Buffett’s Last Act: Amazon Dump & NYT Gamble!

Alright, settle in, folks! We’re peering into the financial brain of Warren Buffett – yes, the Warren Buffett – during what is likely his swan song as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. It’s like watching a master magician do his last trick, except instead of pulling rabbits out of hats, he’s shuffling billions in stocks. And let me tell you, this quarter’s filing? It’s a doozy! A real knee-slapper… financially speaking, of course. We’re talking about a 77% exodus from Amazon and a brand-new bet on… The New York Times. Oy vey!

Now, Buffett’s stepping back, becoming chairman – which basically means he’ll be the guy nodding wisely in the background. But this quarter? This is probably the last time we get a direct glimpse into what this financial Yoda thinks. So, pay attention! It’s like a financial archaeological dig – we’re uncovering clues about the Oracle of Omaha’s thinking.

Let’s start with Amazon. 77% gone! It’s like he decided Amazon was a nice enough company, but not quite… enough. It wasn’t a passionate romance, more like a polite acquaintance. Berkshire kept it under 1% of the portfolio – a financial afterthought! They were all in on Apple and Alphabet, those were the starlets in his portfolio. Amazon? She was the reliable understudy.

Now, you might be thinking, “What gives? Amazon is a behemoth!” And you’d be right! It’s got this incredible e-commerce machine, shipping stuff faster than you can say “prime shipping.” And then there’s Amazon Web Services – basically the cloud infrastructure for half the internet. It’s like they own the pipes that carry all our cat videos. But, there were rumblings. Trump’s tariffs were a headache – all those products coming from China! And then there’s the AI race. Amazon’s trying to catch up, throwing around $200 billion in capital expenditures – that’s enough to buy a small country! But, at 26 times forward earnings, maybe it’s a buying opportunity… if you’re feeling lucky. Though, let’s be honest, investing is always a gamble. It’s like playing poker with the house always knowing your hand.

But here’s the real kicker: Berkshire plunked down $350 million on… The New York Times! Yes, The New York Times! The Gray Lady herself! It’s like betting on a horse-drawn carriage in the age of rockets! Now, Buffett has a history with newspapers. He used to own The Washington Post (sold it off) and had a whole stable of dailies. But he’s always been a fan of “moats” – those competitive advantages that protect a company from rivals. And right now, The New York Times has a pretty impressive one.

They’ve pulled off this amazing digital transformation – podcasts, games, even bought The Athletic for sports fans. They’re adding almost half a million digital subscribers every quarter! That’s like building a whole new readership while everyone else is shrinking! And while The Washington Post is busy laying people off, The New York Times is thriving. It’s like watching a financial David and Goliath story. Trading at close to 28 times forward earnings? It’s not cheap! But Buffett loves a good moat, and The New York Times is building a fortress. It’s a newspaper that’s actually growing in the age of the internet? Who knew!

So, what does it all mean? Buffett’s last act is a bit of a head-scratcher. He’s dumping Amazon, betting on the Gray Lady. It’s a sign that even the greatest investors can change their minds. And it’s a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of technology, a strong brand and a loyal readership still matter. And frankly, it’s a pretty good story. A financial comedy, if you will. And trust me, folks, in the world of stocks, a little bit of comedy is always a good thing.

2026-02-24 14:12

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