The U.S. stock and bond markets have been on a rollercoaster this spring, stirred by President Donald Trump’s tariff moves. Investors and companies scramble to figure out who will win — or lose — in this shifting trade landscape. Among the chaos, a couple of American giants seem poised to come out ahead no matter what.
Berkshire Hathaway’s Adaptability Keeps Investors Watching
When Warren Buffett’s name comes up, most folks think of the stocks Berkshire Hathaway owns. Sure, those holdings — worth over $250 billion as of March 31 — grab the headlines. But what’s really impressive is the sprawling empire Buffett has built beyond stocks.
At the end of the first quarter, Berkshire was sitting on a mountain of cash — $348 billion — ready to deploy. But the true engine of Berkshire’s growth isn’t just its portfolio; it’s its 189 operating companies. These businesses, ranging from railroads to manufacturing, are what generate the cash flow Buffett’s team reinvests.
Buffett made headlines at the 2025 annual shareholder meeting when he announced he’ll step down as CEO by year-end. His successor, Greg Abel, is already earning praise for his hands-on approach, something Buffett says he lacked. Abel’s style could unlock fresh momentum for Berkshire’s non-insurance units, which have been on fire. Operating earnings jumped nearly 27% in 2024 alone — a strong uptick from $27.6 billion in 2021 to $47.4 billion last year.
Berkshire’s businesses lean heavily on domestic markets and products, making them somewhat insulated from tariff-driven cost spikes. Its railroad arm BNSF and companies like MiTek (which makes truss plates) and Clayton Homes (mobile homes) fit the bill perfectly.
Buffett has always been known as a laid-back leader. But Abel might just shake things up a bit more, which could be exactly what Berkshire needs in these uncertain times.
Nucor: Steel’s American Comeback Kid
Steel is notoriously tough to predict — it’s capital-intensive and cyclical. But Nucor is proving that sometimes, a slow build pays off.
Trading near a 52-week low, Nucor’s stock price sits just about 12% above its bottom. That’s surprising given the company has pumped over $15 billion into new projects over the past eight years. Several major facilities are set to start operating this year, including a micro-bar mill and a power transmission tower pole plant.
Infrastructure spending is heating up. Nucor is well positioned to supply steel for data centers, power grids, and other big projects popping up nationwide. With tariffs making imported steel more expensive, domestic producers like Nucor get a leg up.
Look at the numbers: Nucor’s dividend yield stands near 2%, and it’s boosted that payout for over 50 consecutive years — quite a feat in the steel biz. Plus, the company’s market cap hovers around $25 billion, making it a heavyweight player in North America’s steel industry.
So, while steel might seem old-school, Nucor is quietly preparing for a strong comeback as America’s infrastructure boom unfolds.
What Investors Should Keep in Mind
Here’s a quick glance at some key stats for these two companies:
| Company | Market Cap | Recent Earnings Growth | Dividend Yield | 52-Week Range | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkshire Hathaway | $1.1 trillion | +27% (2024) | N/A | $401.58 – $542.07 | Diverse businesses, cash pile |
| Nucor | $25 billion | Capital investments paying off | 2.01% | $97.59 – $171.26 | Tariff advantage, infrastructure |
If you’re wondering whether these stocks should be in your portfolio, consider this: Berkshire’s cash hoard gives it flexibility to weather storms or make bold moves. Meanwhile, Nucor’s upcoming projects and steady dividend make it attractive for income-focused investors who like a bit of cyclical growth potential.
But What About Other Options?
Interestingly, Stock Advisor’s latest picks don’t include Berkshire Hathaway. Their top 10 stocks for the moment lean toward companies with potentially bigger near-term gains. That said, Berkshire’s size and diversity might make it a safer bet in choppy waters.
Looking back, the Stock Advisor team nailed winners like Netflix and Nvidia years before their booms. So it’s worth watching their picks, but also weighing steady names like Berkshire and Nucor that have weathered plenty of storms.
One thing’s clear: Trump’s tariffs have stirred the pot. For some, that’s opportunity. For others, risk. But these two companies seem to have found ways to keep their balance.
