Why Google, and Why Now?
So, what does Buffett see in Alphabet? It’s quite simple, really. He sees a fortress. Google’s search engine is so dominant it’s practically a utility, a tollbooth on the information superhighway that collects a little something from almost everyone, every day. This generates cash flows so vast they are difficult to comprehend. It’s the modern version of the newspaper monopolies he used to love, only with far better margins and no paperboys to worry about. The company is sitting on a mountain of cash and has its fingers in everything from cloud computing to self-driving cars. It’s a bet on enduring market power, not fleeting innovation.
The Apple trim, in this context, looks less like a breakup and more like sensible housekeeping. Apple has been a phenomenal investment for Berkshire, a real home run. Taking a bit of profit off the table after such a magnificent run isn't a sign of panic, it’s just prudent. You wouldn’t sell the family estate, but you might sell a few antiques if their value suddenly went through the roof.