Key Points

These firms appear positioned for strong performance over many years, navigating both growth and challenges.
Each has expanded significantly by carrying out strategies effectively and adjusting to new conditions.
Each trades at fair or appealing valuations as well.
10 stocks we like better than Berkshire Hathaway ›

Selecting three holdings from my portfolio that I expect to retain for the next twenty years, irrespective of conditions, presents a significant challenge. After careful consideration, I settled on these three.

I will review each below. My analysis factored in the possibility of a market decline or adjustment over the next year or two. Such a dip would not astonish me, given the substantial gains the market has posted lately along with increasing inflation and worldwide tensions. Still, short-term market movements remain uncertain.

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1. Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRKA) (NYSE: BRKB) stands out as an obvious choice. After tracking its longtime leader Warren Buffett for years and participating in numerous annual gatherings, it ranks as the holding in which I place the greatest long-term confidence. The firm encompasses a wide array of operations spanning insurance, residential construction, retail jewelry, logistics, power generation, and additional areas, including Dairy Queen International. It also maintains equity stakes in various enterprises, such as 22 percent of American Express and 9 percent of Coca-Cola.

During any market retreat, which occurs periodically, my Berkshire positions should prove relatively resilient. The shares carry a beta of 0.62, indicating they typically fluctuate only 62 percent as much as the broader market.

Buffett has announced his departure from the chief executive role effective 2026, yet his replacement Greg Abel brings extensive Berkshire experience and has committed to preserving the firm's values and extended horizon.

2. Intuitive Surgical

Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG) carries more uncertainty than Berkshire Hathaway, yet I retain considerable confidence. Its leadership has successfully established dominance in robotic surgical platforms. The company recently reached a market capitalization of $151 billion and has deployed over 12,000 of its premium systems globally.

It has rolled out updated platforms and secured clearances for expanded uses. Growth opportunities include additional system sales, new platform launches, and broader procedure approvals. Its model stands out because service agreements plus accessory and consumable sales generate more revenue than the initial equipment purchases, delivering steady recurring income.

At current prices the shares appear reasonably or modestly valued, unlike prior periods. The recent forward price-to-earnings ratio stands at 44, below the five-year average of 55, though both figures remain elevated.

Procedures rose 17 percent year over year in the latest quarter, while revenue advanced 23 percent. Over the past ten years the shares have delivered average annual returns of 19.5 percent, though they have declined roughly 25 percent in the trailing twelve months through June 4 amid concerns over artificial intelligence effects. Other investors anticipate continued expansion.

3. Nvidia

Market favorite Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) rounds out the list. I have held shares for several years with strong results and anticipate further gains despite periodic market fluctuations. Leadership demonstrates strong planning and execution, sustaining rapid expansion while opening new paths such as entry into the central processing unit segment with a fresh chip.

The data center segment drives current results by supplying processors for numerous facilities supporting artificial intelligence workloads. The company is well placed for ongoing progress as major technology groups allocate hundreds of billions toward data center investments. In the first quarter Nvidia reported revenue of $81.6 billion, an 85 percent increase from the prior year, along with record data center revenue of $75.2 billion, up 92 percent year over year.

Despite the rapid pace, the shares do not appear overvalued. The forward price-to-earnings ratio recently stood at 26, below the five-year average of 36.

Examine any of these holdings that catch your interest.

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American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Selena Maranjian has positions in American Express, Berkshire Hathaway, Intuitive Surgical, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends American Express, Berkshire Hathaway, Intuitive Surgical, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.