Warren Buffett shares stock picks before stepping down

As Warren Buffett approaches retirement, his investment choices are drawing heightened attention. Knewz.com has learned that Berkshire Hathaway revealed in its latest 13F filing that it purchased just over 5 million shares of UnitedHealth Group last quarter, a stake worth approximately $1.6 billion as of the end of June. While it’s unclear whether the decision came from Buffett himself or his deputies Todd Combs and Ted Weschler, the purchase stands out as one of the final stock picks linked to the “Oracle of Omaha” before he steps aside.

Buffett’s bet on UnitedHealth amidst turmoil

UnitedHealth stock faced steep losses since CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead by Luigi Mangione in December 2024, plunging from nearly $600 in April to around $310 by June. Buffett, known for finding bargains in beaten-down companies, appears to have seized on the downturn. The filing triggered a sharp rebound, with UnitedHealth surging 13% in recent premarket trading. Market analyst Larry McDonald captured the mood on X, saying, “Buffett has been buying the puke-athon, $UNH United Health. Wall Street analysts, loved it on the highs, all ‘sells’ on the lows, Warren says ‘Thank you.’ Buffett likes falling knives.”

Cutting back on Apple shares, adding new names

Alongside the UnitedHealth stake, Berkshire reduced its Apple holdings by 7%, leaving 280 million shares worth $57 billion at the end of June. The company has sold more than two-thirds of its Apple stake this year, down from $174 billion in January. Other moves included previously undisclosed stakes in homebuilders DR Horton and Lennar and steelmaker Nucor. Berkshire also added Lamar Advertising and Allegion, while boosting Chevron, Constellation Brands and Domino’s Pizza. At the same time, it exited T-Mobile U.S. and trimmed positions in Bank of America and Charter Communications.

Berkshire’s growing cash hoard

Despite headline-making purchases, Berkshire’s filings show it remains a net seller of stocks. The conglomerate bought $3.9 billion worth of equities last quarter but sold $6.9 billion, marking its 11th consecutive quarter of net selling. That has pushed Berkshire’s cash reserves to a record $344 billion, a sum larger than Coca-Cola’s entire market value.

Buffett’s retirement is around the corner

Buffett, who turns 95 this year, has faced difficulty deploying Berkshire’s cash as market valuations remain elevated. With retirement approaching, investors are scrutinizing every move, and the UnitedHealth buy may serve as a final glimpse into Buffett’s value-driven strategy.

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