N※N

Berkshire Hathaway Cuts Apple Stake, Invests in New York Times

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02 .. -cuts-apple-stake-invests-in-new-york-times.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 11:49 GMT by Forbes
      Locales: New York, Nebraska, California, UNITED STATES

Omaha, Nebraska - February 18th, 2026 - Berkshire Hathaway, led by legendary investor Warren Buffett, has released its highly anticipated Q4 2026 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The report, detailing the company's equity holdings as of February 15th, 2026, reveals a notable shift in strategy, with a reduction in the long-held Apple position and a surprising new investment in The New York Times Company. This filing, filed today, is being dissected by financial analysts and investors alike, eager to glean insight into Buffett's thinking on the current market landscape.

Apple Stake Reduced: A Decade-Long Relationship Cools?

For years, Apple (AAPL) has been a cornerstone of Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio - a testament to Buffett's initial belief in the company's innovative products and brand loyalty. However, the Q4 filing shows a trimmed stake, a move that has sent ripples through the market. While Apple remains Berkshire's largest holding, the reduction is significant enough to raise eyebrows. The extent of the trim, approximately a 5% decrease in overall shares held, represents a substantial divestment, though Berkshire still controls a considerable block.

Several theories are circulating regarding this decision. One prevailing argument centers around valuation. After years of phenomenal growth, Apple's market capitalization has reached stratospheric levels, and some analysts believe Buffett may be taking profits while the stock is still performing strongly. Concerns regarding potential saturation in key markets, particularly smartphones, are also contributing to the narrative. Furthermore, increased regulatory scrutiny of large tech companies and the evolving competitive landscape--particularly the rise of aggressive Chinese competitors--may have factored into Buffett's assessment. Some sources close to Berkshire suggest Buffett views the current tech sector as overvalued and increasingly unpredictable, prompting a cautious approach.

New York Times: A Bet on Quality Journalism in the Digital Age

In stark contrast to the Apple reduction, Berkshire Hathaway initiated a substantial new position in The New York Times Company (NYT). This investment, totaling approximately $500 million in NYT shares, represents a bold move into a traditionally challenging sector. The media industry has faced significant disruption over the past two decades, grappling with declining print advertising revenue and the rise of digital platforms. However, The New York Times has successfully navigated this turbulent environment by focusing on digital subscriptions and high-quality journalism.

Buffett's investment is widely interpreted as a vote of confidence in The New York Times' ability to continue building a sustainable digital business. The company's emphasis on in-depth reporting, investigative journalism, and compelling storytelling appears to resonate with a growing segment of the population willing to pay for credible news. Moreover, the expansion of NYT into ancillary businesses like cooking, games, and audio presents further opportunities for growth and diversification. This move also aligns with Buffett's long-stated preference for investing in businesses he understands--a statement he reiterated in a recent interview. He has frequently emphasized the importance of strong brands and enduring competitive advantages, qualities he evidently sees in The New York Times.

Other Portfolio Moves & Market Reaction

The 13F filing also reveals smaller adjustments to other holdings, including increased positions in energy companies and a slight reduction in financial sector stocks. The full filing details these movements, providing a comprehensive view of Berkshire's portfolio activity.

Initial market reaction was predictable. Apple shares experienced a modest dip of around 1.5% following the news, while The New York Times stock jumped nearly 4% in after-hours trading. However, experts caution against overreacting to short-term price movements. The long-term impact of these changes will depend on a variety of factors, including Apple's future performance and The New York Times' continued success in growing its digital subscriber base.

A Shifting Strategy?

The combined effect of trimming Apple and embracing The New York Times suggests a potential evolution in Buffett's investment strategy. While Berkshire Hathaway has traditionally focused on value investing and long-term holdings, this latest filing indicates a willingness to adapt to changing market conditions and explore opportunities in sectors previously considered less attractive. The move signals that even at 96 years of age, Warren Buffett remains a dynamic and forward-thinking investor, willing to challenge conventional wisdom and place bets on companies he believes have a bright future. The next quarterly filing will be crucial to understanding if this is a one-off adjustment or a broader shift in Berkshire's investment philosophy.