Finance

Berkshire’s “tiny purchase” revealed: $55M Macy’s stake in Q1

A Berkshire Hathaway regulatory filing released Friday shows the "one tiny purchase" Warren Buffett teased in March was a roughly $55 million stake in Macy's. The 13F also discloses a much larger, roughly $2.6 billion position in Delta Air Lines, underscoring a portfolio that mixes small selective bets with big, concentrated holdings.

Berkshire’s “tiny purchase” revealed: $55M Macy’s stake in Q1

Key Takeaways

  • Berkshire disclosed a roughly $55 million position in Macy’s (M) in its Q1 13F filing.
  • The filing also shows a roughly $2.6 billion stake in Delta Air Lines (DAL).
  • The Macy’s holding is a very small slice of Berkshire’s U.S.-listed equity portfolio, which totals around $300 billion on 13F measures.
  • 13F filings cover only U.S.-listed positions that meet reporting thresholds, so the filing may not reflect international or other undisclosed holdings.
  • Buffett said he discusses market developments with Mark Millard, who executes trades; portfolio managers Ted Weschler and Todd Combs remain part of Berkshire’s investment team.

People Involved

  • Warren BuffettBerkshire Hathaway chairman and chief investment voice
  • Mark MillardDirector of financial assets; executes trades for Berkshire
  • Ted WeschlerBerkshire investment manager
  • Todd CombsBerkshire investment manager
  • Greg AbelBerkshire vice chairman and operating head

Entities Involved

  • Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B)Investor and filer of the Q1 13F disclosure
  • Macy's (M)Department-store retailer; new ~ $55 million stake disclosed
  • Delta Air Lines (DAL)Airline; new ~ $2.6 billion stake disclosed
  • Mastercard (MA)Payments company; listed among stocks sold in Q1
  • Visa (V)Payments company; listed among stocks sold in Q1

MarketMoodz Analysis

For investors, the filing confirms what Buffett hinted at in March: Berkshire is willing to make small, tactical purchases even as it holds very large, long-duration positions. A $55 million stake in Macy’s is immaterial relative to a U.S.-listed equity book on the order of $300 billion, but it signals a selective appetite for consumer-facing value names. The contrast with a roughly $2.6 billion Delta stake is telling — Berkshire can make both exploratory, low-profile bets and sizable, conviction positions in cyclical sectors like airlines.

Remember the limits of 13F data: filings only list U.S.-listed securities that meet reporting thresholds and omit short positions, options positions, and many non-U.S. holdings. That means the $55 million Macy’s position is a visible data point, not a complete picture of Berkshire’s activity. Also note several contextual claims circulating about personnel changes and trade rationales lack independent verification; investors should treat reports about leadership moves or manager departures as unconfirmed until Berkshire releases an official statement.

What to watch next: track subsequent 13F updates and any SEC or company filings that show increases, board engagement, or activist activity tied to the Macy’s stake. Also watch trading in Delta and how Berkshire’s allocation shifts across consumer retail and travel — any increase in the Macy’s position or further airline purchases would signal a clearer thematic tilt for the portfolio going forward.

See the mood, every market morning

Get the Dip Buyer's Checklist — the 10 checks before you buy any dip — plus the free Morning Mood email: the market's fear/greed gauge and one name off the Oversold Board, before the open.

Get the free checklist + daily email

Want the whole Board? See the Dip Buyer's Edge →

This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Ratings and research outputs can be wrong, incomplete, or stale. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always do your own research and consider consulting a qualified professional.