Published Date : 08/06/2025
At the end of this year, Warren Buffett will be stepping down as Berkshire Hathaway's CEO. Buffett has built an incredible track record of success since taking over the business in 1965 and using it as the foundation for an investment conglomerate that would go on to become one of the world's largest and most successful companies.
Buffett mostly made his name and delivered fantastic returns for shareholders through the principles of value investing, but Berkshire has also come to have a larger exposure to technology trends and growth stocks in recent years. And in the tech space, no trend is bigger or more important than artificial intelligence (AI) right now. With that in mind, read on for a look at two stocks that account for roughly 22% of Berkshire Hathaway's $282 billion stock portfolio.
Keith Noonan (Apple): With a market capitalization of $3 trillion, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) stands as the world's third-largest company, trailing only Microsoft and Nvidia. Coming in at 21.6% of Berkshire's total stock portfolio, it's also the investment conglomerate's single largest publicly traded company. It retains that distinction even though Buffett's company sold more than 600 million shares of Apple stock last year.
In general, Berkshire Hathaway has been reducing its stock holdings and building up its cash position recently. The move likely reflects concerns that the market at large has become expensive relative to the level of macroeconomic and geopolitical risks that Berkshire's analysts see on the horizon. On the other hand, the move to significantly reduce its Apple holdings likely reflects some specific concerns facing the business.
While Apple's leading position in mobile hardware gives it a strong foundation to build out its artificial intelligence (AI) business, the company also seems to be behind leading players including Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms in some key respects. For example, Apple has reportedly had significant trouble getting its next-gen, AI-powered Siri platform up to the performance levels that developers were targeting.
Additionally, Apple is facing some significant challenges in the Chinese market. The rollout of the company's Apple Intelligence platform was delayed last year because Apple had not found a Chinese company to partner with to roll out the software locally. As a result, sales for the iPhone 16 were relatively soft in the market. The mobile hardware giant has now partnered with Alibaba Group Holding to make its AI software available, but Chinese customers are still showing increased preference for domestic technology brands — and geopolitical dynamics could create continued headwinds.
Generative AI represents Amazon's greatest growth driver now, and it could translate into trillions of dollars. Amazon's investments in AI are not just about enhancing its existing services but also about creating new revenue streams. The company's focus on AI in areas like e-commerce, logistics, and cloud computing positions it well to capitalize on the growing demand for AI solutions in various industries.
Despite the challenges, Berkshire Hathaway's significant investment in these tech giants reflects a strategic bet on the future of AI and technology. As the AI market continues to evolve, the performance of these stocks will be crucial in shaping the future of Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio.
Q: What is Warren Buffett's most significant stock holding in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio?
A: Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is the most significant stock holding in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio, accounting for 21.6% of the total stock portfolio.
Q: Why has Berkshire Hathaway been reducing its stock holdings?
A: Berkshire Hathaway has been reducing its stock holdings and building up its cash position, likely reflecting concerns about the market's valuation and macroeconomic and geopolitical risks.
Q: What challenges is Apple facing in the AI space?
A: Apple faces challenges in the AI space, including difficulties in developing its next-gen, AI-powered Siri platform and challenges in the Chinese market, where local brands are preferred.
Q: How is Amazon leveraging AI for growth?
A: Amazon is leveraging AI to enhance its existing services and create new revenue streams in areas like e-commerce, logistics, and cloud computing.
Q: What percentage of Berkshire Hathaway's stock portfolio is invested in tech giants?
A: Roughly 22% of Berkshire Hathaway's $282 billion stock portfolio is invested in tech giants like Apple and Nvidia.