Welcome, let's dive into the fascinating world of one of the most significant stock holdings in the world! You're asking a question that every investor, from a beginner to a seasoned professional, wants to know. Tracking the investments of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is like getting a masterclass in long-term value investing. So, let's break down exactly how many shares of Apple Berkshire Hathaway owns and what this means.
Step 1: Unveiling the Latest Numbers - A Dynamic Picture
Have you ever wondered why the exact number of shares a company like Berkshire Hathaway owns seems to change so frequently? It's because their investment portfolio is constantly in motion, subject to buying and selling decisions made by the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, and his team. The most reliable public data comes from their 13F filings, which are submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on a quarterly basis.
So, let's get right to the most recent information. As of the end of the first quarter of 2025 (March 31, 2025), Berkshire Hathaway's 13F filing disclosed that they held 300 million shares of Apple (AAPL).
This number represents a significant reduction from their previous holdings. This is a crucial detail, as it shows a notable shift in Berkshire's strategy regarding its largest holding. The value of this stake at the end of Q1 2025 was approximately $66.6 billion, making it their largest holding by a significant margin, representing about 25.76% of their total equity portfolio.
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| How Many Shares Of Apple Does Berkshire Hathaway Own |
Step 2: Tracking the Journey - From a Small Bet to a Behemoth Holding
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
The story of Berkshire's investment in Apple is a legendary one in the investment world. It's a prime example of Buffett's patience and conviction.
Sub-heading: The Genesis (2016)
Berkshire Hathaway began its position in Apple in the first quarter of 2016. At the time, it was seen as a surprising move, as Buffett had historically shied away from technology stocks, often stating he didn't understand the industry well enough. However, he viewed Apple as a consumer products company with a powerful brand and ecosystem, not just a tech gadget maker. The initial purchase was relatively small, but it was a seed that would grow into a giant.
Sub-heading: The Aggressive Accumulation (2017-2018)
Following the initial investment, Berkshire went on a buying spree. They dramatically increased their stake in 2017 and 2018, acquiring hundreds of millions of shares. This period was marked by aggressive buying, turning the Apple position into one of Berkshire's largest holdings.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
Sub-heading: Trimming the Edges (2020-Present)
While the overall position has been massive, there have been periods of selling. In late 2020 and into 2021, Berkshire trimmed its stake, but these sales were seen as minor adjustments. However, the sales in 2024 and 2025 have been more substantial.
Q2 2024: A significant reduction of nearly 50%, with a sale of approximately 389 million shares.
Q3 2024: Further reduction, selling 100 million shares.
Q4 2024: The selling streak ended, with the holding staying steady.
Q1 2025: The holding remained at 300 million shares.
This recent series of sales has been a topic of intense discussion among investors. Buffett has cited tax considerations as a reason for some of the sales, but it has also raised questions about his long-term view of Apple's growth prospects, especially with the stock's significant appreciation and recent performance.
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Step 3: Why it Matters - The "Buffett Effect"
When a company like Berkshire Hathaway, led by a legendary investor like Warren Buffett, makes a move in the market, everyone pays attention. This is often referred to as the "Buffett Effect."
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Market Confidence: When Berkshire buys a stock, it signals confidence in that company's long-term value and business model. This can lead other investors to follow suit, driving up the stock price.
A "Seal of Approval": A Berkshire holding is a powerful endorsement. It suggests the company has a durable competitive advantage, a strong balance sheet, and a management team that allocates capital effectively.
Influence on the Market: Given the sheer size of Berkshire's stake, their buying and selling activity can have a noticeable impact on Apple's stock price and market sentiment. The recent sales, for example, have been a subject of scrutiny, as they are a rare instance of Buffett significantly reducing a top position.
Step 4: Looking Ahead - What to Watch For
The next step in this story will be revealed with Berkshire's next 13F filing. Investors will be eagerly watching to see if they have continued to trim their Apple position, or if they have held steady. The rationale for any further sales or a continued hold will be a key piece of information for the market.
Remember, this is not financial advice. It's a guide to understanding a specific investment position. The stock market is dynamic, and all investment decisions should be made after careful research and consideration of your own financial goals and risk tolerance.
10 Related FAQ Subheadings
How to find Berkshire Hathaway's latest 13F filing? You can find Berkshire Hathaway's latest 13F filing on the SEC's EDGAR database website by searching for "Berkshire Hathaway Inc" and looking for Form 13F. Financial news websites also publish detailed summaries and analyses of these filings shortly after they are released.
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
How to interpret a 13F filing? A 13F filing shows the equity holdings of institutional investment managers with over $100 million in assets. It lists the company, the number of shares held, and the market value of those shares at the end of the quarter. By comparing filings from different quarters, you can see if a firm has bought, sold, or held its positions.
How to calculate the value of Berkshire Hathaway's Apple stake? To calculate the value of the stake, you simply multiply the number of shares held by the stock price at the end of the reporting period. For example, if Berkshire held 300 million shares and the stock price was $222.13 (as per one of the search results), the value would be $222.13 x 300,000,000 = $66,639,000,000.
How to know if Warren Buffett is selling Apple shares? You can know if Warren Buffett is selling Apple shares by reviewing Berkshire Hathaway's quarterly 13F filings. These filings are released approximately 45 days after the end of each quarter, providing a snapshot of their holdings as of that date.
How to know when Berkshire Hathaway started buying Apple stock? Berkshire Hathaway started buying Apple stock in the first quarter of 2016, a move that was later disclosed in their 13F filing for that quarter.
How to understand Warren Buffett's investment philosophy for Apple? Buffett views Apple not just as a technology company but as a consumer products company with a strong brand, a "sticky" ecosystem, and immense customer loyalty. He has often praised the iPhone as a product that people can't live without, which provides a durable competitive advantage.
How to track the history of Berkshire's Apple holdings over time? You can track the history by looking at the archived 13F filings for Berkshire Hathaway on the SEC website or through financial data websites that compile this information, such as Fintel or WhaleWisdom. These sites provide a historical table of holdings.
How to know what percentage of Apple Berkshire Hathaway owns? You can calculate the percentage by dividing the number of shares Berkshire Hathaway owns by the total number of Apple shares outstanding. The number of shares outstanding is a dynamic figure and can be found in Apple's financial reports.
How to learn about other major stocks in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio? The 13F filing will list all of Berkshire's significant public equity holdings. In addition to Apple, their top holdings often include companies like American Express, Coca-Cola, Bank of America, and Chevron.
How to learn more about Warren Buffett's investment strategies? You can learn about Warren Buffett's strategies by reading his annual letters to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, watching his annual shareholder meetings, and reading books about his life and investing philosophy.
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