Warren Buffett Steps Down as CEO, Successor Takes Over
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 19 2026
0mins
Should l Buy AAPL?
Source: Fool
- Buffett's Leadership Legacy: Since becoming CEO in 1965, Buffett has achieved a compound annual return of 19.7% for Berkshire Hathaway, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 10.5%, turning a $1,000 investment in 1965 into $48.4 million by 2025, showcasing his exceptional investment acumen and management skills.
- Transformation and Growth: Buffett transformed Berkshire from a struggling textile manufacturer into a $1 trillion holding company with a $306 billion stock portfolio and $373 billion in cash reserves, enhancing the company's flexibility and competitiveness in diversified investments and acquisitions.
- Apple Investment and Cash Management: Buffett invested approximately $38 billion in Apple between 2016 and 2023, with the stake now valued at $170 billion; despite gradually selling 75% of the position, Apple still represents 18.6% of Berkshire's portfolio, reflecting a strategic foothold in the tech sector.
- Stock Buybacks Resumed: Under Buffett's leadership, Berkshire repurchased $77.8 billion in stock from 2018 to mid-2024; although there were no buybacks in the latter half of 2024 and 2025, successor Abel has announced a resumption of buybacks, which is expected to enhance shareholder value and reduce cash reserves.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise
27 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 270.230
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
Current: 270.230
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its software platforms include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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