Key Takeaways
- • Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a new $4.3 billion stake in Alphabet (Google's parent company) comprising approximately 17.8 million shares as of Q3 2025, marking a significant entry into technology equities under new CEO Greg Abel.
- • The investment represents a notable strategic shift for Berkshire, as Warren Buffett historically avoided technology investments due to uncertainty about long-term winners, making this one of the rare tech positions alongside Apple.
- • Alphabet has become a top-10 equity holding for Berkshire Hathaway following the disclosure, with market reaction immediate—shares rose 5.5% in premarket trading and approximately 1.4% at close.
- • The position was substantially expanded during Q1 2026, with Berkshire increasing its stake to nearly 58 million shares worth approximately $17 billion by the end of March—more than tripling the initial Q3 2025 position.
- • The timing coincides with leadership transition at Berkshire, with Greg Abel assuming CEO duties in early 2026 after Warren Buffett's departure, suggesting a more technology-forward investment philosophy under new management.
Summary
Berkshire Hathaway has disclosed a significant new position in Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, representing a meaningful departure from Warren Buffett's long-standing skepticism toward technology investments. The initial disclosure in the Q3 2025 13F filing revealed approximately 17.8 million Class A shares valued at $4.3 billion, establishing Alphabet as a top-10 equity holding for the conglomerate. This investment reflects the evolving investment strategy under Greg Abel, who assumed the CEO role in early 2026 following Buffett's transition away from day-to-day management.
The position was substantially expanded during the first quarter of 2026, with Berkshire nearly tripling its stake to approximately 58 million shares worth roughly $17 billion by the end of March. This aggressive accumulation trajectory indicates strategic confidence in the technology sector and Alphabet's business fundamentals, marking a notable evolution in Berkshire's equity allocation philosophy. Buffett had historically resisted technology investments, famously stating he preferred to invest only in businesses he fully understood, though he made an exception with Apple late in his career after recognizing consumer loyalty to its ecosystem.
The investment activity coincides with broader portfolio adjustments under Abel's leadership. Berkshire simultaneously deployed $2.6 billion into Delta Airlines during early 2026 and established a small position in Macy's worth approximately $55 million. Conversely, the conglomerate divested from several holdings, including positions in Visa, Mastercard, Amazon, Domino's Pizza, and UnitedHealthcare—a portfolio shift partially attributed to the departure of investment manager Todd Combs in late 2025.
Market reaction to the Alphabet disclosure was immediate and positive. Shares of Alphabet rose 5.5% in premarket trading following the 13F filing and approximately 1.4% at the closing bell, reflecting investor confidence in the validation of the company's investment thesis by one of the world's most prominent asset allocators. The timing and scale of Berkshire's accumulation suggest management confidence in Alphabet's artificial intelligence capabilities and competitive positioning within the technology sector.
The position was substantially expanded during the first quarter of 2026, with Berkshire nearly tripling its stake to approximately 58 million shares worth roughly $17 billion by the end of March. This aggressive accumulation trajectory indicates strategic confidence in the technology sector and Alphabet's business fundamentals, marking a notable evolution in Berkshire's equity allocation philosophy. Buffett had historically resisted technology investments, famously stating he preferred to invest only in businesses he fully understood, though he made an exception with Apple late in his career after recognizing consumer loyalty to its ecosystem.
The investment activity coincides with broader portfolio adjustments under Abel's leadership. Berkshire simultaneously deployed $2.6 billion into Delta Airlines during early 2026 and established a small position in Macy's worth approximately $55 million. Conversely, the conglomerate divested from several holdings, including positions in Visa, Mastercard, Amazon, Domino's Pizza, and UnitedHealthcare—a portfolio shift partially attributed to the departure of investment manager Todd Combs in late 2025.
Market reaction to the Alphabet disclosure was immediate and positive. Shares of Alphabet rose 5.5% in premarket trading following the 13F filing and approximately 1.4% at the closing bell, reflecting investor confidence in the validation of the company's investment thesis by one of the world's most prominent asset allocators. The timing and scale of Berkshire's accumulation suggest management confidence in Alphabet's artificial intelligence capabilities and competitive positioning within the technology sector.
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