Key Takeaways
- **Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) made significant portfolio adjustments, disclosing new stakes in Nucor (NUE) and UnitedHealth (UNH), while completely exiting T-Mobile US (TMUS) and trimming its substantial Apple (AAPL) holding by 6.7% to 280 million shares.
- Applied Materials (AMAT) reported strong Q3 2025 earnings, surpassing analyst expectations with adjusted EPS of $2.48 and net sales of $7.30 billion, though its Q4 net sales guidance of $6.20 billion–$7.20 billion fell below estimates.
- US Money-Market Fund Assets reached a new all-time high of $7.19 trillion, signaling continued investor preference for liquidity and safety.
Berkshire Hathaway's Strategic Portfolio Reshuffle
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) executed notable changes in its investment portfolio, as disclosed today. The conglomerate initiated new positions in the steel industry and healthcare, while reducing its exposure to a tech giant and exiting a telecom holding.
Berkshire Hathaway revealed a new 6.6 million-share stake in Nucor (NUE), the prominent steel producer. Concurrently, the firm also established a 5 million-share position in healthcare giant UnitedHealth (UNH). These new disclosures indicate a strategic allocation of capital into sectors that may offer new growth opportunities or defensive characteristics.
On the divestment front, Berkshire Hathaway completely exited its stake in T-Mobile US (TMUS). Furthermore, the conglomerate trimmed its significant holding in Apple (AAPL) by 6.7%, bringing its total stake down to 280 million shares. This reduction in Apple, while notable, still leaves it as a substantial part of Berkshire's equity portfolio.
Applied Materials Reports Strong Q3, Cautious Q4 Outlook
Applied Materials (AMAT) announced its third-quarter 2025 financial results, reporting figures that largely exceeded market expectations. The semiconductor equipment supplier posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.48, outperforming the estimated $2.36.
Net sales for Q3 2025 reached $7.30 billion, surpassing the estimated $7.21 billion. The company's Semiconductor Systems Net Sales also came in strong at $5.43 billion, slightly above the $5.39 billion estimate. Despite the robust Q3 performance, Applied Materials provided Q4 net sales guidance ranging from $6.20 billion to $7.20 billion, which fell short of the analyst consensus of $7.32 billion. This cautious outlook for the upcoming quarter may reflect ongoing industry dynamics or supply chain considerations.
Money Market Funds Surge to Record High
In broader market news, assets held in US money-market funds have surged to an unprecedented level, reaching a record $7.19 trillion. This milestone, reported by the Investment Company Institute (ICI), underscores a continued trend of investors seeking safety and liquidity amidst the current economic climate. The substantial inflow into money market funds often indicates investor caution and a preference for low-risk assets.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.