Berkshire Hathaway Resumes Buybacks, CEO Invests $15.3M and Backs Kraft Heinz Pause
Berkshire Hathaway has resumed share repurchases for the first time since May 2024, deploying part of its $373.3 billion cash pile. CEO Greg Abel also used his full $15.3 million 2026 salary to buy stock and endorsed pausing Kraft Heinz's planned split.
1. Resumption of Buyback Program
Berkshire Hathaway filed a notice to the SEC on Wednesday to restart share repurchases for the first time since May 2024, signaling that CEO Greg Abel and chairman Warren Buffett will deploy part of the $373.3 billion cash reserve when the shares trade below their intrinsic value.
2. CEO’s Personal Share Purchase
Greg Abel devoted his entire $15.3 million 2026 salary to acquiring Berkshire stock, demonstrating his confidence in the company’s future and aligning his interests with those of long-term shareholders.
3. Stance on Kraft Heinz Split
Abel publicly supported Kraft Heinz’s decision to pause its planned two-way split, noting that addressing operational challenges first could restore brand performance and value before considering structural changes.
4. Ongoing Capital Allocation Philosophy
Abel reaffirmed the company’s long-standing practice of eschewing dividends in favor of reinvesting free cash flow and using disciplined share repurchases as the primary mechanism to enhance shareholder returns.