Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel has restarted the company's share-buyback program and invested in a Japanese insurance firm [1, 3].
These moves signal a departure from the long-standing capital-allocation strategies of predecessor Warren Buffett, who historically avoided dividends and buybacks [4, 3]. The shift suggests a new era of financial management for the conglomerate as it seeks to deploy its massive cash reserves.
Abel made the announcements in early March 2026, barely three months into his tenure [2, 3]. As part of this new direction, Abel has invested his entire salary into company stock [2, 3].
"We are restarting share buybacks, something we have never done under Warren Buffett," Abel said [2].
Beyond the buybacks, the company has expanded its international footprint. Abel oversaw a $1.8 billion purchase of a Japanese insurance giant [2]. This investment adds to the company's existing portfolio in the region, and it diversifies its insurance holdings.
Despite the new spending, Berkshire Hathaway maintains a significant liquidity position. The company's cash holdings stood at $373.3 billion following the buyback activity [3].
When asked about the possibility of introducing dividends, Abel remained cautious. "I would never say never, but I just don't see it," Abel said [3].
The transition marks a pivot in how the U.S. firm handles its surplus capital. While Buffett focused on accumulation and selective acquisitions, Abel is implementing a strategy that returns value directly to shareholders through the open market [4, 3].
“"We are restarting share buybacks, something we have never done under Warren Buffett."”
The shift toward share buybacks indicates that Berkshire Hathaway may no longer find enough large-scale acquisitions that meet its strict internal criteria. By returning capital to shareholders and diversifying into the Japanese insurance market, Abel is transitioning the firm from a growth-and-accumulation phase into a mature capital-management phase.
