Buffett Confirms $31B Alphabet Stake, Reveals $10B Private Investment on July 18

According to a CNBC interview on July 18, Warren Buffett confirmed Berkshire Hathaway's approximately $31 billion Alphabet stake and revealed the recent $10 billion private investment was his personal decision. Buffett acknowledged that Berkshire's failure to invest in Google in the past was a mistake, calling Alphabet a company with higher success potential than 90-95% of Wall Street-traded firms. Of the total stake, roughly $21 billion was acquired in public markets, with the $10 billion addition made last month through a private placement to support AI expansion.

Buffett addressed speculation that the investment decision came from his successor, CEO Greg Abel. "This time I will tell you, I initiated it," Buffett said, while clarifying that Abel must agree with major decisions and that they discuss matters daily with Abel making final calls.