Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent surge in Apple's stock price, which has led to a significant increase in its market capitalization, surpassing Microsoft to become the second-largest company in the U.S. by market value. This rise has drawn attention to Berkshire Hathaway's previous decision to reduce its stake in Apple, which now appears to be a missed opportunity for substantial gains [1][2]. Group 1: Berkshire Hathaway's Stake in Apple - As of June 30, 2023, Berkshire Hathaway's holdings in Apple dropped from 906 million shares at the end of 2022 to 280 million shares, with most of the reduction occurring in Q2 2024, where nearly 4 million shares were sold [3]. - The decision to sell two-thirds of its Apple holdings is estimated to have cost Berkshire Hathaway approximately $50 billion in potential earnings [3]. - Berkshire initially purchased about 1 billion shares of Apple at an average cost of $35 per share [4]. Group 2: Financial Impact of the Sale - The average selling price of Apple's shares by Berkshire was approximately $185, resulting in over $90 billion in pre-tax gains from the sale last year, with around $6 billion gained in 2025 to date [5]. - With Apple's current stock price near $262, it exceeds the estimated average selling price by nearly $80, indicating a missed appreciation opportunity of about $50 billion [6]. - Berkshire Hathaway incurred close to $20 billion in corporate income taxes from the sale, reducing net gains to around $155 per share [6]. Group 3: Reasons for the Sale - Warren Buffett hinted at the potential for increased corporate tax rates as a factor in the decision to sell [8]. - Observers suggest that the reduction was also due to the high concentration of Apple in Berkshire's portfolio, which once accounted for over 40% of its stock investments, now reduced to about 25% [8]. - There is speculation that Buffett aims to bolster cash reserves before stepping down as CEO by the end of 2025, with Berkshire's cash holdings exceeding $330 billion as of June 30 [8]. Group 4: Broader Implications - Given Apple's strong stock performance, there is a possibility that Buffett may further reduce his stake in the third quarter, with relevant data expected to be released in mid-November [9]. - Berkshire Hathaway has also reduced its stake in another major holding, Bank of America, selling approximately 400 million shares, which represents a 40% reduction [11][12]. - The sale price for Bank of America shares was in the low $40s, while the stock recently closed at $52, indicating an additional potential gain of about $4 billion that was not realized [13].