Berkshire Hathaway: Warren Buffett's Buying and Selling Spree in 2024

In 2024, Warren Buffett, the renowned investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, made significant moves in the stock market, both buying and selling shares in various companies. His actions provide valuable insights into his investment philosophy and the current market dynamics. Let's delve into some of Buffett's notable transactions and the factors influencing his decisions.

Buffett's Buying Spree

1. Sirius XM (SIRI): Buffett increased his stake in satellite radio company Sirius XM, purchasing an additional 2.3 million shares between late January and early February 2025. This move brought Berkshire Hathaway's ownership to over 35.4%. Despite the company's recent struggles with listener losses and a declining stock price, Buffett's investment suggests confidence in Sirius XM's long-term potential and its efforts to expand its streaming services.
2. Occidental Petroleum (OXY): In late December 2024 and early January 2025, Berkshire Hathaway purchased 8.9 million shares of Occidental Petroleum for about $409 million. Buffett's focus on the energy sector aligns with his preference for industries that provide essential services and have attractive valuations.
3. Verisign (VRSN): Buffett also bought 474 thousand shares of Verisign, a company that operates the.com and.net domain name registries, for about $94 million. This purchase, along with those of Sirius XM and Occidental Petroleum, totals around $200 million and highlights Buffett's willingness to invest in smaller companies with attractive valuations.



Buffett's Selling Spree

1. Apple (AAPL): Buffett significantly reduced his stake in Apple, selling over 515 million shares between the third quarter of 2023 and the end of the first quarter of 2024. This move, which reduced Berkshire's Apple holdings by 56%, was partly motivated by the need to raise cash to face market uncertainties and lower Berkshire's tax bill. Buffett cited the so-called 'Buffett Indicator' being near all-time highs as a reason for his cautious approach.
2. Bank of America (BAC): Buffett reduced his stake in Bank of America to below 10%, adding to Berkshire's growing stockpile of cash. This move is likely a response to the increasing volatility in the US stock market and the 'Buffett Indicator' being near all-time highs, suggesting the market is significantly overvalued.

Buffett's recent investment decisions reflect his commitment to value investing, long-term perspective, and focusing on businesses he understands. His willingness to buy and sell shares in these companies demonstrates his courage to build large positions when he sees value and his patience and discipline in holding onto investments despite market fluctuations.

As the market continues to evolve, Buffett's investment strategy remains rooted in his core principles, providing valuable insights for investors seeking to navigate the dynamic and uncertain investment landscape. By staying true to his disciplined approach, Buffett continues to demonstrate his mastery of the art of investing.