Core Viewpoint - The discussion begins with an acknowledgment of a sentiment that seems almost unnatural for long-time observers of Berkshire [1] Group 1 - The company is recognized for its long-standing reputation and the unique perspectives that come with it [1]

Core Insights - Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, has taken a significant stake in Alphabet during the second quarter, marking a notable investment decision as Buffett has previously expressed regret for not investing in Alphabet sooner [1][2] - Alphabet's stock has experienced substantial growth since Berkshire's investment, raising questions about its future value and whether it remains a good investment for 2026 [2][5] Investment Details - Berkshire's investment in Alphabet was disclosed through Form 13F filings, indicating that shares were purchased between July 1 and September 30, with potential gains depending on the timing of the purchases [4] - Since July 1, Alphabet's stock has increased by approximately 75%, and even if purchased at the end of September, it has still risen nearly 30%, showcasing strong short-term performance [5] Valuation Analysis - At the time of Berkshire's potential purchase, Alphabet was trading at over 16 times forward earnings, but it has since risen to 29 times forward earnings, indicating a shift from a discount to a premium compared to the S&P 500, which trades at 22 times forward earnings [7][9] - The significant increase in valuation raises questions about the current attractiveness of Alphabet as an investment [9] Growth Drivers - Alphabet's recent stock surge can be attributed to positive developments in a court case regarding its Google Search engine, where it faced less severe concessions than anticipated [9] - The company has also established itself as a leader in the generative AI sector, prompting competitors like OpenAI to express concern over Alphabet's advancements [10] Financial Performance - Alphabet's core businesses, including advertising and cloud computing, have shown strong growth, with Google Search revenue increasing by 15% year-over-year and Google Cloud growing by 34% in the third quarter, contributing to an overall growth of 16% for the quarter [12] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose by 35%, indicating robust financial health and potential for continued success [12] Future Outlook - Given Alphabet's strong position and growth trajectory, it is suggested that investors may consider following Buffett's lead in investing in Alphabet, although returns may differ due to the timing of entry into the stock [13]

Hello and welcome to Asking for a Trend. I'm Josh Lipton. In the next half hour, we are breaking down the trends of today that'll move stocks tomorrow.There's a lot to keep track of, so we're focusing on what you need to know to get ahead of the curve. Here are some of the trends we're going to be diving right into. The S&P 500 snapping a 4-day losing streak thanks to the CPI reading.Got a check on the market action, including moves in the AI trade and gold. Plus, a look at the future of Berkshire Hathaway ...

While Buffett hasn't had a problem finding opportunities to invest capital throughout most of his tenure, the value-focused investor has found fewer investments to his liking in recent years. Berkshire has sold more stocks than it bought for its equity portfolio in each of the last dozen quarters. These stock sales, which have included trimming its Apple position, have contributed to the rise in its cash position. Meanwhile, Buffett hasn't found too many acquisition opportunities either. Berkshire's recentl ...

Key Takeaways BRK.B enters a new era in 2026 as Greg Abel succeeds Warren Buffett as CEO, with Buffett staying as chairman.Abel has led non-insurance operations and served as vice chairman since 2018, prepping for the top role.Despite succession plans, uncertainty remains on how BRK.B will perform under Abel's leadership post-2026.The next year is expected to be a transitional year for Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) as Warren Buffett steps down from the position of CEO and Greg Abel assumes the role. Buffett’s ...

The Bank of Japan is set to raise interest rates to a three-decade high on Friday, marking another landmark shift for a country long accustomed to near-zero rates and unconventional monetary policy. The central bank is widely expected to raise short-term interest rates to 0.75% from 0.5% at its two-day policy meeting ending Dec. 19. While still low by global standards, the move adds weight to Japan’s growing conviction that the country has achieved a sustainable cycle of rising inflation and solid wage ga ...

Investment Announcements - Apple has announced a $600 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and workforce training [1] - Johnson & Johnson plans to invest $55 billion in U.S. manufacturing, research and development, and new technologies [1] - Hyundai is investing $26 billion in the U.S. to enhance automotive production capacity and localize key components [1] - Toyota has announced plans to invest up to $10 billion in its U.S. operations over the next five years [4] Economic Outlook - Despite criticism of Trump's tariff policies, major companies continue to view the U.S. as a reliable place for investment, indicating strong confidence in the U.S. market [2] - The manufacturing sector has not yet seen a boom, with U.S. manufacturing activity contracting for the ninth consecutive month in November [3] - Trump claims that the return of factories from countries like Germany, Japan, and Canada is driven by companies wanting to avoid tariffs, leading to significant capital investments [3] Industry Trends - The auto industry is highlighted as a key sector experiencing a revival due to tariff policies, with companies returning to the U.S. for production [4][5] - Trump asserts that the U.S. is on the verge of unprecedented economic growth, attributing this to his tariff policy [5]

Warren Buffett is about to step down, but he's leaving behind a portfolio featuring several high-quality artificial intelligence (AI) stocks.Warren Buffett has served as Berkshire Hathaway's (BRK.A +1.01%)(BRK.B +0.85%) CEO since 1965, overseeing hundreds of acquisitions and stock purchases that have catapulted the conglomerate to a trillion-dollar valuation.Buffett plans to step down on Jan. 1, capping off a stellar 60-year run. Had you invested $1,000 in Berkshire stock when he took the helm, you'd be sit ...

The soon-to-be-retiring Oracle of Omaha has set his trillion-dollar company up to enter 2026 with nearly $184 billion invested in four brand-name businesses.In less than two weeks, iconic billionaire Warren Buffett will retire from the CEO role at Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A +0.93%)(BRK.B +0.89%) and hand the reins over to the trillion-dollar company he helped build.But just because the Oracle of Omaha is hanging up his work coat, it doesn't mean he hasn't been positioning his company's $318 billion investmen ...

Greg Abel is set to take over as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year.The end of the year is fast approaching, and for Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A +0.93%)(BRK.B +0.85%) shareholders, that means one important thing: Their company will have a new CEO. Warren Buffett, who has been at the helm of Berkshire for decades, is finally retiring. The billionaire investor has enjoyed a remarkably successful career, which will finally draw to a close.Losing its visionary and long-term leader will obviously be ...