Berkshire Hathaway sold about $8 billion of Chevron shares in Q1 as the price hit a record. The sale cut its stake by roughly one‑third, leaving a 4.2% holding, but it remains the oil giant’s fourth‑largest shareholder. The filing, made on Friday, confirmed the reduction.

Chevron surged to a record in March after US and Israeli forces struck Iran, sending oil prices soaring. Berkshire first bought the stock in 2020 when it traded around $65, added more at $124 in 2022, and this quarter sold at a volume‑weighted average of $182.59.

The divestment lets Berkshire lock in gains from the energy rally while still holding a meaningful exposure to the sector. Maintaining a 4.2% stake signals confidence that oil profitability will endure, even as price swings pose risk for value‑focused portfolios. Analysts see the move as a pragmatic balance between cashing out and staying invested.

With oil markets likely to stay volatile, Berkshire’s trimmed yet still sizable Chevron position may sway other institutional investors’ allocation decisions. The trade underscores how even traditionally conservative conglomerates can act swiftly when commodity prices spike, reinforcing the sector’s relevance in diversified portfolios. Their continued 4.2% share keeps them in the top five holders.