This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.
Key Points
- Berkshire Hathaway is a widely diversified conglomerate.
- In some ways, the company is run similarly to a mutual fund.
- Berkshire Hathaway is sitting on a massive pool of cash that can fund future growth.
When 2026 gets underway, Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B) will see the biggest change in its business in decades. That is when investing icon Warren Buffett hands the CEO reins to Greg Abel. Don't fret, however, because Abel is being given a huge parting gift. Here's one very large reason why now is a great time to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock.
Not such a big handover
The media has made a very big deal over Buffett's decision to retire as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. That's not surprising, given his long history of success in running the company. However, it is important to note that he isn't stepping away and cutting all ties. He will remain the chairman of the board of directors. This is important.
Currently, Buffett is Abel's boss. After Abel takes over the role of CEO, Buffett will still be his boss. The new CEO is likely to have free rein to manage the company as he sees fit, but only within reason. Buffett tends to be a hands-off manager, but he isn't an absentee manager. He will likely make himself available to Abel as needed and provide a backstop if things start to go south. Abel needs to prove himself, but he isn't flying solo.
Furthermore, Abel isn't entering the role with no experience. He has worked for Berkshire Hathaway for decades. He has spent the last few years as the designated heir apparent, meaning he's likely been deeply involved in major decisions. Basically, he's well-trained in Buffett's investment approach. Given the success Buffett has achieved, it is highly unlikely that Abel tries to reinvent the wheel.
Abel is starting with a huge backstop
The primary reason to buy Berkshire Hathaway, even during this time of transition, is found on the balance sheet. It isn't really one reason; it is 381 billion reasons. That's the size of the cash hoard Abel is being handed as of the third quarter of 2025.
That $381 billion provides several benefits. It means there's some leeway for Abel to make a mistake or two. It will provide support to the company when, not if, a bear market comes along. And it gives Abel plenty of firepower to buy companies, either outright or in part, in the public market. This is exactly what Buffett has long done as he's built his successful track record.
In fact, in many ways, buying Berkshire Hathaway is really investing alongside the CEO. Historically, that meant giving Buffett your savings to invest. In the future, it will mean allowing Abel that privilege. Most investors should probably think of the company more like a mutual fund than an actual business.
That's not hyperbole. Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio of publicly traded stocks is closely followed by Wall Street. But beyond that, the massive conglomerate owns another 189 companies in their entirety. All of the company's investments are treated similarly. Their management teams have a free hand so long as things are going as expected. If things aren't going well, Buffett steps in to help. Abel will do that in the future, so the basic investment story is the same.
There's never a bad time to hire a good asset manager
Abel will have to prove himself, but given the backstops he has, it seems like he's being set up for success. Those backstops include Buffett's continued presence at the company and, even more importantly, the massive cash balance he's being handed to fund the company's future growth. All in all, if you are a long-term investor, it could still be a great time to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock even as an important leadership transition is being made.
This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.
