Berkshire Hathaway’s Strategic Portfolio Adjustments: Apple Stake Trimmed, Alphabet Investment Initiated
In the fourth quarter of 2025, Berkshire Hathaway, under the leadership of Warren Buffett, made notable adjustments to its investment portfolio, reflecting a strategic realignment in response to evolving market dynamics.
Apple Stake Reduction
Berkshire Hathaway reduced its holdings in Apple Inc. by approximately 4%, selling over 10 million shares. Despite this reduction, Apple remains the conglomerate’s largest equity holding, valued at around $62 billion as of December 31, 2025. This move is part of a broader trend, as Berkshire has been gradually decreasing its Apple stake over the past two years. From a peak of 905 million shares, the position has been trimmed to approximately 238 million shares, representing a significant shift in the company’s investment strategy. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/02/18/berkshire-trims-apple-stake-but-keeps-the-stock-as-a-62-billion-anchor?utm_source=openai))
Investment in Alphabet
In a strategic pivot, Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a new $4.3 billion investment in Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. This acquisition, amounting to 17.85 million shares as of September 30, 2025, marks a rare foray into the technology sector for the conglomerate. The investment in Alphabet suggests a recognition of the growing importance of artificial intelligence and digital platforms in the modern economy. ([indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/world/berkshire-hathaway-4-3-billion-alphabet-stake-apple-shares-warren-buffet-10367938/?utm_source=openai))
Other Portfolio Adjustments
Beyond Apple and Alphabet, Berkshire Hathaway made several other significant changes to its portfolio:
– Amazon.com Inc.: The company reduced its stake by 77%, selling nearly 8 million shares. This substantial reduction indicates a reevaluation of its position in the e-commerce giant. ([kiplinger.com](https://www.kiplinger.com/stocks-warren-buffett-is-buying-and-selling-berkshire-hathaway?utm_source=openai))
– Bank of America: Berkshire continued to decrease its holdings, selling more than 50 million shares, a 9% reduction. Despite this, Bank of America remains the third-largest holding in the portfolio. ([kiplinger.com](https://www.kiplinger.com/stocks-warren-buffett-is-buying-and-selling-berkshire-hathaway?utm_source=openai))
– The New York Times: A new stake was initiated with the purchase of approximately 5.07 million shares valued at $351.7 million, signaling a renewed interest in the media sector. ([macdailynews.com](https://macdailynews.com/2026/02/18/berkshire-trims-4-of-its-apple-stake-in-q4-apple-remains-its-largest-equity-holding-at-62-billion/amp/?utm_source=openai))
Strategic Implications
These portfolio adjustments reflect Berkshire Hathaway’s strategic response to the evolving economic landscape. The reduction in Apple and Amazon holdings, coupled with the significant investment in Alphabet, suggests a shift towards companies with strong positions in artificial intelligence and digital platforms. Additionally, the new stake in The New York Times indicates a diversified approach, recognizing the enduring value of established media entities.
As Warren Buffett prepares to step down as CEO at the end of 2025, these moves may also represent a transition in investment philosophy under incoming CEO Greg Abel. The strategic realignment positions Berkshire Hathaway to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the technology and media sectors while managing risks associated with concentrated holdings.
