Buffett Steps Down but Influence Continues

Legendary investor Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025, ending a leadership run that lasted more than six decades. The company maintains its investment portfolio as a testament to his building work from past years.

Buffett, often called the "Oracle of Omaha," handed the CEO role to Greg Abel in January 2026. Although he does not manage the company's daily operations, Buffett keeps his role as chairman while he takes part in important decision-making.

His approach to long-term investing continues to guide the conglomerate's massive portfolio.

Major Investments Still Reflect Buffett’s Strategy

Most of the major investments in Berkshire Hathaway were developed during Buffett's period as the company's chief executive officer. The investment portfolio contains important ownership interests in both Apple and American Express, which continue to represent the company's most significant financial assets.

Berkshire holds Apple as its top investment, but the company reduced its ownership stake, which led to a decrease in Apple's portfolio weight. American Express now ranks as the second biggest investment for the company, which has an approximate value of $47 billion.

Buffett's investment approach is demonstrated through these investments, which he developed into a fundamental strategy that emphasizes investing in strong brands together with companies that maintain lasting market dominance.

Final Trades Before Retirement

Buffett made his last changes to Berkshire's investment portfolio before he left his position at the company.

The company's records reveal that he had been selling shares for 13 straight quarters before he left the company. During this time, Berkshire divested approximately $187 billion worth of its shares.

Buffett decreased his investments in Apple and Amazon while he continued to own Alphabet shares. He expanded Berkshire's holdings in Domino's Pizza by purchasing additional shares in his existing investment.

Market Valuations Drove Selling Strategy

Buffett sold his stocks because he thought that stock prices had reached excessive levels. He chose to keep his cash reserves instead of buying stocks from companies that he thought were too expensive.

 Buffett has followed his cautious investment method which he developed more than 40 years ago. The investment portfolio which Buffett created during his time as CEO still shapes Berkshire Hathaway's investment choices and future business development.