The investment narrative surrounding Apple Inc. is currently being pulled in two distinct directions. On one side, a bullish outlook fueled by artificial intelligence prospects is gaining momentum. On the other, persistent selling activity from a major shareholder and corporate insiders creates a countervailing force. This divergence presents a complex picture for investors weighing the company’s future trajectory.
Institutional and Insider Trading Activity
A detailed look at recent ownership changes reveals significant movement. The most closely watched transaction involves Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. Verified data for the third quarter of 2025 shows the conglomerate sold approximately 41.78 million Apple shares. This represents a reduction of about 14.9% in its position, a figure that corrects earlier, erroneous reports of a 79-million-share sale.
The updated Berkshire holding profile is as follows:
* Q3 2025 Sale: Roughly 42 million shares
* Remaining Stake: Approximately 238.2 million shares
* Current Holding Value: Around $66.2 billion
* Notable Trend: The firm has been a net seller for 12 consecutive quarters.
Despite this sustained trimming, Apple remains Berkshire’s largest single portfolio holding, accounting for over 22% of its investments. Sources indicate the sales are motivated primarily by tax and valuation considerations rather than a fundamental loss of confidence in the company.
Simultaneously, corporate insiders have engaged in notable disposals. In early October, CEO Tim Cook sold 129,963 shares worth about $33.4 million. CFO Kevan Parekh reduced his holding by approximately 32%, parting with 4,199 shares.
This selling pressure is partially offset by buying from other institutional players. Cary Street Partners Financial LLC increased its position to nearly 459,000 shares. Furthermore, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute initiated a new stake, adding to the mixed flow of funds.
The Bull Case: An AI-Driven Supercycle
Counterbalancing the selling pressure is a highly optimistic analysis from Wedbush strategist Dan Ives. On December 12, 2025, he raised his price target for Apple shares from $320 to $350, which he notes is the highest target on Wall Street. He maintains an “Outperform” rating.
Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Apple?
Ives bases his bullish stance on three concrete catalysts:
* AI Integration: Apple is reportedly nearing an agreement with Google to significantly enhance Siri’s capabilities with more powerful AI features, potentially upgrading its ecosystem and unlocking new revenue streams.
* iPhone 17 Cycle: Sales data for the iPhone 17 is reportedly strong, with Ives forecasting robust demand for the ongoing holiday quarter.
* Monetizable User Base: He views Apple’s installed base of roughly 2.4 billion active iOS devices as a massive platform for monetization through services, hardware upgrades, and new AI functionalities.
The analyst argues that many investors are underestimating the potential impact of an “AI supercycle.” He believes share price appreciation of $75 to $100 per share within the next year is realistic if these catalysts materialize.
Technical Analysis Shows Consolidation
From a chart perspective, Apple’s shares are in a period of consolidation rather than exhibiting dramatic moves. The current price of 236.65 euros positions the stock just above its 50-day moving average of 233.03 euros. It remains well above its 52-week low, with approximately 4% of upside to its recent high.
Key technical indicators suggest a neutral near-term bias:
* A Relative Strength Index (RSI) reading of 56.7 indicates the stock is neither clearly overbought nor oversold.
* The annualized 30-day volatility of just over 14% points to a moderate level of price fluctuation.
The overall technical picture supports an intact upward trend that has recently entered a phase of sideways movement.
Conclusion: Compelling Growth Versus Measured Divestment
In summary, Apple finds itself caught between powerful, opposing narratives. Fundamentally, optimistic analysts project a significant growth surge driven by AI initiatives, a solid iPhone 17 cycle, and a vast device ecosystem. This faces headwinds from a defined, ongoing reduction in Berkshire Hathaway’s stake and notable insider sales, which can create near-term supply pressure in the market.
However, the correction of the Berkshire sales data—42 million shares versus the initially reported 79 million—mitigates the most severe negative scenarios. The critical factor for the coming months will be Apple’s ability to successfully translate its announced AI initiatives into tangible new revenue, thereby validating the confidence in an impending “AI supercycle.”
Ad
Apple Stock: Buy or Sell?! New Apple Analysis from December 12 delivers the answer:
The latest Apple figures speak for themselves: Urgent action needed for Apple investors. Is it worth buying or should you sell? Find out what to do now in the current free analysis from December 12.
Apple: Buy or sell? Read more here...
