Is Warren Buffett's Last Purchase at Berkshire Hathaway a Top Stock Pick for 2026?

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]