Berkshire reveals new $4.3 billion Alphabet stake, sells more Apple

Core Insights - Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a $4.3 billion investment in Alphabet, marking a significant shift in its investment strategy as Warren Buffett prepares to step down as CEO [1][3] - The company reduced its stake in Apple to 238.2 million shares, down from 280 million, having sold nearly three-quarters of its original holdings [2][5] - Berkshire's total equity portfolio is valued at $283.2 billion, with Apple remaining its largest holding at $60.7 billion [2] Investment Strategy - The investment in Alphabet is notable as it is Berkshire's tenth-largest U.S. stock holding, contrasting with Buffett's historical reluctance to invest in technology companies [3] - Buffett has previously expressed regret for not investing in Google sooner, indicating a potential shift in investment philosophy [4] Stock Transactions - Between July and September, Berkshire was a net seller of stocks for the twelfth consecutive quarter, selling $12.5 billion worth while purchasing $6.4 billion [5] - The company sold 6% of its Bank of America shares, continuing a trend of divesting from the bank [5][6] - Berkshire also divested from homebuilder DR Horton and increased its stakes in companies like Chubb and Domino's Pizza [6]