Berkshire Hathaway Builds Record Cash Pile Amid Market Volatility
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has been aggressively selling stocks in 2026 as it builds a record cash pile of over $373 billion. The strategy, which Buffett oversaw in his final quarters, has persisted under successor Greg Abel, reflecting caution amid high valuations, geopolitical tensions, and elevated oil price volatility.
The company's largest holding by far is Apple (AAPL), where Buffett has sold more than 75% of its stake since mid-2023. The position was once valued at over $170 billion but has been scaled back substantially even as Apple remains a top holding.
Berkshire also significantly reduced its exposure to Bank of America (BAC), slashing its stake by roughly 50% between mid-2024 and the end of 2025. Additional trims continued into 2026, with sales coming amid expectations of pressure on net interest margins from rate cuts.
The selling spree has drawn mixed reactions, with some investors viewing the cash pile as a defensive masterstroke ahead of potential volatility while others worry it signals caution bordering on pessimism in a market driven by technology and artificial intelligence. Berkshire's equity portfolio remains heavily concentrated, with a handful of names dominating its holdings.