Berkshire’s 23% Apple Stake and Dividend Plans Eyed in Abel’s Debut Letter
Berkshire’s 13F shows Apple represented 23% of its portfolio with an 11.5% return in 2025, and CEO Greg Abel may outline further stake reductions and dividend plans in his first annual letter. Europe’s smartphone shipments fell 1% to 134.2M units, as Samsung’s 35% share intensifies competition against Apple.
1. Berkshire’s Apple Stake Profile
Apple comprised 23% of Berkshire Hathaway’s equity portfolio as of December 31, 2025, delivering an 11.5% return last year and ranking as the conglomerate’s top holding by weight.
2. Expectations for Abel’s First Shareholder Letter
New CEO Greg Abel is poised to outline his strategy for over $300 billion in idle cash, with investors focused on potential further reductions in Apple exposure and the prospect of a first-ever dividend.
3. Apple’s Returns Compared to the S&P 500
Apple’s 11.5% gain in 2025 trailed the S&P 500’s 16.6% advance, raising questions about the company’s contribution to portfolio performance and Berkshire’s broader investment strategy.
4. European Smartphone Market Pressures
Europe’s smartphone shipments slipped 1% to 134.2 million units in 2025, as Samsung defended a 35% regional share with 46.6 million shipments, underscoring mounting competitive pressure on Apple’s European sales growth.