A Legendary Investor’s Retreat: Berkshire Hathaway Trims Its Massive Apple Stake

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In a move that has captured Wall Street's attention, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has continued to unwind a portion of its colossal investment in Apple Inc. Recent disclosures reveal the conglomerate sold approximately 15% of its remaining shares in the technology giant. This strategic reduction comes at a time when Apple's stock price hovers near record highs and many analysts are broadcasting a bullish outlook for the company's future.

The financial landscape surrounding Apple currently presents a study in contrasts. On one side, prominent research firms are elevating their projections. Morgan Stanley strategist Erik Woodring recently increased his price target from $305 to $315 per share, reaffirming an "Overweight" rating. This optimism is fueled by data from Counterpoint Research indicating that the upcoming iPhone 17 is launching with a 14% stronger trajectory than its predecessor in key markets like the United States and China. The firm also cites sustained double-digit growth in Apple's high-margin Services division and the potential for new "Apple Intelligence" features to drive both hardware upgrades and subscription revenue.

On the opposing side stands one of the world's most respected long-term investors. Berkshire Hathaway's methodical sell-off, planned to continue through 2025, is interpreted by many as a tacit expression of doubt regarding Apple's current $4 trillion valuation. This is not a panic-driven exit, but rather appears to reflect a lack of conviction in the sustainability of present price levels.

Mounting Regulatory Headwinds Challenge the Profit Engine

Beyond the conflicting market signals, Apple faces increasing pressure from global regulators, a factor that may be influencing investor calculus. While the company's stock has technically been in an uptrend and has outperformed the Nasdaq 100 index over a three-month period, its lucrative business model is under scrutiny.

In Europe, the Digital Markets Act is forcing Apple to adjust its control over App Store fees. Simultaneously, India's competition authority is investigating potential penalties that could be calculated based on the company's global revenue, not merely its local operations. This dual-front regulatory challenge directly threatens the profitability of Apple's Services segment—the very unit that justifies its premium market valuation. The risk of rising compliance costs or mandated changes to its operational framework poses a tangible threat to Apple's growth narrative.

The Market's Verdict Awaits

Apple stock now embodies a clash of narratives: soaring analyst price targets, some reaching $350, versus the deliberate divestment by a major institutional shareholder. Strong early sales metrics for the iPhone 17 coexist with waning confidence from Berkshire Hathaway. The coming quarterly earnings report, which will detail the critical holiday sales period, will reveal whether the market chooses to prioritize the immediate success of Apple's hardware cycle or to heed the strategic caution exhibited by its most significant long-term shareholder.