Berkshire Hathaway CEO Buys $15M in Stock, Resumes Buybacks

New leadership shows confidence in Berkshire's value as stock price lags market

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel bought $15 million worth of the company's stock and the conglomerate announced its first stock buybacks since 2024, signaling confidence in the value of Berkshire shares despite the stock lagging the broader market since Warren Buffett's retirement.

Why it matters

Berkshire Hathaway stock has struggled since Buffett's retirement, failing to keep pace with the S&P 500's 21% rise. Abel's personal investment and the resumption of buybacks suggest the new leadership believes Berkshire is undervalued and presents an opportunity for investors.

The details

Berkshire recently reported lackluster fourth-quarter earnings, with insurance underwriting income falling sharply and most other business segments seeing only single-digit increases. Many shareholders were hoping for more ambitious plans from Abel in his first shareholder letter, but he emphasized continuing Buffett's principles. The buybacks and Abel's $15 million personal investment represent his first bold moves as CEO.

  • Berkshire hit an all-time high just before Buffett's retirement announcement in May 2025.
  • Berkshire last conducted stock buybacks in the second quarter of 2024.

The players

Greg Abel

Berkshire Hathaway's CEO who recently bought $15 million worth of the company's stock with his own money and pledged to use his full salary to continue buying shares annually.

Warren Buffett

Berkshire Hathaway's legendary former CEO who stepped down at the end of 2025 and remains the company's chairman of the board.

Berkshire Hathaway

A conglomerate holding company that owns a diverse range of subsidiaries, including insurance, energy, manufacturing, and service companies.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.