Berkshire Hathaway shares dip as the company enters post-Buffett era

Shares slipped slightly after Warren Buffett handed Greg Abel the top job, and the company held $381.7 billion in cash as of Sept. 30.

Berkshire Hathaway began a new chapter Friday as Warren Buffett handed the top job to Greg Abel and the company's Class B shares slipped modestly. Buffett led the company for about six decades and is credited with transforming it from a textile business into a large, diversified conglomerate. The change in leadership comes after a year in which Berkshire underperformed the S&P 500 and while the company has accumulated a record cash balance. Buffett is reported to remain chairman and to continue coming to the Omaha office to support Abel. Key details: - Greg Abel took over the top role after Warren Buffett handed him the job following about six decades at the helm. - Berkshire's Class B shares were reported down about 1.5% as of midday Friday. - The company held $381.7 billion in cash and equivalents as of Sept. 30. - Berkshire underperformed the benchmark S&P 500 index in 2025, according to the report. - Warren Buffett will remain chairman and is reported to continue coming to the Omaha office to support Abel. Summary: The leadership change coincided with a modest share decline and follows a period of underperformance and a record cash pile. Buffett will remain chairman and is reported to support Abel; how the company proceeds with acquisitions and capital deployment is undetermined at this time.