Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) Stock: Greg Abel’s First Quarter Delivers Three Major Portfolio Shifts

Key Takeaways

• Greg Abel completely divested Berkshire’s Visa and Mastercard positions in Q1 2026
• Delta Air Lines joined the portfolio with a 39.8 million share purchase valued at $2.8 billion
• The Alphabet investment grew threefold to 54.2 million A shares, totaling $23 billion
• Sixteen smaller holdings were eliminated, including Pool Corp, UnitedHealth, and Amazon
• Apple continues as the portfolio’s dominant position, representing 20.7% of the $330 billion total

Greg Abel’s inaugural quarter as Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO demonstrated a decisive approach to portfolio management, implementing significant changes across the conglomerate’s $330 billion investment portfolio. These strategic moves indicate a notable departure from Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy.

The new CEO orchestrated a complete exit from credit card giants, disposing of Berkshire’s full 8.3 million-share Visa position alongside the entire Mastercard stake. While these holdings each comprised approximately 1% of total assets, their elimination provides insight into Abel’s current assessment of the payment processing industry.

Notably, American Express remained untouched throughout these changes. The financial services company now stands as Berkshire’s second-most valuable investment at $47 billion.

A Return to Aviation Investments

Warren Buffett made headlines by liquidating approximately $4 billion in airline investments during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The sector remained off-limits under his leadership. Abel has reversed course.

The conglomerate acquired 39.8 million shares of Delta Air Lines (DAL) during the first quarter of 2026, establishing a $2.8 billion stake. Berkshire’s entry came when DAL shares traded at depressed valuations. The stock has appreciated since the initial purchase. While representing roughly 1% of overall holdings, the investment demonstrates substantial commitment.

This decision highlights Abel’s readiness to pursue opportunities his predecessor avoided.

Major Expansion in Alphabet Holdings

Berkshire maintained a modest Alphabet (GOOGL) stake entering 2026. Abel dramatically expanded this position, tripling the investment. The portfolio now contains 54.2 million A shares valued at $23 billion, elevating Alphabet to Berkshire’s seventh-largest holding. Additionally, 3.6 million C shares worth approximately $1 billion were added.

GOOGL currently trades near $383, experiencing a 1.2% decline for the session.

Buffett maintained well-documented skepticism toward technology investments throughout his tenure. Abel demonstrates no such reluctance.

Alphabet is leveraging artificial intelligence to strengthen and expand its core operations. Google Search generated $60.4 billion in first-quarter 2026 revenue, marking 19% year-over-year growth — the fourth consecutive quarter of accelerating performance. Innovations including AI Overviews and AI Mode are reportedly fueling this expansion.

Apple Maintains Dominant Position

Apple continues as Berkshire’s premier investment at 20.7% of portfolio value, despite Buffett liquidating approximately three-quarters of the stake throughout 2024 and 2025. Those reductions aimed to mitigate concentration risk and realize profits after the position exceeded $170 billion at its zenith.

Buffett informed CNBC earlier this year that he supports maintaining Apple as the largest holding and suggested potential future purchases at attractive valuations.

Coca-Cola maintains its standing as another significant AI-related investment. The beverage giant comprises 9.9% of portfolio holdings and distributed $816 million in dividends to Berkshire last year.

Abel simultaneously eliminated 16 smaller positions with minimal portfolio impact. Liquidated holdings included recent acquisitions Pool Corp, UnitedHealth, and Amazon. This consolidation strategy appears designed to eliminate distractions and sharpen investment focus.

As of the first quarter 2026, three AI-connected investments — Apple, Alphabet, and Coca-Cola — collectively represent 37.4% of Berkshire’s complete portfolio.

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