Berkshire was a net seller of stocks in Buffett's final quarter as CEO

Berkshire was a net seller of stocks in Buffett's final quarter as CEO

Berkshire Hathaway’s Stock Activity in Warren Buffett’s Final Quarter as CEO

In Warren Buffett’s final quarter as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate reported net stock sales, reducing stakes in major holdings while adding smaller positions. The company sold more equities than it purchased during the December 2025 quarter, continuing a trend of trimming positions in Apple (AAPL), Bank of America (BAC), and Amazon.com (AMZN).

Berkshire’s Apple stake, its largest equity holding, was reduced by over 75% since summer 2023, with the position now valued at $60.3 billion— down from a peak of $175 billion. Similarly, Bank of America shares were cut by 75% since mid-2024, and Amazon’s stake was reduced by 77%, leaving it valued at $478 million as of December 31. Analysts suggest Amazon’s steep reduction may relate to Todd Combs’ departure to JPMorgan Chase in December.

Despite these sales, Berkshire increased holdings in Chevron (CVX) and Chubb (CB), adding $1.2 billion and $910 million to those positions, respectively. The company also acquired a small stake in The New York Times Company (NYT), valued at $395 million, marking a return to the newspaper sector after selling its prior holdings in 2020.

Berkshire’s net sales of stocks in Q4 extended a 12-quarter streak of being a net seller, with cash reserves rising to $381.7 billion as of September 30—up 10.9% from June. The company’s stock repurchase activity has been absent since May 2024, and its portfolio now emphasizes energy, insurance, and select financial assets.

Buffett, who stepped down as CEO in January 2026, handed the reins to Greg Abel, who will publish his first shareholder letter this month. While Berkshire’s sales of Apple, Bank of America, and Amazon narrowed the gap between its top holdings, investors noted mixed reactions, with all three stocks rising during the quarter.

The moves reflect a strategic shift under Buffett’s successor, though the long-term implications of reduced tech exposure and increased energy bets remain to be seen.

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