Analysis

Buffett's 13F Shows a $10B Alphabet Bet and a Visa Exit

By David TarazonaAug 06, 20264 min read

Warren Buffett's May 2026 13F filing reveals a $10.01 billion increase in Alphabet stock and a full exit from Visa.

Buffett's 13F Shows a $10B Alphabet Bet and a Visa Exit

Warren Buffett dramatically expanded his Alphabet position while exiting Visa and adding new stakes in Delta Air Lines and Macy's. — Wikipedia contributors, via Wikimedia Commons

Warren Buffett's May 2026 13F filing reveals a $10.01 billion increase in Alphabet stock and a full exit from Visa. The filing, dated 2026-05-15, also shows new positions in Delta Air Lines and Macy's. Investors tracking hedge fund moves can use this data to inform their own decisions.

The $10 Billion Alphabet Bet That Reshaped Berkshire's Portfolio

Warren Buffett's 13F filing dated 2026-05-15 shows ALPHABET INC added $10,014,229,467, in reported value, the largest 13F increase in that filing period.

This increase added 3.89 percentage points to the portfolio weight of ALPHABET INC, according to the SEC filing.

The filing also shows new positions in DELTA AIR LINES INC, ALPHABET INC, and MACYS INC.

DELTA AIR LINES INC is the largest new 13F bet, representing 1.01% of the latest portfolio.

Together, these changes signal a major shift toward travel and tech stocks.

The filing submitted to the SEC on 2026-05-15 lists only 10 total positions.

The Paper Trail: What 13F Filings Reveal and What They Hide

A lawyer in a black suit reviews paperwork at an office, focused and engaged. Quarterly 13F reports disclose long equity stakes but omit shorts and cash, arriving at least 45 days after quarter-end. — Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels

13F filings are submitted quarterly by any manager controlling investments of at least $100 million, according to WhaleWisdom.

Funds must submit their list of qualifying 13F securities no more than 45 days after the end of quarter date.

The 13F form only shows long equity positions; it does not reveal short positions or cash levels.

Investors can access these filings directly on the SEC's EDGAR system.

The May 2026 filing for Berkshire Hathaway is available at the SEC archive.

The delay between quarter end and filing date means the data is at least 45 days old.

A Pattern of Trims and Exits: AmEx, Visa, and Mastercard

A person analyzing a return on investment report with a pen in hand on a desk. Significant trims and full exits from payment processing companies reflect a broader restructuring of the investment portfolio. — Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels

Warren Buffett's largest 13F trim was AMERICAN EXPRESS CO, reduced by $10,229,173,929, in reported value, a 3.03 percentage point drop in portfolio weight.

The filing also shows reductions in APPLE INC and BANK AMERICA CORP.

VISA INC was fully removed after representing 1.06% of the prior portfolio, according to the 2026-05-15 filing.

MASTERCARD INCORPORATED and UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC were also fully exited.

These changes suggest a shift away from payment processors and healthcare stocks.

The pattern is not isolated; it reflects a broader restructuring of the portfolio.

Who Benefits From 13F Disclosure: Retail Investors and Data Platforms

Retail investors can monitor hedge fund moves by tracking 13F filings, many of which are available free on SEC EDGAR.

WhaleWisdom offers a 13F Fund Performance Search and a 13F Stock Screener for advanced filtering, according to their website.

These tools let users compare fund performance and screen for specific holdings.

Unusual Whales provides options flow, dark pool data, and market analysis tools, according to their institutional page.

These platforms democratize access to institutional research.

However, the data's 45-day lag means retail investors are always at least one quarter behind.

What Happens Next: Upcoming Filing Deadlines and 13D/G Signals

13D/G filings are required for owners of more than 5% of a publicly traded security, and they are due within 10 business days of a triggering event, per WhaleWisdom.

These filings provide faster signals than 13F filings, which have a 45-day delay.

Investors should watch for the next quarter's 13F filings, expected about 45 days after the quarter end.

For Berkshire, the next filing will show whether the Alphabet stake was increased further.

Monitoring 13D/G filings can reveal activist investors building positions in real time.

Tracking both filing types gives a more current picture of whale activity.

FAQ

Who must file a 13F?

Any investment manager with at least $100 million in qualifying assets must file a 13F with the SEC. This includes hedge funds, mutual funds, pension funds, and other institutional investors. The filing lists all U.S. equity holdings and must be submitted within 45 days after the end of each quarter.

What is the difference between a 13F and a 13D/G filing?

A 13F is a quarterly report of all equity holdings by managers with over $100 million in assets. A 13D/G is filed when an entity owns more than 5% of a public company, and it must be updated within 10 business days of a material change. 13D/G filings are timelier, while 13F filings provide a full portfolio snapshot.

Why do 13F filings have a 45-day delay?

The SEC requires managers to file their 13F within 45 days after the end of each quarter. This gives funds time to prepare their holdings data. For investors, this means the information is always at least one quarter old, so they should not assume current positions match the filing exactly.

What tools can help you track hedge fund 13F filings?

WhaleWisdom offers a 13F Fund Performance Search and a 13F Stock Screener. Unusual Whales provides additional data like options flow and dark pool metrics. Both platforms allow users to search by fund, stock, or sector, making it easier to follow specific whales like Warren Buffett.

How long does a fund have to file a 13D/G after an event?

A 13D/G filing must be submitted within 10 business days of the triggering event. The event can be a purchase that pushes ownership above 5%, or a sale that drops it below that threshold. This makes 13D/G filings a faster way to track major ownership changes.

What does Warren Buffett's latest 13F show about his portfolio?

Buffett's 2026-05-15 filing shows Apple remains the top holding at 22.0%, followed by American Express at 17.4%. He added a new position in Alphabet worth $10.01 billion and exited Visa. The filing reflects a shift away from payment processors and toward travel and tech stocks.