How Did Buffett Stocks Fare in the Downturn?

Stock quotes in this article: IRM , KO , PG , COP , JNJ , BNI  

I also like P&G on the Buffett list, particularly with its recently announced $30 billion stock-buyback program on top of a 19% year-over-year earnings increase, demolishing analyst estimates and successfully integrating its acquisition of Gillette.

Some of the positions that haven't weathered the recent downturn so well -- but that I think are now cheaper buys as a result -- include the railroad Burlington Northern(BNI Quote) (down 14%), which Buffett just averaged down on, drugmaker Johnson & Johnson(JNJ Quote) (down only 2%) and oil company ConocoPhillips(COP Quote) (down 11%).

The good news on Burlington Northern is that Buffett has been steadily adding to his position. Last week, he revealed in new filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that he had purchased 1.6 million shares of Burlington Northern. Buffett now owns 11.1% of the railroad company, suggesting that Burlington Northern is a buy.

Buffett also doubled his position in Johnson & Johnson early this year, now holding 48 million shares, making it his fifth largest position. J&J, trading at a forward P/E of 14 and offering a 2.7% dividend dividend yield, is a broad play on the demographics of the 70 million retiring baby boomers who will have increased health-care needs in coming years. Any dip in J&J is a buying opportunity, so why should we let Warren Buffett have all the fun?

To see his other holdings, check out the Warren Buffett portfolio on Stockpickr. Also, for another interesting view of Buffett's holdings, check out the Highest-Yielding Warren Buffett Stocks on Stockpickr.com.

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At the time of publication, Altucher and/or his fund had no positions in stocks mentioned, although positions may change at any time.

James Altucher is president of Stockpickr LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of TheStreet.com and part of its network of Web properties, and a managing partner at Formula Capital, an alternative asset management firm that runs a fund of hedge funds. He is also a weekly columnist for The Financial Times and the author of Trade Like a Hedge Fund, Trade Like Warren Buffett and SuperCa$h. Under no circumstances does the information in this column represent a recommendation to buy or sell stocks. Altucher appreciates your feedback; click here to send him an email.

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