Legendary Investor Warren Buffett Is Selling Gold

Consider making a move away from gold as Warren Buffett begins to sell off his stake in Barrick Gold Corp., and opt for a stock like Jamieson Wellness.

Warren Buffett keeps surprising investors worldwide with his investment decisions in 2020. The Q2 2020 13F filing by his conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway revealed some surprising moves. The third quarter 13F filing by his company revealed more changes in his investment decisions.

Today I will discuss the legendary investor’s latest moves and a stock that you could consider investing in to align with the Oracle of Omaha.

Buffett bought gold

The Q2 2020 filing revealed several major moves made by Buffett. Perhaps the most shocking move by Buffett was the decision to invest $500 million in Barrick Gold (TSX: ABX)(NYSE: GOLD). Followers of Buffett know that this was a highly uncharacteristic move by the billionaire investor.

Warren Buffett has never resorted to buying gold and gold stocks throughout his illustrious investment career that has spanned several decades. He has even gone on to say that investing in high-quality blue-chip stocks is always better than buying gold and silver.

However, most people view gold as a safe-haven asset. While the move to buy Barrick stock might have been surprising, it seemed practical at the time. The global health crisis was driving gold prices up, allowing gold producers like Barrick to increase profit margins and improve fundamentals.

Why Buffett dumped gold

The Q3 2020 13F filing by Berkshire came along to deter people from the gold buying signal. As fall saw the loss of momentum in gold prices, the Q3 2020 report revealed that Berkshire shed 42% of its stake in the gold producer. Buffett made a similar u-turn with his investment in airlines.

Buffett made a contrarian bet on airlines early in 2020 but withdrew his investments when COVID-19 became more rampant. Similarly, Buffett invested in Barrick when the pandemic was at its worst. However, the increasing possibility of a viable vaccine hitting circulation soon could have lessened the value of safe-haven assets like gold. It could be a possible reason he dumped gold stocks and moved onto others.

What is Buffett buying right now?

Buffett did not just dump a significant chunk of his bet on gold, however. Berkshire’s Q3 2020 13F filing also revealed that he is making a big play for Big Pharma — a logical move. The most significant pharmaceutical companies are in a race to create a vaccine for the novel coronavirus.

Buffett maximized his chances of leveraging the vaccine race for his portfolio by adding Merck, Pfizer, and Bristol Myers Squibb. While Canadians might not have many options when it comes to vaccine-linked TSX stocks, there are equities you can consider adding to your portfolio to capitalize on the momentum.

A TSX stock to consider

Jamieson Wellness Inc. (TSX: JWEL) might not be a pharmaceutical company. However, the Toronto-based company develops, manufactures, distributes, sells, and markets natural health products in domestic and international markets. While it is not exactly a healthcare stock, the company has seen a boost in its performance with increasing health awareness worldwide.

The company delivered a 9.5% and a staggering 82% respective growth in domestic and international markets. The stock is trading for $35.98 per share, and it has a decent 1.56% dividend yield at writing.

Jamieson Wellness has been incredibly resilient during the pandemic. It recently experienced a 24% correction in its valuation. The stock has started to climb again, but its valuation can prove to be an excellent entry point for investors looking to bank on its market movement moving into 2021.

Foolish takeaway

Buffett may have had many of us going for gold with Berkshire’s foray into the rare yellow metal with Barrick Gold. However, it seems that he has changed his mind about the contrarian move. The decision to invest in Big Pharma is a sign he is banking on health and wellness.

While Jamieson Wellness might not be a runner in the vaccine race, it is a stock that has a decent momentum due to its health and wellness products. It could be an excellent stock to consider adding to your portfolio right now.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and Bristol Myers Squibb and recommends the following options: long January 2021 $200 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), short January 2021 $200 puts on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), and short December 2020 $210 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares).

More on Dividend Stocks

Group of people in a line at an ATM waiting to make a cash withdrawal
Dividend Stocks

The TFSA Withdrawal Rule Every Canadian Should Know

The account is a much better place to invest long term than to make frequent trades and withdrawals.

Read more »

man shops at grocery store
Dividend Stocks

The Best Canadian Stocks for Conservative Investors Right Now

These two Canadian stocks combine durable businesses, growing earnings, and shareholder returns.

Read more »

Three children jump on an outdoor trampoline
Dividend Stocks

2 Solid Dividend Stocks Down 20 Percent to Buy Before They Bounce Back

These Canadian companies have been increasing their dividends year after year, while their stocks have pulled back from recent highs.

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Dividend Stocks

The Ideal TFSA Stock: A 5.9% Yield-Paying Constant Cash

Enbridge’s predictable cash flows, substantial growth pipeline, and long history of dividend increases underpin its long-term investment appeal for TFSA…

Read more »

woman gazes forward out window to future
Dividend Stocks

Dividend Income in Retirement: What Could Go Wrong?

Dividend investing is a proven way to create income in retirement but you must know the risks you need to…

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

A 5% Monthly Payer I’d Buy for My TFSA: About $100 a Month on $24,000

Canada’s largest residential landlord offers a high yield, reliable monthly income, and a tax-sheltered foundation for TFSA investors.

Read more »

Two seniors walk in the forest
Dividend Stocks

Can Dividends Replace a Paycheque in Retirement?

Can dividends in retirement replace your paycheque? Explore how Scotiabank, RioCan REIT, and Fortis can help build a steady retirement…

Read more »

Sliced pumpkin pie
Dividend Stocks

The Fees That Quietly Eat Into a Small Investment

Many funds charge outrageous fees, but broad market index funds like the iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (TSX:XIC) usually…

Read more »