UPDATE: Warren Buffett has just announced his imminent departure as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, endorsing his successor Greg Abel in a heartfelt message to shareholders. In what may be his final letter before stepping down at year-end, the 95-year-old Buffett stated he will be “going quiet” as Abel takes the lead in communication.
In his letter dated November 10, 2025, Buffett urged shareholders to continue their support, emphasizing that he will remain a significant shareholder and chairman of the board. “I can’t think of a CEO, a management consultant, an academic, a member of government – you name it – that I would select over Greg to handle your savings and mine,” Buffett asserted.
Buffett downplayed recent declines in Berkshire’s stock price, declaring that Abel has “more than met” his high expectations and simply requires time to build investors’ confidence. He expressed optimism about the future, stating, “My children are already 100 percent behind Greg as are the Berkshire directors.”
As part of his transition, Buffett has converted 1,800 A shares into 2.7 million B shares and announced a staggering $1.1 billion donation to four family foundations led by his children. This donation marks a significant milestone as Buffett has given away more than half of his Berkshire shares since 2006, primarily to the Gates Foundation, yet he still retains close to 14 percent of the company.
Buffett, who has been a transformative figure at Berkshire since 1965, leading the company from a struggling textile manufacturer to a formidable $1.07 trillion conglomerate, reassured shareholders that his decision to step back does not reflect a change in his confidence in Berkshire’s prospects. He plans to maintain communication with shareholders, especially during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Reflecting on his health, Buffett admitted, “Though I move slowly and read with increasing difficulty, I am at the office five days a week where I work with wonderful people.” He acknowledged the legacy of his late partner, Charlie Munger, emphasizing his desire to hold a substantial number of Class A shares until shareholders feel the same level of comfort with Abel as they had with Munger.
As the transition unfolds, all eyes will be on Greg Abel as he takes over the reins at Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett’s endorsement and continued involvement signal a strong foundation for the company’s future. Investors are eager to see how Abel will navigate this pivotal moment in Berkshire’s history.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Berkshire Hathaway prepares for its new chapter under Greg Abel’s leadership.
