Berkshire Hathaway Doubles Down on Google Parent Alphabet

Berkshire Hathaway has significantly increased its stake in Alphabet, the parent company of Google. The holding company led by Warren Buffett boosted its Alphabet stake by 82% in the second quarter. Berkshire now owns 106 million shares of Alphabet, making it the company's third-largest equity holding after Apple and American Express.

The value of the Alphabet stake is approximately $36 billion US, surpassing Berkshire's investment in Coca-Cola. In addition to boosting its stake in Alphabet, Berkshire increased its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 40% to 57 million shares worth $5 billion US.

Berkshire also raised its stakes in homebuilder Lennar and department store chain Macy's, while trimming its positions in Bank of America, Kroger, Capital One, and Ally Financial. Berkshire Hathaway was a net buyer of stocks in the second quarter, purchasing $23 billion US worth of equities.

The company's equity portfolio is now valued at $357.68 billion US. The more affordable Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway have risen 5% over the past 12 months to trade at $504.03 US per share.