National-Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NOV) and Verisign, Inc. (VRSN): Buffett Moves

Among holdings in which Berkshire Hathaway increased its stake were National–Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NYSE:NOV) and Verisign, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSN). National-Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NYSE:NOV) has been a strong performer, averaging stock growth of 19% annually over the past decade. But it hiccupped in its last report, posting a dip in revenue, and its stock took a hit. Still, there’s much to like about the company, such as its record backlog of nearly $13 billion, and its 60% market share as a supplier of rig equipment. Interestingly, analysts at Zacks downgraded the stock to Strong Sell, based on factors such as shrinking margins and growing competition.

Verisign, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSN), meanwhile, focuses on Internet infrastructure, and is likely a choice of one of Buffett’s investing lieutenants. Its last earnings report topped expectations, with revenue growing 15% year over year, and earnings per share (EPS) by 38%. Its registry services added about 2 million net new domain names, ending the quarter with 123 million .com and .net names, up 5.5% over year-ago levels.

Berkshire Hathaway reduced its stake in Kraft Foods Group Inc (NASDAQ:KRFT) spin-off Mondelez International Inc (NASDAQ:MDLZ). There’s speculation that the company might merge with PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE:PEP), but regardless, it’s positioned to profit from faster growth rates in developing economies. It’s not without risks, though, such as strength in private brands. (The company’s silly name is made up, by the way.)

Finally, Berkshire Hathaway closed out its positions in General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) and Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM). Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) has been pressured by droughts, but it has remained a solid dividend payer and recently traded near a 52-week high. Its latest quarter featured revenue slightly up, but earnings down. The company is looking to expand in Asia via a purchase of GrainCorp Ltd (ASX:GNC), Australia’s leading agribusiness concern. (Dry weather has been putting pressure on GrainCorp Ltd (ASX:GNC)’s grain production, as well.)

We should never blindly copy any investor’s moves, no matter how talented the investor. But it can be useful to keep an eye on what smart folks are doing. Therefore, 13-F forms can be great places to find intriguing candidates for our portfolios.

The article Here’s What Warren Buffett Has Been Buying and Selling originally appeared on Fool.com.

Longtime Fool contributor Selena Maranjian, whom you can follow on Twitter, owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway and PepsiCo. The Motley Fool recommends Berkshire Hathaway, National Oilwell Varco, and PepsiCo. The Motley Fool owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway, General Dynamics, National Oilwell Varco, and PepsiCo.

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