Buffett says he initiated Berkshire Hathaway’s Alphabet investment

Warren Buffett said he was behind Berkshire Hathaway’s investment in Alphabet, a position the conglomerate first disclosed in the third quarter of 2025 and expanded with an additional $10 billion private stock purchase in June, according to CNBC. The comments clarify the origin of one of Berkshire’s most closely watched recent equity moves as the company operates under CEO Greg Abel, who took over after Buffett stepped down as chief executive earlier this year.

“I initiated it,” Buffett said Wednesday in an interview with CNBC’s Becky Quick, referring to Berkshire’s Alphabet investment.

Buffett remains chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. He told CNBC that he and Abel still consult closely on capital allocation, while making clear that Abel holds the operating authority as chief executive.

“I am not doing anything that he doesn’t approve of. He’s not doing anything I don’t approve of,” Buffett said, according to CNBC. “We talk all the time, but he is the decider.”

Berkshire first revealed its Alphabet stake during the third quarter of 2025, CNBC reported. The investment has since grown, including the additional $10 billion purchase made through a private stock transaction last month.

A private stock purchase differs from buying shares gradually in the open market. In such transactions, an investor typically acquires shares directly from a seller or issuer under negotiated terms, which can allow a large buyer to build exposure without relying solely on daily market liquidity. CNBC reported the size of Berkshire’s latest Alphabet purchase, but the comments reported Wednesday focused on Buffett’s role in initiating the investment and Abel’s role in approving decisions.

The disclosure is notable because Berkshire’s equity portfolio has long been associated with Buffett’s investment judgment, while Abel’s elevation to chief executive has put greater attention on how decision-making is divided at the Omaha-based conglomerate. Buffett’s remarks indicate that he remains involved in investment discussions, while Abel has the final decision-making role.

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is one of the largest technology companies in global equity markets. Berkshire’s move into the stock marked a prominent addition to its portfolio after years in which investors closely tracked whether the conglomerate would increase its exposure to major technology businesses.

CNBC described the report as breaking news and said updates may follow.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.