does warren buffett own alphabet stock

Does Warren Buffett Own Alphabet Stock?

does warren buffett own alphabet stock? Short answer: Yes. As of the Q3 2025 filings, Berkshire Hathaway reported a new stake in Alphabet Inc., showing roughly 17.8–17.9 million shares with an estimated market value widely reported between $4.3 billion and $4.9 billion. That disclosure — appearing in Berkshire’s Form 13F for the quarter — drew attention because Buffett historically avoided most big‑tech growth names, making the position notable for investors and observers.

Background: Buffett’s Historical View on Technology and Google

Warren Buffett long expressed caution toward rapidly changing, high‑growth technology businesses. For decades he emphasized investing in understandable, durable businesses with predictable cash flows. Buffett publicly acknowledged regret for missing early investments in Google and earlier technology winners. In 2017 and surrounding years he admitted that Berkshire missed the benefits of Google’s dominance and the broader tech revolution.

Over time Berkshire made select exceptions. The investment in Apple became Berkshire’s largest equity holding, and Buffett later praised Apple’s ecosystem and cash generation. Berkshire’s exposure to other technology‑adjacent names — including stakes placed by Buffett’s lieutenants — also expanded the company’s footprint beyond traditional industrial and financial holdings. That history helps explain why Berkshire’s entry into Alphabet prompted commentary about whether Buffett and his team were broadening their "circle of competence."

Berkshire Hathaway’s Disclosure of the Alphabet Position

As disclosed in Berkshire Hathaway’s SEC Form 13F covering Q3 2025, the company reported a new position in Alphabet. As of November 13, 2025, according to reporting from CNBC and Bloomberg, the filing listed approximately 17.8–17.9 million shares of Alphabet across the reported class(es), with major news outlets estimating the stake’s value between about $4.3 billion and $4.9 billion based on contemporaneous share prices.

The disclosure is a regulatory snapshot showing what institutional investors held at the end of the quarter. The 13F listing does not by itself indicate the exact transaction dates or whether multiple trades were aggregated over time; it simply reports the position as of the filing quarter’s cut‑off.

Numbers and Class of Shares

The filings and follow‑up reporting clarified which Alphabet share class or classes were included. Different outlets noted small reporting discrepancies: some versions of the 13F grouped Class A (GOOGL) and Class C (GOOG) differently or listed holdings by CUSIP. Major contemporary reports converged on a reported share count in the 17.8–17.9 million range. Based on the dollar value ranges reported by CNBC, Bloomberg, and other outlets as of the November 13–14, 2025 coverage window, the implied average price paid or reported in the snapshot was roughly $242–$274 per share (calculated from the estimated market value divided by the share count reported).

Because Alphabet issues multiple share classes, and because 13F reporting groups holdings as of quarter end, news organizations emphasized that slight differences in interpretation could create minor discrepancies in headline numbers between outlets. Overall, the position represented a meaningful but not controlling stake — a multi‑billion‑dollar equity holding that ranked among Berkshire’s larger quoted‑equity positions by dollar value in the quarter.

Who Likely Initiated the Purchase

Reporting in the days after the 13F disclosure suggested the trades were likely executed by Berkshire’s investment lieutenants, Todd Combs and Ted Weschler, who manage large portions of the firm’s quoted equity portfolio. While Warren Buffett remains the chairman and an influential voice, day‑to‑day sourcing and trading of many equities fall to Combs and Weschler.

As of late 2025, Berkshire was also in a documented period of leadership transition with Greg Abel named successor to the CEO role. Commentary from major outlets noted that while Buffett would likely have known about material, multibillion‑dollar additions to the portfolio, the mechanics and timing are frequently managed by the two portfolio managers operating under Berkshire’s broad investment framework.

Timing and Timeline of Events

To put the disclosure in context, here is a concise timeline of relevant events and disclosures:

• 2017 and earlier — Buffett publicly comments on missing opportunities in major tech winners and expresses cautious interest in technology when businesses are understandable.
• 2016–2020s — Berkshire builds a large Apple position (and later other holdings), representing a softening of absolute avoidance of large tech names.
• Q3 2025 (reported in mid‑November 2025) — Berkshire’s Form 13F filed for the quarter shows a new Alphabet position of roughly 17.8–17.9 million shares (reported value ~ $4.3–$4.9B). As of November 13–14, 2025, CNBC, Bloomberg, and others reported on the disclosure.
• Post‑filing (late 2025 through early 2026) — Markets and analysts reacted; subsequent 13F or regulatory filings should be monitored for increases, decreases, or reclassification of the stake.

That timeline highlights how Berkshire’s reported stake became public through the statutory reporting process rather than a dedicated Berkshire press release announcing the trade.

Rationale Reported by Analysts and Media

After the 13F disclosure, analysts and media outlets summarized the most commonly cited reasons that might have motivated a Berkshire stake in Alphabet:

• AI Momentum: Alphabet’s investments in advanced AI (including product lines such as Gemini and AI‑enhanced search) were cited as strategic catalysts that could widen durable competitive advantages.
• Cloud Growth: Google Cloud’s accelerating enterprise revenue and improving margins were highlighted as structural earnings drivers that align with Berkshire’s preference for strong free‑cash‑flow businesses.
• Valuation Comparisons: Some analysts argued that Alphabet’s valuation versus its peers and its cash flow profile could satisfy Berkshire’s value‑oriented framework when considered over a long horizon.
• Balance Sheet Strength: Alphabet’s sizable cash generation and balance sheet flexibility were seen as features consistent with Berkshire’s historical focus on financially resilient firms.

News coverage stressed that the purchase did not represent a typical short‑term tech punt; instead, commentators framed it as a long‑term, cash‑flow oriented investment that happened to be in a technology leader.

Market and Media Reaction

Markets reacted quickly following the public 13F disclosure. On the day the filing was widely reported (mid‑November 2025), Alphabet’s shares registered an uptick amid media headlines noting Berkshire’s entry. Analysts published notes reassessing Alphabet’s institutional investor base and the implications of a prominent value investor taking a sizable stake.

Media reaction framed the move as notable and somewhat surprising given Buffett’s historical stance, while also placing it alongside Berkshire’s prior pivot to select large technology names. Several outlets highlighted the symbolic importance of a conservative, value‑oriented investor owning stock in a company often described as a high‑growth, innovation‑driven firm.

Implications for Berkshire’s Portfolio and Strategy

At the time of disclosure, the Alphabet stake ranked among Berkshire’s larger public equity holdings by market value. It did not, however, displace legacy giants like Berkshire’s long‑held financial and industrial positions or its substantial Apple holding in terms of overall portfolio percentage.

Commentators inferred several strategic implications:

• Berkshire may be increasingly comfortable owning select tech leaders whose cash flow profiles and competitive moats appear durable.
• The purchase suggested willingness to deploy large amounts of cash into high‑quality names when the internal research and managers’ conviction align with Berkshire’s long‑term orientation.
• The trade underscored the growing role of Combs and Weschler as active managers sourcing and executing sizeable positions on behalf of the conglomerate.

Regulatory, Reporting, and Ownership Considerations

Institutional investors in the United States must file Form 13F with the SEC to report holdings of certain equities above a reporting threshold on a quarterly basis. Important mechanics to note:

• 13F filings are a quarter‑end snapshot: the filing reports holdings as of the last day of the quarter and becomes public with a lag. The filing does not provide trade‑by‑trade timestamps or immediate confirmation of the exact dates trades were executed.
• Disclosure thresholds: 13F covers certain securities and institutional investors above a size threshold; it does not capture every form of economic exposure (derivatives, certain private holdings, etc.).
• Economic ownership vs. control: Reporting a stake in a company does not necessarily imply a controlling interest, board seats, or active operational influence. Berkshire’s reported position should be understood as an equity investment reported under statutory rules.

As of November 13, 2025, according to major news coverage of the 13F, Berkshire’s filing met the legal reporting requirements and provided the market with a clear, if delayed, indicator of the stake size at quarter end.

Criticisms, Questions, and Alternative Views

Not every market observer viewed the stake as an unambiguous endorsement. Some critics and commentators raised the following points:

• Timing concerns — critics argued the disclosed position appeared soon before or around major AI product‑cycle announcements, prompting questions about whether the trade was opportunistic relative to near‑term news flows.
• Value alignment questions — some analysts debated whether Alphabet’s high reinvestment and growth profile fits neatly into Buffett’s traditional value framework, even with strong cash flows.
• Manager vs. chairman attribution — observers also asked whether the stake represented a philosophical shift by Buffett himself or primarily reflected the independent judgment of Berkshire’s portfolio managers.

These alternative views highlighted that large institutional trades are open to interpretation, and that regulatory filings provide data but not always immediate clarity on strategic intent.

Subsequent Developments and Follow‑up Filings

After a major new position appears in a 13F filing, market participants typically watch subsequent quarterly filings and any SEC Schedule 13D/G filings for changes. As of late 2025 and early 2026 coverage windows, reporters urged investors and analysts to monitor follow‑up 13F announcements for signs that Berkshire increased, decreased, or otherwise altered the classification of the stake.

Editors and readers should consult the latest filings when assessing current ownership: 13F amendments or later quarter filings may show changes in share counts, dollar values, or the mix of share classes reported. Any material change in ownership that crosses regulatory thresholds for disclosures or generates activist considerations would appear in additional SEC filings beyond the standard 13F process.

As of this article’s reporting window (late 2025–early 2026), major outlets were continuing to track and analyze any portfolio adjustments reported by Berkshire in quarterly filings.

How to Verify Current Ownership Status

To confirm the most current ownership status, follow these practical steps:

1. Check Berkshire Hathaway’s latest Form 13F filings on the SEC’s EDGAR database for quarterly snapshots of the firm’s public equity holdings. These filings include itemized listings and share counts by CUSIP and ticker.
2. Read Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letters and quarterly reports for commentary; while Berkshire often does not provide line‑by‑line public equity disclosures outside of 13F, company letters can provide broader context about investment philosophy and portfolio shifts.
3. Consult reputable financial news outlets and filings‑focused services (e.g., major business news providers) for contemporaneous reporting and interpretation. As of November 13–14, 2025, CNBC and Bloomberg led early reporting on the 13F disclosure.
4. Remember the reporting lag: 13F filings are released after quarter end, so real‑time ownership may differ from what appears in a given filing.

These verification steps help ensure readers rely on primary filings and reputable reportage rather than second‑hand summaries alone.

See Also

• Berkshire Hathaway portfolio
• Warren Buffett investment philosophy
• Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL / GOOG)
• SEC Form 13F
• Major Berkshire investment managers (Todd Combs, Ted Weschler)

References and Further Reading

Editors: source and verification should include Berkshire Hathaway’s Form 13F for Q3 2025 and contemporaneous reporting from leading business outlets. Suggested items to cite directly in final publication:

• SEC Form 13F filed by Berkshire Hathaway for Q3 2025 (quarter‑end snapshot)
• Major reporting on the filing (e.g., CNBC, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider) with dates and headlines. Example phrasing for editors: “As of November 13, 2025, according to CNBC and Bloomberg reporting on Berkshire Hathaway’s Q3 2025 13F filing…”
• Past Buffett comments and shareholder letters noting his historical view on technology and missed opportunities (public Buffett shareholder letters and speeches)

All factual statements above should be cross‑checked with the primary 13F filing and major contemporaneous reporting for precise share counts, class details, and dollar valuations.

Final Notes and Next Steps

This article addressed the central question — does warren buffett own alphabet stock — with the public record available from Berkshire’s Q3 2025 13F disclosure and the subsequent media coverage. For readers who want to follow changes in real time, monitor future 13F filings and Berkshire’s public statements.

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Remember: this article is informational and not investment advice. For legal or investment decisions, consult licensed professionals and primary source documents.

Reporting dates cited in this article: As of November 13, 2025, according to reporting from CNBC and Bloomberg on Berkshire Hathaway’s Q3 2025 Form 13F; subsequent commentary and analysis through late 2025–early 2026 were reviewed from major business outlets. Editors should cite the specific articles and the SEC filing when publishing.