Why Investors Are Even More Bullish About Berkshire Hathaway Without Warren Buffett

On February 2, 2026, a fresh wave of debate hit the market: can Berkshire Hathaway keep winning after Warren Buffett steps away? One investing commentary argues the answer is “yes”—and even suggests the bull case may be stronger now that Greg Abel is in the CEO seat.

This rewritten, expanded news-style feature explains that thesis in clear detail: what changes under new leadership, why certain legacy holdings may be trimmed, and how Berkshire’s giant cash pile could shape the next decade. It also highlights key risks—because staying bullish doesn’t mean ignoring reality.

The Big Transition: Berkshire After Buffett

Berkshire Hathaway has always been bigger than one person, but it’s impossible to talk about the company without acknowledging Buffett’s influence. For decades, he acted as the “final filter” on capital allocation—deciding when to buy, when to sell, and when to do nothing at all.

Now, with Buffett retired and Greg Abel taking over as CEO (described as having stepped in less than a month before the commentary was published), investors are watching for early signals.

The core argument is simple: Berkshire was built to last. The culture, the balance sheet, and the long-term mindset were designed to survive leadership changes. Supporters believe the company can keep compounding value for decades—possibly far beyond a typical investor’s lifetime—because the “system” Buffett built may be more important than the man himself.

Why Some Investors Are Nervous—and Why Bulls See Opportunity

Any major leadership transition creates anxiety. In Berkshire’s case, the worry is amplified because Buffett wasn’t just a CEO—he was a legendary investor with a reputation that attracted shareholders, deal flow, and public trust.

But the bullish counterpoint says fear can create opportunity. The idea is that some investors may overestimate how hard the transition will be, and that can lead to mispricing. In plain terms: if people panic and sell too quickly, long-term owners may be able to buy a great business at a better price.

This mindset ties closely to Buffett’s famous approach of being “greedy when others are fearful.” The pro-Berkshire view is that the same philosophy still applies—even if the face at the microphone changes.

Early Signal #1: Moving On From Kraft Heinz

The commentary points to an early decision that many Berkshire watchers have wanted for years: reducing (or setting up a gradual exit from) Berkshire’s position in Kraft Heinz.

Why Kraft Heinz Became a Problem Holding

For a company known for patience, Kraft Heinz became a symbol of “holding on too long.” The piece describes it as a rare fumble from the Buffett era—one that didn’t recover in a meaningful way and continued to drag on returns.

Several performance details are emphasized:

• Kraft Heinz shares were described as down more than 75% from 2017 highs.

• The stock was said to be down roughly 46% from its 2022 highs.

• There was discussion around talk of a spin-off, which Buffett reportedly disliked in the past.

The takeaway: even patient investors need to recognize a “value trap.” Sometimes a cheap-looking stock stays cheap for a reason. If the business struggles to regain momentum, patience alone may not fix it.

Why Bulls Like This Move Under Greg Abel

To bullish shareholders, exiting a long-time laggard can signal something important: a willingness to do “spring cleaning.” In other words, Abel may be prepared to trim holdings that no longer fit Berkshire’s quality standards or that simply tie up capital without strong payoff.

It’s not just about admitting a mistake. It’s about freeing up resources for better opportunities. If Berkshire sells part or all of its Kraft Heinz stake over time, that money can be redeployed into stronger businesses, share repurchases (if valuation makes sense), or larger deals.

The Real Ace Card: Berkshire’s Massive Cash Pile

One of the most repeated bullish points is the scale of Berkshire’s liquidity. The article notes Berkshire has more than $380 billion in cash available for Abel’s team to deploy.

That kind of cash does two huge things:

• It reduces risk. In tough markets, cash can keep operations stable and allow Berkshire to act while others are forced to retreat.

• It creates “option value.” Cash is the ability to move fast when the right deal appears—especially when prices are attractive.

Supporters argue that investors sometimes underestimate how powerful this is. Plenty of companies talk about being ready for downturns, but few can write checks at Berkshire’s scale without stressing their balance sheet.

Greg Abel’s Leadership Style: Operator First, Capital Allocator Too

Another key angle is that Greg Abel is seen as a strong manager. The optimistic view is not that Abel will magically “replace” Buffett as a stock picker—but that he can lead Berkshire in a way that keeps the machine working.

In practical terms, that means:

• Maintaining the decentralized culture that allows Berkshire’s subsidiaries to run efficiently

• Protecting the balance sheet and keeping ample liquidity

• Improving capital allocation by trimming weaker positions and focusing on better ones

In the bullish narrative, Abel doesn’t need to be a celebrity investor. He needs to be a disciplined leader who uses Berkshire’s scale wisely—especially when markets get messy.

Early Signal #2: What Else Could Berkshire “Clean Up”?

Beyond Kraft Heinz, the commentary mentions that moving on from Sirius XM could be another potential step, framing it as a possible underperformer that may not match Berkshire’s “wonderful business” preference.

Sirius XM: Cheap for a Reason?

The piece notes subscriber declines and frames the stock as statistically cheap—citing a trailing valuation around 4.9 times earnings in the commentary.

But cheap can be tricky. A business can look like a bargain and still disappoint if its core engine (like subscribers) keeps shrinking. Bulls of Berkshire’s “clean up” approach say Abel may choose to reduce exposure to companies that feel like “cigar butt” investments—businesses with a few last puffs left, but not a long runway.

That said, it’s still a judgment call. Some investors like turnarounds. Others prefer businesses with clear, durable growth. The key point is not that Sirius XM must be sold—but that under new leadership, Berkshire may review legacy positions more aggressively.

What Bulls Want Next: “Wonderful Winners” and a Big Deal

A major reason some investors stay excited is the possibility that Berkshire becomes more active again—either by increasing stakes in high-quality companies or by making a major “elephant-sized” acquisition.

The commentary specifically floats the idea that Berkshire could buy more of “wonderful winners,” mentioning Alphabet as an example of a strong business that could fit the long-term mindset.

With a cash pile measured in the hundreds of billions, Berkshire is one of the few firms that can:

• Move quickly in a crisis

• Provide capital when others can’t

• Buy entire companies or large stakes without borrowing heavily

That’s why investors watch Berkshire most closely when markets are stressed. In a downturn, great companies can trade at “sale prices.” If that happens, Berkshire has the tools to act.

The Shareholder Meeting Test: Berkshire’s Culture Without Buffett at the Mic

The annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting has long been a symbolic event—part business update, part investing “class,” and part celebration of a rare corporate culture.

The commentary suggests that even without Buffett speaking, the meeting will likely remain a major draw, with strong attendance and serious questions from shareholders. It also mentions the dynamic of Abel presenting with Ajit Jain nearby—a reminder that Berkshire’s leadership bench extends beyond one person.

This matters for confidence. If Berkshire can demonstrate clarity, discipline, and continuity publicly, it can reduce uncertainty and keep shareholders aligned with long-term goals.

Risks to Watch: A Bull Case Still Has Blind Spots

Even the strongest brand can face real challenges. A balanced news rewrite should highlight the main risks investors may consider in the “Berkshire after Buffett” era:

1) Capital Allocation Pressure

The bigger the cash pile gets, the harder it is to deploy without lowering expected returns. Berkshire must find opportunities that are large enough to matter and good enough to maintain quality. Buying “something big” just to use cash would be a mistake.

2) Public Portfolio Changes Can Surprise Investors

If Berkshire sells legacy holdings, some shareholders may celebrate, while others may disagree with the timing or targets. Even smart moves can look wrong in the short term if markets react emotionally.

3) The “Buffett Premium” Might Fade

Some investors historically paid a premium for Buffett’s judgment and reputation. If the market assigns a lower “trust premium” to Berkshire without him, the stock may trade differently—even if operations remain strong.

4) Succession Optics and Communication

Markets hate uncertainty. Berkshire’s leadership must communicate clearly, stay consistent, and avoid confusing shifts in strategy that make investors question the long-term plan.

What This Means for Everyday Investors

If you’re not running a hedge fund, the Berkshire story can still offer a practical lesson: businesses that are built on strong culture, strong cash flow, and disciplined decision-making tend to outlast leadership changes.

In this bullish framing, Berkshire is not just a stock—it’s a system:

• A diversified set of operating businesses that can produce real cash

• A conservative balance sheet that can survive rough markets

• A long-term capital allocation mindset designed to compound value

Supporters believe these traits don’t disappear just because the CEO changes. In fact, some argue the transition could unlock smarter portfolio cleanup and a new chapter of deal-making—while still honoring the core Berkshire philosophy.

FAQs About Berkshire Hathaway Without Warren Buffett

1) Did Warren Buffett really retire from Berkshire Hathaway?

Yes. The investing commentary this rewrite is based on states that Warren Buffett has retired, with Greg Abel taking over as CEO.

2) Who is the new CEO of Berkshire Hathaway?

The article identifies Greg Abel as Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO following Buffett’s retirement.

3) Why is Berkshire selling or reducing Kraft Heinz?

The commentary frames Kraft Heinz as a long-running underperformer and describes efforts to pare the stake or prepare for offloading “from time to time.”

4) How much cash does Berkshire have to invest?

The piece states Berkshire has more than $380 billion in cash available for deployment.

5) Could Berkshire buy more big tech like Alphabet?

The commentary suggests Berkshire could add to “wonderful winners,” mentioning Alphabet as an example of a high-quality business.

6) Will Berkshire’s annual shareholder meeting still matter without Buffett?

Yes. The commentary expects strong interest and engagement even without Buffett speaking, with Abel in the spotlight alongside key leadership like Ajit Jain.

7) Is Berkshire Hathaway still a good long-term hold after Buffett?

This depends on your goals and risk tolerance. The bullish view says Berkshire’s culture, discipline, and cash strength can support long-term compounding even after Buffett—especially if leadership improves portfolio positioning.

Conclusion: A New Chapter, Not the End of the Story

The central message of the original commentary is optimism: Berkshire Hathaway was designed to endure. In this telling, Buffett’s retirement doesn’t automatically weaken Berkshire—because the company’s identity is rooted in disciplined capital allocation, durable businesses, and a balance sheet that can strike when others can’t.

And if Greg Abel’s early moves truly reflect a willingness to cut underperformers like Kraft Heinz and sharpen Berkshire’s portfolio, some investors believe the next era could be surprisingly strong—different from Buffett’s, but still deeply aligned with the long game.

Source note: This is an original, expanded rewrite based on a February 2, 2026 commentary published by 24/7 Wall St.

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