In the final quarter of 2025, Berkshire Hathaway, under the leadership of Warren Buffett, reduced its stake in Apple by 4%, selling approximately 10.3 million shares. Despite this reduction, Apple remains Berkshire’s largest equity holding, valued at around $62 billion. ([macobserver.com](https://www.macobserver.com/news/berkshire-sells-4-percent-of-apple-stake-in-buffetts-last-quarter-as-ceo/?utm_source=openai))
Simultaneously, Berkshire made a significant investment in The New York Times, acquiring 5.07 million shares valued at approximately $351.7 million by the end of December 2025. This move marks a return to the newspaper sector, which Buffett had exited in 2020. ([macobserver.com](https://www.macobserver.com/news/berkshire-sells-4-percent-of-apple-stake-in-buffetts-last-quarter-as-ceo/?utm_source=openai))
The fourth quarter of 2025 was notable for Berkshire Hathaway, as it marked the end of Warren Buffett’s 60-year tenure as CEO. Greg Abel assumed the role of chief executive on January 1, 2026, with Buffett continuing as chairman. ([macobserver.com](https://www.macobserver.com/news/berkshire-sells-4-percent-of-apple-stake-in-buffetts-last-quarter-as-ceo/?utm_source=openai))
In addition to the Apple and New York Times transactions, Berkshire reduced its position in Amazon by selling 77% of its 10 million shares. The company also increased its holdings in Chevron and Chubb, while trimming stakes in Aon and Bank of America. ([macobserver.com](https://www.macobserver.com/news/berkshire-sells-4-percent-of-apple-stake-in-buffetts-last-quarter-as-ceo/?utm_source=openai))
Berkshire Hathaway’s investment strategy reflects a cautious approach, with the company being a net seller of stocks for 13 consecutive quarters, selling approximately $4 billion in the fourth quarter and an estimated $14 billion throughout 2025. Despite this, the portfolio remains focused, with Apple comprising nearly 23% of the portfolio’s total value. ([kiplinger.com](https://www.kiplinger.com/stocks-warren-buffett-is-buying-and-selling-berkshire-hathaway?utm_source=openai))
The investment in The New York Times is particularly noteworthy, as it comes six years after Buffett declared the newspaper industry toast and sold all of Berkshire Hathaway’s holdings in local newspapers. This move signals a renewed confidence in select media outlets, particularly those with strong digital platforms and national reputations. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/0538fa0915e5039fae4885b5fe0c571f?utm_source=openai))
As of December 31, 2025, Berkshire’s portfolio includes significant holdings in companies such as Bank of America, American Express, and Coca-Cola. The company also holds substantial stakes in Japanese trading houses like Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui Group, and Sumitomo Group. ([de.wikipedia.org](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkshire_Hathaway?utm_source=openai))
The reduction in Apple holdings aligns with Berkshire’s strategy to build cash reserves, which reached a record $381.7 billion by the end of 2025. This cash pile provides the company with flexibility for future investments and acquisitions. ([coincentral.com](https://coincentral.com/berkshire-hathaway-buys-4-billion-alphabet-stake-continues-apple-selloff/?utm_source=openai))
In summary, Berkshire Hathaway’s recent investment activities, including the reduction of its Apple stake and the new investment in The New York Times, reflect a strategic shift as the company transitions under new leadership. These moves indicate a cautious yet opportunistic approach to portfolio management, balancing the reduction of certain holdings with targeted investments in sectors deemed to have strong future potential.
