As Predicted, Buffett Dumps Apple

The discussion focuses on Warren Buffett’s significant sale of Apple (Nasdaq:AAPL) | AAPL Price Prediction stock during the first quarter, totaling 115 million shares. Concerns are raised about Apple’s need to innovate, particularly in AI technology, to remain compelling to…

Published May 12, 2024, 1:28pm ET · 1 min read

A close-up portrait of Warren Buffett, an older man with light gray hair and glasses, looking to his left with a pensive expression. He is wearing a dark suit, a white shirt, and a red patterned tie. His right hand is resting on his cheek, and he has a gold watch on his left wrist. In the blurred background, a red and white striped American flag with a yellow tassel is visible.
Warren Buffett, the renowned investor, is captured in a contemplative moment, emblematic of his strategic approach to long-term value investing. His significant dividend earnings from holdings like Coca-Cola exemplify this philosophy. © Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

The discussion focuses on Warren Buffett’s significant sale of Apple (Nasdaq:AAPL) | AAPL Price Prediction stock during the first quarter, totaling 115 million shares. Concerns are raised about Apple’s need to innovate, particularly in AI technology, to remain compelling to consumers who use their products not just for business but also personal enjoyment, like reading books. This sale is seen as a prelude to the upcoming launch of the iPhone 16, hinting at the critical need for this new product to captivate the consumer base effectively.

Transcript:

And we predicted, and I even wrote about it, that all during the first quarter, our friend Warren Buffett was just selling stock, selling stock, 115 million shares.
And look, he’s a brilliant guy, but I don’t think it’s a brilliant conclusion.
that if Apple does not come out with something that is AI driven, that is incredibly popular with the consumer base, because look, I know people buy iPads and watch and whatever.
Some of them use it for business, but most people they’re using it at least partially for the personal portion of their lives.
Read books, stuff like that.
It’s interesting.
It’s just not good enough compared to something you can get at a reasonable price.
And this is a prelude right now to the launch of the iPhone.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Austin Smith

Austin Smith is a financial publisher with over two decades of experience as an investor, analyst, and advisor. He covers stocks, ETFs, Artificial intelligence and personal finance for 24/7 Wall St. Previously, he spent over a decade at The Motley Fool as a senior editor for Fool.com, portfolio advisor for Millionacres, and launched The Ascent to help reader take control of their personal finances.

His work has been featured on Fool.com, NPR, CNBC, USA Today, Yahoo Finance, MSN, AOL, Marketwatch, and many other publications. He is as an advisor to private companies, and co-hosts The AI Investor Podcast with Eric Bleeker. 

When not looking for investment opportunities, he can be found skiing, running, or playing soccer with his children. Learn more about Austin's investment approach here.

All articles →