Warren Buffett retired as Berkshire’s CEO on Dec. 31, 2025, marking a historic shift for the company he helped transform into a trillion-dollar business. Successor Greg Abel is expected to continue many of Buffett’s investing principles, including potential changes to Berkshire’s longtime top investment holding, Apple.

Apple has been the undisputed largest holding in Berkshire’s portfolio for years, driven by its loyal customer base, premium products like the iPhone, and leading share buyback program. Despite Buffett’s selling activity leading up to his retirement, Apple’s incorporation of AI technology is poised to drive future growth.

With Buffett’s retirement and Apple’s historically high valuation, new CEO Greg Abel is likely to further pare down Berkshire’s stake in the company in 2026. This shift could open the door for American Express to ascend to the top spot in Berkshire’s portfolio, as its stock has been steadily held by the company for 35 years.

American Express is poised for growth, benefiting from a strong U.S. economy and its dual role as a payment processor and lender. The company’s ability to attract affluent clientele, coupled with a strong dividend yield, makes it a promising investment for Berkshire Hathaway and its investors.

Looking beyond Apple, investors may want to consider the 10 best stocks identified by The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team for potential high returns. With a track record of market-crushing outperformance, Stock Advisor offers insights for individual investors seeking growth opportunities in the stock market.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Berkshire Hathaway Is on Track to Have a New No. 1 Holding Following Warren Buffett’s Retirement