Warren Buffett retires from Berkshire Hathaway in 100 days—and Apple could be on the chopping block

Core Insights - Warren Buffett is set to retire as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year, with Greg Abel recommended as his successor, marking a significant transition for the company [1][2] - The company is expected to continue trimming its Apple holdings and rebalancing its equity portfolio, with a focus on more active trading strategies from investment managers Todd Combs and Ted Weschler [1][3] Transition and Leadership - Buffett's retirement plan was communicated during the May annual meeting, emphasizing a well-structured transition that maintains Berkshire's culture while empowering Abel in capital allocation decisions [2] - The transition is anticipated to lead to a more dynamic trading approach, contrasting with Buffett's traditional investment style [3] Investment Strategy and Portfolio Adjustments - Berkshire has significantly reduced its Apple stake, with reports indicating that the holding was more than halved by mid-2024, valued at approximately $69.9 billion by late 2024, down from about $174.3 billion at the end of the previous year [4][5] - The company's selling pace is linked to a record cash reserve exceeding $325 billion, reflecting a strategic priority to maintain flexibility amid rising policy uncertainties and limited investment opportunities [5] Future Outlook on Apple Holdings - The post-Buffett management team is likely to continue diversifying away from large single holdings, particularly given Apple's current valuation compared to when Berkshire first invested in 2016 [6] - Ongoing adjustments to the Apple position are expected, indicating that the rebalancing process is not a one-time event but rather a continuous strategy [6]