Berkshire Hathaway’s latest stock purge sends a clear message

Berkshire Hathaway’s latest quarterly stock filing highlights significant changes in its investment strategy, with the conglomerate buying $15.94 billion in equities while selling $24.09 billion worth of holdings during the first quarter. The filing marks one of the first major portfolio snapshots under CEO Greg Abel, who succeeded Warren Buffett, and suggests a more aggressive and tech-focused approach. A key move was Berkshire’s return to the airline sector with a $2.65 billion stake in Delta Air Lines, reversing Buffett’s earlier exit from airlines during the Covid pandemic. The company also nearly tripled its position in Alphabet, increasing its holdings to approximately 58 million shares, valued between $17 billion and $23 billion depending on valuation timing. Berkshire exited several major holdings, including Amazon, UnitedHealth, Visa, and Mastercard, while reducing its stake in Chevron by about 35%. The shifts reflect a potential philosophical change for the firm, which has historically favored banks, insurers, railroads, and consumer brands over tech investments. Buffett had long avoided the tech sector, favoring businesses he deemed easier to understand, though Apple remained a notable exception. The new moves, including a significant bet on Alphabet, suggest Berkshire may be embracing technology as a core investment area under Abel’s leadership. The filing underscores a shift toward speedier portfolio adjustments and larger tech allocations, signaling a departure from Berkshire’s legacy investment strategy.