1 Prediction for Berkshire Hathaway in 2026
Key Points
Buffett has been training Greg Abel for his new leadership role at Berkshire for two years.
Abel sees his responsibility to protect and grow shareholder funds.
The equity managers aren't going anywhere.
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2026 is going to be an important year for Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B). It's the end of an era as CEO Warren Buffett steps down from his leadership role and Greg Abel takes over.
There's been a lot of reporting and discussion already about what it might mean for the company. Here's one prediction.
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Not much will change for Berkshire
My biggest prediction for Berkshire Hathaway in 2026 is pretty anticlimactic. I don't think much is going to change. Warren Buffett didn't choose Greg Abel for his vision and innovative spirit. He chose him because, in his own words, "He is a great manager, a tireless worker, and an honest communicator." That's Buffett's way, and he has trained Abel for the past 25 years.
Buffett always notes his pride in taking care of shareholder funds, which he sees as a big responsibility. At this year's annual meeting, Buffett noted that once you build something big like Berkshire Hathaway, you don't want to take too many risks that could tear it down. Abel's job is to protect what's been built and keep it going. Buffett's still going to be around (he remains Berkshire's chairman of the board), and his influence will still be felt at the company.
There are likely to be changes in the equity portfolio because there are always changes in the equity portfolio, despite Buffett's favored holding time being forever. The managers of the portfolio, Ted Weschler and Todd Combs, aren't going anywhere.
If you've been confident about Berkshire Hathaway until now, I wouldn't let Buffett's retirement change your tune. Expect the company to run as usual.
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Jennifer Saibil has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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