Warren Buffett Extends Stock Selling ‌Streak to Three Years as ⁣Berkshire Shifts Focus

OMAHA, ⁣NE – November⁤ 1, 2025 – Warren Buffett’s⁤ Berkshire Hathaway has marked‍ its third consecutive‍ year as a net seller of stocks, a notable departure for the famed investor as the ‍company increasingly prioritizes large-scale acquisitions​ and prepares for​ a leadership transition. The trend continued through ⁢the second ‌quarter of 2025, with Berkshire selling ​$3 billion in stocks on net, according to recent⁣ filings.

This ‌sustained pullback from the stock market coincides with a period of ⁤significant market gains,‍ particularly in the AI sector, where Berkshire has largely remained⁢ on the sidelines. As May,⁢ when⁤ Buffett announced his planned​ departure as CEO by year-end, Berkshire ⁣Hathaway shares ​have declined by 12%.⁢ The shift in investment⁢ strategy is widely viewed as a deliberate move to streamline operations for incoming CEO Greg Abel, who has been steadily assuming greater leadership responsibilities.

Buffett’s decision⁤ to step down and hand the reins to Abel has prompted speculation​ that the legendary investor is intentionally clearing the decks for his​ successor. While Buffett is expected to remain chairman,​ the recent $10 billion acquisition of Occidental Petroleum’s chemicals business – Berkshire’s largest deal since 2022 – signaled a clear shift in focus towards substantial,‌ strategic acquisitions.

Notably, the Occidental deal was ⁢the first Berkshire announcement to feature a quote from Abel and omit any ⁢mention of⁢ Buffett, underscoring the evolving leadership ‍dynamic. “It’s genius. It’s certainly a​ win-plus for Berkshire as it‌ also helps the company that they own 30% of,” said​ Doug Leggate,‍ a Wolfe Research​ energy analyst, following ⁢the acquisition. “it’s ​entirely self-serving, it’s logical, and-not in ​any nefarious way-definitely helpful.”