Technology
Berkshire Hathaway built major Alphabet stake for AI exposure, CEO Greg Abel says
Chairman Warren Buffett and Abel backed a multibillion-dollar position, making Google's parent company Berkshire's third-largest equity holding.
The short version
- Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel revealed that Warren Buffett supported establishing a massive stake in Alphabet to capitalize on artificial intelligence development.[Business Insider · CNBC]
- The conglomerate's total holding in Alphabet reached roughly $36.6 billion to $38 billion by mid-2026, making it Berkshire's third-largest equity holding.[Business Insider · CNBC]
- Abel stated that he consulted with Buffett, who remains chairman, before agreeing to invest $10 billion at a 6.5% discount.[Business Insider · CNBC]
- Reports diverge on the exact timing of the discounted $10 billion transaction, placing it either earlier this year or approximately 15 months prior.[Business Insider · CNBC]
Key facts
- Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel stated that Warren Buffett built a stake in Alphabet to tap into the artificial intelligence boom.[Business Insider · CNBC]
- Alphabet became Berkshire Hathaway's third-largest stock holding at the end of the second quarter of 2026, valued at roughly $36.6 billion to $38 billion.[Business Insider · CNBC]
- Abel succeeded Buffett as CEO at the start of 2026, while Buffett continues to serve as Berkshire's chairman.[Business Insider]
- Berkshire executed a $10 billion purchase of Alphabet shares at a 6.5% discount after Abel consulted directly with Buffett.[Business Insider · CNBC]
What remains uncertain
- Source reports present conflicting timelines for the discounted $10 billion transaction, describing it alternatively as initiated in late May 2026 or 15 months prior.[Business Insider · CNBC]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.