Buffett’s Picks: A Sensible Look

So, Warren Buffett has, as they say, moved on. Stepped down from the helm of Berkshire Hathaway in December 2025, leaving the reins to Greg Abel. Now, one might expect a dramatic overhaul, a complete reimagining of the portfolio. But that, it seems, isn’t the plan. Abel, a sensible fellow, appears to be of the opinion that if it ain’t broke, don’t attempt a complicated repair involving duct tape and a vague understanding of structural engineering. He’s committed to maintaining the decentralized structure, which, frankly, is a relief. It’s nice to see a bit of continuity in a world obsessed with disruption.

His recent letter to shareholders confirmed this. No wild swings, no sudden urges to invest in artisanal pickle companies. Instead, a commitment to the existing holdings, including the likes of American Express and Coca-Cola. And that brings us to a few other stocks, the ones Buffett favored, and which, if you squint a bit, still look…reasonable. Chevron (CVX 0.08%), Domino’s Pizza (DPZ +1.91%), and DaVita (DVA 1.61%). Let’s have a look, shall we?

Chevron: Oil, and the Inevitable

Berkshire Hathaway has a hefty stake in Chevron – 6.5%, amounting to around $24.7 billion at current prices. It’s a considerable sum, enough to buy a small country, or at least a very nice collection of antique thimbles. The recent surge in oil prices has, naturally, been beneficial, though one always feels a little uneasy celebrating gains derived from the Earth’s finite resources. Still, Chevron’s been doing more than just riding the wave; they’ve been actively increasing production and trying to keep costs down. Which, in the grand scheme of things, is a sensible approach.

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Even when oil prices were languishing – a state of affairs that seems almost quaint now – there was a case to be made for Chevron. The company was, and is, making genuine improvements. And with current geopolitical tensions – the Middle East, as always, being a reliably complicated place – it seems likely that oil prices won’t be plummeting anytime soon. Which, for Chevron, is…favorable.

Domino’s: Pizza and the Art of Efficiency

Domino’s currently trades at around 21 times forward earnings. Which, in the fast-food universe, is fairly high. But here’s the thing: they’re actually good at what they do. While other pizza chains are struggling, Domino’s continues to see positive same-store sales growth. It’s a remarkable feat, really, when you consider the sheer volume of pizza consumed globally.

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BTIG analyst Peter Selah recently pointed this out, which is reassuring. It’s always good when analysts confirm what seems intuitively obvious. If Domino’s can maintain this performance, there’s a good chance their valuation could climb to match the likes of Yum! Brands and McDonald’s, both of which trade at higher multiples. A modest valuation boost, coupled with steady earnings growth, could turn Domino’s into a long-term winner. It’s not glamorous, perhaps, but it’s solid. Like a well-made pizza box.

DaVita: A Quiet Recovery?

DaVita, operating kidney dialysis centers, doesn’t get much attention. Perhaps it’s because the business itself isn’t particularly exciting. Or perhaps it’s because, for a while, the company was struggling. Flat customer volumes, rising costs…it wasn’t a pretty picture.

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However, recent results suggest a potential turnaround. The fourth quarter came in ahead of expectations, and management is providing promising guidance for 2026. Estimated adjusted earnings of between $13.60 and $15 per share. Which, if accurate, means the stock is currently trading at a remarkably low multiple. It’s a bit like finding a perfectly good antique shop hidden down a side street.

If DaVita can manage an earnings resurgence, or further diversify its kidney care offerings, a higher valuation is certainly within reach. It’s a long shot, perhaps, but sometimes the most interesting opportunities are found in the most unexpected places.

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2026-03-14 06:22