Berkshire Hathaway reduced its Apple stake by 4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, but Apple remains the conglomerate's largest equity holding by a wide margin.
A February 17 regulatory filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission shows Berkshire trimmed its Apple position during the quarter ended December 31, 2025. Apple was still valued at roughly $62 billion within Berkshire's portfolio at year's end.
The filing also shows Berkshire sold 77% of its Amazon stake in the same quarter, a far more substantial reduction than the modest adjustment to Apple. The latest stock cut by Berkshire isn't a harbinger of doom but rather a routine portfolio adjustment.
Berkshire began investing in Apple in 2016 and steadily built the position as Apple's market value climbed. Over time, Apple became Berkshire's largest stock holding and one of its most profitable investments, generating more than $100 billion in gains on paper at various points.
As Apple appreciated and grew to represent an outsized share of Berkshire's equity portfolio, the conglomerate periodically trimmed the position in 2024 and 2025. Those reductions managed concentration risk while preserving Apple's status as the firm's top holding.
A 4% trim, as reported by Reuters, on a position valued at approximately $62 billion represents a small adjustment by institutional standards. On that scale, such a reduction amounts to portfolio maintenance rather than a shift in investment thesis.
Scale and contrast matter
The magnitude of Berkshire's Amazon reduction provides useful context. Selling 77% of that position signals a meaningful repositioning, while a 4% reduction in Apple doesn't carry the same implications.
Large asset managers routinely rebalance concentrated holdings as they appreciate, especially when market conditions limit compelling alternatives. Berkshire has been a net seller of equities over the past year and has refrained from large Acquisitions or stock repurchases.
Apple remains a viable, stable stock for Berkshire
If Berkshire were materially reassessing Apple's prospects, investors would likely expect a far larger percentage reduction or a sustained pattern of deeper cuts across multiple quarters. The latest filing doesn't indicate such a shift.
The fourth quarter of 2025 marked the end of Warren Buffett's 60-year tenure as Berkshire's chief executive, with Greg Abel assuming the role on January 1, 2026. Buffett remains chairman.
The SEC filing doesn't specify whether Buffett, Abel, or Berkshire's portfolio managers directed the trades. Nothing in the disclosure signals a new strategic stance toward Apple.
Apple's fundamentals remain intact
Apple continues to generate substantial revenue and free cash flow, supported by the iPhone, expanding services segment, and tightly integrated hardware and software ecosystem. The company's pricing power and recurring customer base have helped sustain performance through shifting global economic conditions.
For Berkshire, Apple remains a cornerstone holding because of both its historical returns and its durable business model. The broader portfolio still reflects Apple as its dominant equity position rather than a fading bet.
