Warren Buffett retires and leaves a $184 billion message for investors

Warren Buffett retired as Berkshire Hathaway CEO at the end of 2025. Berkshire has been a net seller, with $184 billion in net stock sales over the last 12 quarters, even while holding a large cash reserve. For now, we'll stick to the confirmed facts.

Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025. He ran the company since 1965 and transformed it from a small textile firm into a large insurance and investment conglomerate. Over decades, Berkshire shares have greatly outperformed the S&P 500. Recently, Buffett and his investment team sold more stock than they bought, a change from their long habit of net buying. What was reported: - Berkshire announced Buffett's retirement effective end of 2025. - The company was a net seller for 12 quarters, with $184 billion in net stock sales through September 2025. - Berkshire had about $382 billion in cash and short-term investments as of September 2025. - The firm’s equity portfolio is roughly $300 billion and Berkshire’s market value is near $1 trillion. Summary: Buffett’s departure and the $184 billion of net sales have been read as a cautious signal about current buying opportunities in the market. The move reflects that the company has preferred to hold cash rather than add positions amid high valuations. For now, we'll stick to the confirmed facts.