What is the size of Berkshire's investment in Alphabet?

Berkshire's investment in Alphabet is now almost $36 billion, initiated by Warren Buffett last year. It also made a $10 billion purchase of Alphabet stock directly from the company this spring.

How did Berkshire acquire its Alphabet shares?

Abel received a call on a Sunday morning in late May with an offer to join a large equity offering by Alphabet. They agreed to a $10 billion purchase at a 6 1/2% discount and consummated the transaction.

Top Companies' AI MovesAI Business & IndustryTop Companies AI1d agoSep 6, 2026, 06:30 JST2 min read

Berkshire's Abel: Two ways to cash in on AI

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Key takeaway

Berkshire Hathaway's CEO sees AI as a two-part opportunity: energy for data centers and its Alphabet investment.
The company will only sell power if it doesn't hurt existing customers.
Abel also reaffirmed long-term Japan holdings.

3 Key Points

What happened
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel said the company sees two AI opportunities: supplying energy to data centers and its nearly $36 billion stake in Alphabet. He also detailed a $10 billion Alphabet stock purchase at a 6 1/2% discount, made after a Sunday call in late May.
Why it matters
Abel believes the biggest constraint for AI data centers is having enough energy, which he sees as a significant opportunity for Berkshire Hathaway Energy. He stressed the company will only sell energy to hyperscalers if it has no impact on other customers' rates.
What to watch
The test is whether Berkshire can expand its energy business without shifting costs onto existing ratepayers, a condition that could determine how much of the AI demand it captures. Watch whether community opposition forces further restrictions on data center development.

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Context & Analysis

Abel's comments, made during a CNBC interview from Japan, highlight how Berkshire is positioning for the AI boom without overcommitting. The energy path is cautious, with a clear condition to protect existing customers. The Alphabet investment, which began with Buffett last year, shows a willingness to back a major player in AI infrastructure.

The Japan trip also showed Abel focusing on long-term relationships with the five trading houses and Tokio Marine, despite rising Japanese interest rates. He noted that none of the trading companies see higher rates as a fundamental challenge. He also sees U.S. homebuilders on a bumpy road but believes Taylor Morrison will be a strong asset in the long term.

FAQ

What is the size of Berkshire's investment in Alphabet?: Berkshire's investment in Alphabet is now almost $36 billion, initiated by Warren Buffett last year. It also made a $10 billion purchase of Alphabet stock directly from the company this spring.
How did Berkshire acquire its Alphabet shares?: Abel received a call on a Sunday morning in late May with an offer to join a large equity offering by Alphabet. They agreed to a $10 billion purchase at a 6 1/2% discount and consummated the transaction.