Warren Buffett and Greg Abel Invested Over $82 Billion in Berkshire Hathaway Despite Past Warning
In February 2015, Warren Buffett issued a warning to shareholders that buying Berkshire Hathaway stock at prices significantly above book value could lead to long-term losses. However, both Buffett and his successor, Greg Abel, proceeded to invest over $82 billion in share repurchases since mid-2018, despite a 21-month hiatus between June 2024 and February 2026 when no buybacks occurred. Berkshire Hathaway has historically been comfortable buying back shares at or below a 50% premium to book value. During the hiatus period, however, its stock traded at premiums ranging from 60% to 80%. The company repurchased approximately $4.2 billion of stock in Q2 FY26 — marking one of the highest quarterly buyback amounts in three years. Buffett's transition as CEO ended on Dec. 31 after more than half a century, with Greg Abel taking over management of its investment portfolio. Despite Buffett’s caution about high entry prices for Berkshire shares, his and Abel’s continued large-scale repurchases reflect their belief in the company’s long-term value.
Topics: Berkshire Hathaway Greg Abel Stock Buybacks Warren Buffett