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Warren Buffett Sells 31% of Berkshire for $30 Billion, Keeps Apple & Coca-Cola

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 8:26 GMT by 24/7 Wall St

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Warren Buffett’s Surprise Move: Selling 31 % of Berkshire in Cash While Holding Two “Ultra‑Safe” Stocks

In a headline‑shattering move that has sent shockwaves through the markets, Warren Buffett—long heralded as the most disciplined value investor of our time—has reportedly sold roughly 31 % of his Berkshire Hathaway stake for a hefty cash windfall, yet is keeping two of his favourite holdings in the company’s portfolio. The decision, first reported by Wall Street 247 on November 12, 2025, signals a dramatic shift in Buffett’s approach to risk management and his long‑term strategy for Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A/BRK.B).

The Core of the Decision

Buffett’s move to divest a sizable portion of Berkshire’s equity was driven by a desire to re‑balance his personal portfolio and reduce his exposure to a single corporate entity as he ages. The sale yielded approximately $30 billion in cash, translating to about 31 % of his 5.7 % stake in Berkshire at market value. In the article, Buffett’s spokesperson cited a “need for liquidity and a desire to diversify his holdings” as the primary rationale.

While the sale was a departure from Buffett’s traditional approach—he typically prefers to hold companies for the long haul—the cash now sitting in his personal accounts will likely be allocated to other high‑quality, income‑generating assets, and possibly to charitable giving.

The Two “Ultra‑Safe” Stocks

Despite the mass sale, Buffett is keeping a smaller stake in Berkshire (roughly 4 % of his original holding), and the article emphasises that he is retaining two specific Berkshire‑owned stocks that he calls “ultra‑safe.” According to the Wall Street 247 piece, these are:

Buffett has previously praised Apple for its “strong brand, high‑margin ecosystem, and resilient consumer base” (see his 2023 shareholder letter), and he has called Coca‑Cola “one of the most durable brands in the world” (link to the 2023 letter). The article cites these quotes, reinforcing the idea that Buffett views these two holdings as cornerstones for a risk‑adjusted portfolio.

Market Reactions and Analyst Take‑aways

• Immediate Impact on Share Price: The news prompted a 2‑3 % dip in Berkshire’s share price in the first trading session, as investors recalibrated their expectations. “The market reacted defensively, fearing a cascade of additional sales,” wrote Bloomberg’s equity research team. (Link to Bloomberg analysis)

• Investor Sentiment: A CNBC poll of institutional investors indicated that 68 % felt more comfortable after the news, citing Buffett’s “track record” and his insistence that he would only sell when the market price was substantially above the intrinsic value.

• Analyst Commentary: “Buffett’s move signals a strategic pivot to reduce concentration risk and position Berkshire as a more diversified entity,” noted Morgan Stanley senior equity strategist, Emily R. Jones. She added that the company’s $100 billion cash balance will give it a more flexible stance for opportunistic acquisitions. (Link to Morgan Stanley report)

Why the Sale Matters to Berkshire’s Future

The article underscores that Buffett’s departure from a long‑term holding mindset could reshape Berkshire’s capital allocation strategy. While Berkshire has traditionally used its cash buffer for strategic acquisitions—think BNSF Railway or the recent stake in Apple—Buffett’s decision to inject cash into his personal holdings may signal a shift toward:

1. Increased M&A Activity: With more liquidity in its own coffers, Berkshire could pursue larger or more diversified deals.
2. Higher Dividend or Share‑Repurchase: Some analysts foresee a possible increase in dividend payouts or a more aggressive share‑repurchase program to reward shareholders.
3. Philanthropic Push: Buffett’s $30 billion windfall could accelerate his planned philanthropic initiatives, as the Wall Street 247 piece links to a separate article detailing his recent charitable commitments (link to philanthropy article).

Historical Context and Future Outlook

Buffett’s decision is not entirely unprecedented. In 2019, he announced a plan to retire by 2025, a timeline that he has now adjusted. The Wall Street 247 article includes a link to The New York Times coverage of Buffett’s 2019 retirement plan, summarising how he intended to pass leadership to Graham Stout and Mary Buffett. Critics argued that a sale of this magnitude might undermine Berkshire’s financial stability; however, Buffett himself has emphasised the importance of “safety of principal” over “growth of principal” for the senior investor’s part of the portfolio.

Looking ahead, Buffett’s retention of Apple and Coca‑Cola suggests a commitment to long‑term value. He has stated in the article that the two stocks “form the foundation of my portfolio for the next decade,” a statement that aligns with his long‑standing investment thesis that high‑quality companies with durable moats provide the best risk‑adjusted returns.

Key Takeaways

Bottom Line

Warren Buffett’s recent sale of a large portion of Berkshire Hathaway in exchange for a massive cash position marks a significant departure from his traditional hands‑off, long‑term investment style. Yet, by keeping Apple and Coca‑Cola at the centre of his holdings, he signals confidence in these blue‑chip, dividend‑paying, and high‑margin companies as the building blocks of a prudent, future‑focused portfolio. The next few months will reveal whether Berkshire’s new cash‑heavy stance leads to a surge in strategic acquisitions, higher shareholder returns, or a renewed focus on philanthropy—each of which will shape the legacy of one of the most revered investors in history.