When to Sell a Stock: Warren Buffett's Framework

By Matt Frankel, CFP – Mar 7, 2026 at 10:02AM ESTWarren Buffett once famously said "our favorite holding period is forever," referring to Berkshire Hathaway's (BRKA 0.39%)(BRKB 0.27%) stock investment strategy. However, the legendary investor sold stocks regularly, and here are his rules for when to sell and when to hang on. *Stock prices used were the morning prices of March 4, 2026. The video was published on March 7, 2026. Read NextMar 4, 2026 •By Selena MaranjianCould Investing $10,000 in Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Stock (BRKB) Make You a Millionaire?Feb 7, 2026 •By William DahlDividends vs. Share Buybacks: Which Is Better for Your Wallet?Feb 5, 2026 •By Adam LevyBefore Retiring, Warren Buffett Sold These 6 Stocks and Piled Into This High-Yield InvestmentFeb 4, 2026 •By Selena MaranjianWhat Happens if You Invest $500 in This Stock and Hold It for 10 Years? (Hint: Warren Buffett Will Be Very Interested in the Answer)Jan 20, 2026 •By Eric VolkmanWarren Buffett's Legacy: 2 of His Favorite Stocks to Buy and Hold ForeverJan 11, 2026 •By Adam LevyBillionaire Bill Gates Has 59% of His Foundation's $38 Billion Portfolio Invested in 3 Phenomenal StocksAbout the AuthorMatt Frankel, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst and personal finance expert covering financial stocks, REITs, SPACs, and personal finance. Prior to The Motley Fool, Matt taught high school and college mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in mathematics from Nova Southeastern University, and a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University. He won a SABEW award for coverage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He is also regularly interviewed by Cheddar, The National Desk, and other TV networks and publications for his financial, stock market, and investing expertise.TMFMattFrankelX@MattFrankelCFPStocks MentionedBerkshire HathawayNYSE: BRKB$499.04(-0.27%)-$1.36Berkshire HathawayNYSE: BRKA$747,800.01(-0.39%)-$2,949.89*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.