Economy

Berkshire Hathaway Discloses Alphabet Stake; Buffett Details Succession Plan

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Nov 15, 2025

THE BARE STORY

A regulatory filing on November 14, 2025, revealed that Berkshire Hathaway has acquired a new stake in Google's parent company, Alphabet, valued at $4.9 billion. The disclosure, which detailed the firm's holdings as of September 30, also showed reductions in its positions in Apple and Bank of America. Separately, a letter from CEO Warren Buffett outlined his succession plans as he prepares to step down from the role next month.

The Alphabet investment of over 17.8 million Class A shares was the firm's largest addition in the third quarter, a notable move as Buffett has historically avoided many technology stocks. The filing also indicated a reduction of nearly 15% in the firm's Apple stake and 6.1% in its Bank of America holding. Despite the sales, Apple remains Berkshire’s largest position at $64.9 billion, with Bank of America as its third largest at $29.9 billion.

In his Thanksgiving letter, Buffett stated that incoming CEO Greg Abel will take over shareholder communications at the company's annual meeting. Buffett, who expressed confidence in Abel, said he will continue to write an annual message. It is not known who at Berkshire made the Alphabet purchase.

The letter from Buffett also announced an increase in his annual philanthropic gifts to foundations managed by his children. The total value of the donation is now $1.3 billion, a 17% increase, with each foundation receiving 400,000 Class B shares. It was also reported that Berkshire Hathaway recently raised over ¥210 billion ($1.4 billion) from a bond sale.

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• A major new investment signals a departure from historical strategy. Berkshire Hathaway’s $4.9 billion investment in Alphabet is described as a notable move, as Warren Buffett has historically avoided many technology stocks. This purchase of over 17.8 million shares was the firm's largest addition in the quarter, suggesting a new willingness to engage with a sector it had previously shied away from.

• The firm is reducing its exposure to some of its largest legacy holdings. Regulatory filings revealed that the company trimmed its positions in two of its top investments, reducing its Apple stake by nearly 15% and its Bank of America holding by 6.1%. These sales, occurring at the same time as the major Alphabet purchase, indicate a strategic rebalancing of the portfolio.

• A new leadership era is beginning with unclear investment authority. With a new CEO taking over next month, the firm is entering a period of leadership change. The article explicitly states that it is not known who at Berkshire made the Alphabet purchase, which suggests that key investment decisions may now be driven by new figures within the firm.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• The value of Alphabet, Apple, and Bank of America stocks may be affected by these trades, potentially impacting personal retirement and investment accounts.

• Berkshire Hathaway’s large investment in Alphabet, a tech company, could influence broader market trends, as the firm’s strategy often signals areas of economic growth.

• The leadership change and unknown director of the Alphabet purchase may create market speculation about the future investment strategy of a major U.S. company.

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