Greg Abel Invests Nearly $47 Billion in Japanese Stocks After Warren Buffett's Retirement
Following Warren Buffett’s retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on December 31, his successor Greg Abel has made significant changes to the company’s investment portfolio. In early 2026, Abel removed 16 stocks and increased investments in Alphabet (GOOGL/GOOG), which now account for nearly $37 billion of Berkshire's assets. However, a more substantial portion—almost $47 billion—is invested in Japanese equities, including major trading houses like Mitsubishi, Itochu, Mitsui, Marubeni, and Sumitomo. These companies are known as the sogo shosha and operate across multiple sectors. Abel also holds significant stakes in Tokio Marine, a leading property insurer. Abel’s focus on Japan appears driven by valuation advantages compared to overpriced U.S. stocks and favorable governance structures with strong capital-return programs like dividends and buybacks. This shift reflects his investment philosophy aligned closely with Buffett's emphasis on value investing.
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Topics: Alphabet Berkshire Hathaway Greg Abel Japan investments Sogo Shosha