Warren Buffett Becomes Latest Billionaire Media Investor-His Company Just Invested $352 Million in The New York Times

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has made a notable $351.7 million investment in The New York Times as part of his final moves as CEO. The move marks a return to media investments for Berkshire, which had previously sold off its newspaper holdings in 2020. The New York Times has since transitioned into a digital powerhouse with over 12 million digital subscribers and additional revenue streams such as The Athletic and Wordle according to reports.

Berkshire also reduced its stake in Apple by 4.3%, bringing the total value of its Apple position down to $61.96 billion. Apple remains the largest equity holding for the firm, but the underperformance of the stock against the S&P 500 in recent years may have influenced the decision to trim according to CNBC. The move may also reflect efforts to simplify the portfolio for Buffett’s successor.

Buffett had previously viewed Apple as more of a consumer products company than a pure tech play, which could align with his strategy of reshaping the portfolio. The New York Times stake is relatively small in Berkshire’s broader portfolio but signals renewed confidence in media businesses.

Why Did This Happen?

Buffett’s decision to step down from his role as CEO in early 2026 was a key driver of these portfolio adjustments. The moves occurred in his final quarter at the helm and may have been part of a broader effort to make the portfolio more manageable for his successor, Greg Abel.

The New York Times investment also reflects confidence in the company's digital transformation. The Times has grown its subscriber base and diversified its offerings, which may have attracted Berkshire's attention. Buffett had previously expressed skepticism about the newspaper industry, but he acknowledged that national brands like The Times and The Wall Street Journal could still succeed.

How Did Markets React?

The New York Times stock rose nearly 3% in after-hours trading following the announcement. The move signaled investor confidence in the company's digital transformation and long-term viability.

Apple's stock, however, has underperformed the S&P 500 in recent years, which may explain why Berkshire is gradually reducing its stake according to CNBC. The company's decision to cut the Apple position could indicate a shift in how the stock is classified within Berkshire's portfolio.

Analysts are monitoring whether this investment in The New York Times represents a broader shift in Berkshire's strategy toward media and digital businesses. The company had previously owned a portfolio of newspapers but sold them off in 2020. This latest move may indicate that Buffett and his investment team see long-term value in digital news platforms.

Investors are also watching how the portfolio will evolve under Greg Abel's leadership. The transition marks a significant shift for Berkshire, and the decisions made during this period could influence the company's investment approach in the coming years.

The market is also paying attention to how Berkshire will manage its Apple stake going forward. The tech giant remains the largest equity holding, but the gradual reduction may reflect a reassessment of its role within the portfolio.