Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Shift Following Buffett’s Retirement
Warren Buffett retired as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on December 31, 2025, marking the first year without his oversight of the company’s $319 billion investment portfolio. In the nine quarters leading up to his departure, Buffett sold over 687 million shares of Apple, reducing Berkshire’s stake by 75%. As of February 19, 2026, Apple’s investment accounted for $59.39 billion of Berkshire’s portfolio, while American Express stood at $51.95 billion, showing a rapid increase for Amex due to consistent holding and no selling pressure from the new CEO, Greg Abel.
American Express may soon surpass Apple as Berkshire’s top holding, as its shares remain untouched compared to Buffett’s active selling of Apple stock. The investment in American Express is not only stable but also profitable, with a nearly 39% yield on Berkshire’s initial investment due to dividends. This significant shift highlights a potential transition in investment strategy for Berkshire Hathaway under Abel’s leadership.
