Berkshire boosted its Alphabet stake by 83% during its biggest stock-buying quarter in years

Berkshire Hathaway has made a significant move in the stock market, increasing its stake in Alphabet by 83% during its largest quarter of stock buying in years. This substantial investment underscores the company's confidence in the tech giant's potential for growth. Under the leadership of Greg Abel, who took over as CEO from Warren Buffett at the beginning of the year, Berkshire Hathaway has been actively expanding its portfolio. The recent surge in Alphabet holdings is a notable example of this strategy, with the company now holding approximately 106 million shares valued at nearly $38 billion as of the end of June.
Increased Holdings
The increase in Berkshire's Alphabet stake can be attributed to two key transactions. Firstly, the company agreed to purchase $10 billion worth of Alphabet stock at a discounted market price through a private placement in June. This strategic move allowed Berkshire to acquire a significant amount of shares at a favorable price. Additionally, the company bought a further 19.6 million shares on the open market during the last quarter, as revealed in a portfolio disclosure on Friday. This combination of private placement and open-market purchases has resulted in a substantial expansion of Berkshire's Alphabet holdings.
The significance of Berkshire's investment in Alphabet cannot be overstated, as it reflects the company's belief in the long-term potential of the tech industry. As a major player in the financial sector, Berkshire Hathaway's investment decisions are closely watched by market analysts and investors. The company's decision to increase its stake in Alphabet by 83% is a clear indication of its confidence in the tech giant's ability to drive growth and innovation. With Greg Abel at the helm, Berkshire Hathaway is poised to continue making strategic investments that will shape the company's portfolio and drive returns for its shareholders.
Portfolio Breakdown
At the end of June, Alphabet became the third-largest holding in Berkshire's US stock portfolio, with a value of nearly $38 billion. The company's top holdings include a $66 billion stake in Apple and a $51 billion position in American Express. These investments demonstrate Berkshire's diversified approach to portfolio management, with a mix of tech, finance, and other sectors. The company's ability to balance its investments across various industries has been a key factor in its success over the years. As Berkshire Hathaway continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the stock market, its investment in Alphabet is likely to remain a significant component of its portfolio.
Source: businessinsider.com · 2026-08-14