NEW YORK (Stockpickr) -- At Stockpickr, we track the top holdings of a variety of high-profile investors, such as George Soros and Carl Icahn. It should come as no surprise that the most popular of these portfolios is that of renowned investor Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the richest people in the world. Today we're taking a closer look at 10 of Buffett's top dividend stocks, based on Berkshire Hathaway's most recent quarterly 13F filing with the SEC, which reflects holdings as of Sept. 30, 2014. These stocks each comprise at least 2.2% of Berkshire's portfolio, with current dividend yields of 1.2% and higher. They are listed by size of dividend yield. 10. Goldman Sachs Goldman Sachs has a current yield of 1.3%, paying a quarterly dividend of 60 cents a share. Goldman Sachs is Buffett's 11th-largest holding, comprising 2.2% of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio as of Dec. 31. In the most recently reported quarter, Buffett maintained a 12.6 million-share position in the stock. TheStreet Ratings team rates Goldman Sachs as a buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Goldman Sachs (GS) a buy. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its attractive valuation levels and solid stock price performance. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings team are as follows: Goldman Sachs' earnings per share from the most recent quarter came in slightly below the year earlier quarter. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, Goldman Sachs increased its bottom line by earning $17.07 versus $15.47 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($17.30 versus $17.07). Compared to where it was a year ago today, the stock is now trading at a higher level, regardless of the company's weak earnings results. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year. GS, with its decline in revenue, slightly underperformed the industry average of 12.4%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues fell by 12.8%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share. The company's current return on equity has slightly decreased from the same quarter one year prior. This implies a minor weakness in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Capital Markets industry and the overall market on the basis of return on equity, Goldman Sachs has outperformed in comparison with the industry average, but has underperformed when compared to that of the S&P 500. You can view the full analysis from the report here: GS Ratings Report 9. American Express American Express has a current yield of 1.3%, paying a quarterly dividend of 26 cents a share. American Express is Buffett's third-largest holding, comprising 12.9% of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio as of Dec. 31. In the most recently reported quarter, Buffett maintained his 151.6 million-share position in the stock. TheStreet Ratings team rates American Express as a buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate American Express (AXP) a buy. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its growth in earnings per share, notable return on equity, increase in net income and reasonable valuation levels. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had lackluster performance in the stock itself." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings team are as follows: American Express has improved earnings per share by 14.9% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, American Express increased its bottom line by earning $5.55 versus $4.88 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($5.80 versus $5.55). The return on equity has improved slightly when compared to the same quarter one year prior. This can be construed as a modest strength in the organization. When compared to other companies in the Consumer Finance industry and the overall market, American Express' return on equity exceeds that of the industry average and significantly exceeds that of the S&P 500. The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the Consumer Finance industry average, but is less than that of the S&P 500. The net income increased by 10.6% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $1,308.00 million to $1,447.00 million. Regardless of the drop in revenue, the company managed to outperform against the industry average of 7.5%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly dropped by 2.4%. The declining revenue has not hurt the company's bottom line, with increasing earnings per share. You can view the full analysis from the report here: AXP Ratings Report 8. Moody's Moody's has a current yield of 1.4%, paying a quarterly dividend of 34 cents a share. Moody's is Buffett's 10th-largest holding, comprising 2.2% of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio as of Dec. 31. In the most recently reported quarter, Buffett maintained a 24.7 million-share position in the stock. TheStreet Ratings team rates Moody's as a buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Moody's (MCO) a buy. This is driven by multiple strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, notable return on equity, reasonable valuation levels, solid stock price performance and increase in net income. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had generally high debt management risk by most measures that we evaluated." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings team include: MCO's revenue growth has slightly outpaced the industry average of 10.0%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 12.6%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share. The stock has not only risen over the past year, it has done so at a faster pace than the S&P 500, reflecting the earnings growth and other positive factors similar to those we have cited here. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year. The company's current return on equity greatly increased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of significant strength within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Diversified Financial Services industry and the overall market, Moody's return on equity significantly exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the S&P 500 and greatly outperformed compared to the Diversified Financial Services industry average. The net income increased by 14.3% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $206.70 million to $236.30 million. You can view the full analysis from the report here: MCO Ratings Report 7. U.S. Bancorp U.S. Bancorp has a current yield of 2.2%, paying a quarterly dividend of 24.5 cents a share. U.S. Bancorp is Buffett's seventh-largest holding, comprising 3.3% of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio as of Dec. 31. In the most recently reported quarter, Buffett maintained an 80.1 million-share position in the stock. TheStreet Ratings team rates U.S. Bancorp as a buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate U.S. Bancorp (USB) a buy. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, expanding profit margins, increase in stock price during the past year, growth in earnings per share and increase in net income. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had somewhat disappointing return on equity." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings team are as follows: USB's revenue growth has slightly outpaced the industry average of 3.9%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 4.7%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share. The stock has risen over the past year as investors have generally rewarded the company for its earnings growth and other positive factors like the ones we have cited in this report. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year. The gross profit margin for U.S. Bancorp is currently very high, coming in at 88.19%. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Along with this, the net profit margin of 27.19% is above that of the industry average. U.S. Bancorp's earnings per share improvement from the most recent quarter was slightly positive. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, U.S. Bancorp increased its bottom line by earning $3.08 versus $3.01 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($3.27 versus $3.08). The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the Commercial Banks industry average, but is less than that of the S&P 500. The net income increased by 2.2% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $1,456.00 million to $1,488.00 million. You can view the full analysis from the report here: USB Ratings Report 6. Wal-Mart Wal-Mart has a current yield of 2.2%, paying a quarterly dividend of 48 cents a share. Wal-Mart is Buffett's fifth-largest holding, comprising 4.7% of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio as of Dec. 31. In the most recently reported quarter, Buffett maintained a 60.4-million share position in the stock. TheStreet Ratings team rates Wal-Mart Stores as a buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) a buy. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, increase in stock price during the past year, reasonable valuation levels, good cash flow from operations and growth in earnings per share. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: WMT's revenue growth has slightly outpaced the industry average of 0.8%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 2.9%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share. The stock has risen over the past year as investors have generally rewarded the company for its earnings growth and other positive factors like the ones we have cited in this report. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year. Net operating cash flow has significantly increased by 72.54% to $3,570.00 million when compared to the same quarter last year. Despite an increase in cash flow, Wal-Mart Stores' average is still marginally south of the industry average growth rate of 81.76%. Wal-Mart Stores reported flat earnings per share in the most recent quarter. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, Wal-Mart Stores reported lower earnings of $4.86 versus $5.01 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($4.99 vs. $4.86). You can view the full analysis from the report here: WMT Ratings Report 5. Wells Fargo Wells Fargo has a current yield of 2.5%, paying a quarterly dividend of 35 cents a share. Wells Fargo is Buffett's top holding, comprising 23.2% of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio as of Dec. 31. In the most recently reported quarter, Buffett maintained a 463.5 million-share position in the stock. TheStreet Ratings team rates Wells Fargo as a buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Wells Fargo (WFC) a buy. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, solid stock price performance, growth in earnings per share, increase in net income and expanding profit margins. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had somewhat disappointing return on equity." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: WFC's revenue growth has slightly outpaced the industry average of 3.9%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 3.4%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share. The stock has risen over the past year as investors have generally rewarded the company for its earnings growth and other positive factors like the ones we have cited in this report. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year. Wells Fargo's earnings per share improvement from the most recent quarter was slightly positive. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, Wells Fargo increased its bottom line by earning $4.10 versus $3.89 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($4.18 versus $4.10). The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the Commercial Banks industry average, but is less than that of the S&P 500. The net income increased by 1.8% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $5,610.00 million to $5,709.00 million. The gross profit margin for Wells Fargo is currently very high, coming in at 93.37%. Regardless of WFC's high profit margin, it has managed to decrease from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, WFC's net profit margin of 25.43% compares favorably to the industry average. You can view the full analysis from the report here: WFC Ratings Report 4. Deere Deere has a current yield of 2.7%, paying a quarterly dividend of 60 cents a share. Deere is Buffett's 12th-largest holding, comprising 1.4% of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio as of Dec. 31. In the most recently reported quarter, Buffett more than doubled his position in the stock to 17.1 million shares. TheStreet Ratings team rates Deere as a buy with a ratings score of B+. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Deere (DE) a buy. This is driven by multiple strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its notable return on equity, attractive valuation levels, good cash flow from operations and increase in stock price during the past year. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had somewhat weak growth in earnings per share." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: The return on equity has improved slightly when compared to the same quarter one year prior. This can be construed as a modest strength in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Machinery industry and the overall market, Deere's return on equity significantly exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. Net operating cash flow has slightly increased to $2,843.80 million or 6.64% when compared to the same quarter last year. The firm also exceeded the industry average cash flow growth rate of -10.92%. DE, with its decline in revenue, slightly underperformed the industry average of 1.2%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly dropped by 5.1%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share. In its most recent trading session, DE has closed at a price level that was not very different from its closing price of one year earlier. This is probably due to its weak earnings growth as well as other mixed factors. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year. You can view the full analysis from the report here: DE Ratings Report 3. IBM IBM has a current yield of 2.7%, paying a quarterly dividend of $1.10 a share. IBM is Buffett's fourth-largest holding, comprising 11.3% of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio as of Dec. 31. In the most recently reported quarter, Buffett increased his position in the stock to 77 million shares. TheStreet Ratings team rates International Business Machines as a hold with a ratings score of C+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate International Business Machines (IBM) a hold. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed -- some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. Among the primary strengths of the company is its respectable return on equity which we feel is likely to continue. At the same time, however, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself, deteriorating net income and generally higher debt management risk." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: The company's current return on equity greatly increased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of significant strength within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the IT Services industry and the overall market, IBM's return on equity significantly exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. IBM's earnings per share from the most recent quarter came in slightly below the year earlier quarter. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, IBM increased its bottom line by earning $15.68 versus $15.34 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($16.00 versus $15.68). Regardless of the drop in revenue, the company managed to outperform against the industry average of 20.7%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues fell by 12.9%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share. The change in net income from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the IT Services industry average, but is less than that of the S&P 500. The net income has decreased by 11.3% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, dropping from $6,184.00 million to $5,484.00 million. Reflecting the weaknesses we have cited, including the decline in the company's earnings per share, IBM has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, declining 12.06% from its price level of one year ago. The fact that the stock is now selling for less than others in its industry in relation to its current earnings is not reason enough to justify a buy rating at this time. You can view the full analysis from the report here: IBM Ratings Report 2. Coca-Cola Coca-Cola has a current yield of 2.9%, paying a quarterly dividend of 30.5 cents a share. Coca-Cola is Buffett's second-largest holding, comprising 15.4% of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio as of Dec. 31. In the most recently reported quarter, Buffett maintained a 400 million-share position in the stock. TheStreet Ratings team rates Coca-Cola as a buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Coca-Cola (KO) a buy. This is driven by a few notable strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its expanding profit margins, reasonable valuation levels, increase in stock price during the past year and notable return on equity. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: Regardless of the drop in revenue, the company managed to outperform against the industry average of 1.6%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly dropped by 1.5%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share. The gross profit margin for Coca-Cola is rather high; currently it is at 64.51%. Regardless of KO's high profit margin, it has managed to decrease from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, the net profit margin of 7.08% trails the industry average. Coca-Cola has experienced a steep decline in earnings per share in the most recent quarter in comparison to its performance from the same quarter a year ago. The company has suffered a declining pattern of earnings per share over the past two years. However, we anticipate this trend to reverse over the coming year. During the past fiscal year, Coca-Cola reported lower earnings of $1.59 versus $1.90 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($2.00 versus $1.59). Compared to where it was 12 months ago, the stock is up, but it has so far lagged the appreciation in the S&P 500. Looking ahead, the stock's rise over the last year has already helped drive it to a level which is relatively expensive compared to the rest of its industry. We feel, however, that the other strengths this company displays justify these higher price levels. You can view the full analysis from the report here: KO Ratings Report 1. Procter & Gamble Procter & Gamble has a current yield of 3%, paying a quarterly dividend of 64.25 cents a share. Procter & Gamble is Buffett's sixth-largest holding, comprising 4.4% of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio as of Dec. 31. In the most recently reported quarter, Buffett maintained a 52.8 million-share position in the stock. TheStreet Ratings team rates Procter & Gamble as a buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Procter & Gamble (PG) a buy. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its good cash flow from operations, increase in stock price during the past year, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, notable return on equity and expanding profit margins. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: Net operating cash flow has slightly increased to $3,435.00 million or 4.12% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, Procter & Gamble has also modestly surpassed the industry average cash flow growth rate of 1.42%. Compared to where it was a year ago today, the stock is now trading at a higher level, regardless of the company's weak earnings results. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year. Procter & Gamble's earnings per share declined by 8.9% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. Stable earnings per share over the past year indicate the company has sound management over its earnings and share float. We anticipate these figures will begin to experience more growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, Procter & Gamble increased its bottom line by earning $3.88 versus $3.87 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($4.02 versus $3.88). The current debt-to-equity ratio, 0.54, is low and is below the industry average, implying that there has been successful management of debt levels. Despite the fact that PG's debt-to-equity ratio is low, the quick ratio, which is currently 0.53, displays a potential problem in covering short-term cash needs. The return on equity has improved slightly when compared to the same quarter one year prior. This can be construed as a modest strength in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Household Products industry and the overall market on the basis of return on equity, Procter & Gamble has underperformed in comparison with the industry average, but has exceeded that of the S&P 500. You can view the full analysis from the report here: PG Ratings Report For Warren Buffett's top 30 holdings, visit the Warren Buffett portfolio at Stockpickr.
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