Favorite five
Based on its 13F SEC filing for Q1 2013, most of Fisher’s top stock positions cover the health care, financial services, industrials, and tech sectors. Let’s zero in on five of these megacap companies and examine some possible reasons Fisher likes these stocks in particular.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)
Representing 2.36% of Fisher’s portfolio, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is its largest stock holding. After making many acquisitions over the past several years, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is now focused on divesting its non-core business. The company recently launched an IPO of a minority stake in its Animal Health business, Zoetis. And despite the patent expiration on Lipitor, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) boasts a robust drug pipeline including products for stroke prevention, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP)
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) boasts an esteemed brand and a unique business model that benefits from how much money cardholders spend, and it’s less dependent on an interest-rate spread. The company’s focus on affluent consumers also enables it to grow despite overall household deleveraging. American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) represents about 2% of Fisher’s holdings.
General Electric Company (NYSE:GE)
Representing 1.85% of Fisher’s holdings, General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) has recently faced profitability pressures because of high input costs, tough pricing, and competition in key markets such as wind turbines. Over time, the company should benefit from emerging-market growth, but these ongoing challenges will probably continue for the foreseeable future.
Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE:WFC)
Undoubtedly, the prolonged low-interest-rate environment has presented a challenge for banks. But Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE:WFC) is in a solid position because of its dominant market share in mortgage origination. Its diversified sources of fee revenue will probably benefit the company as well. The company represents 1.8% of Fisher’s fund.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)
While Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) retains a desirable position in smartphones and tablets, the company’s market share has declined in recent quarters. Despite the harsh reality of an increased competitive environment, the iDevice maker’s ability to produce and sell wildly sought-after products to its cult-like customer base, coupled with its strong financial position, set the company up nicely for potential future success. Roughly 1.8% of Fisher’s fund is invested in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) stock.
Foolish final thoughts
Of these five stocks, I particularly like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE:WFC). Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) looks incredibly attractive with its forward price-to-earnings ratio of 10, a discount compared with the rest of the industry. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE:WFC)’ strong mortgage origination market share paired with low borrowing rates and a recovering housing market position it as an enticing opportunity right now.
The article Billionaire Ken Fisher’s Top Stocks originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Nicole Seghetti .
Fool contributor Nicole Seghetti owns shares of Apple, General Electric, Pfizer, and Wells Fargo. Follow her on Twitter: @NicoleSeghetti. The Motley Fool recommends American Express, Apple, and Wells Fargo and (NYSE:WFC) owns shares of Apple, General Electric, and Wells Fargo.
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