staggering 270% gain. A $10,000 investment would have blossomed into $37,000. Although the stock price has only risen slightly in the past year, it has more than doubled over the preceding five years.
Many view Berkshire Hathaway as a reflection of the economy, primarily due to its substantial stake in sectors like insurance, utilities, manufacturing, and retail. It’s important to note, however, that Berkshire doesn’t issue dividends to investors. Moreover, it stands out as one of the rare companies boasting a market cap of $1 trillion.
Apple has also proven to be a worthwhile investment for Buffett. Back on January 29, 2016, the stock was priced at around $21.95 per share. Fast forward to January 30, 2026, and it was trading at $259.48, marking an impressive 1,082% increase. Here, a $10,000 investment would have grown to about $118,200.
The iPhone’s market dominance and robust service revenue were critical contributors to Apple’s enduring growth. The company’s products continue to be in high demand, especially in China, and it actively engages in share buybacks to enhance shareholder returns. Additionally, Apple’s embrace of artificial intelligence could further boost iPhone sales.
While Buffett is known for selecting individual stocks, he also encourages investing in index funds like the S&P 500. For instance, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was priced at $164.19 on January 29, 2016, and almost ten years later, it closed at $691.97. This reflects a return of 321%, suggesting that a $10,000 investment would now be worth approximately $42,100.
