BRK-B Stock Today: December 31 — Buffett’s Last Day, Abel Takes Helm
Berkshire Hathaway stock is front and centre today as Warren Buffett retires on December 31 and Greg Abel takes over on January 1. For Canadian investors, the leadership change raises fresh questions on buybacks, cash deployment, and future acquisitions. As of the latest print, BRK-B trades near short-term averages with steady momentum. Below, we outline what the handoff could mean for sentiment, valuation, and positioning, with a focus on practical steps for CA-based portfolios.
What Buffett’s Exit Means for Investors Today
Berkshire Hathaway stock often reflects confidence in disciplined capital allocation. With Warren Buffett retires headlines, investors may test the premium embedded in the shares. At a price-to-book near 1.54 and price-to-earnings around 16.1, the current setup looks reasonable for a diversified insurer-led group. Short term, headlines can sway multiples, but cash strength and operating breadth tend to dampen shocks, especially for long-only mandates.
Greg Abel Berkshire focus will be execution: consistent buybacks when value allows and patient cash deployment into high-return projects. Media analysis highlights near-term uncertainty around cadence and deal appetite, but governance is deep and incentives are aligned. For Canadians, the core question is whether Berkshire Hathaway stock continues to compound book value at a solid clip without stretching risk. Abel’s operating track record supports that view, pending proof in 2026.
BRK-B Price, Valuation, and Technical Setup
The latest quote is $505.68 (USD), with day range $502.86–$505.89 and a 52-week band of $440.10–$542.07. RSI sits at 53.45, ADX at 12.24 signals no strong trend, and MACD is slightly positive. Key reference lines: 50-day at $497.64, 200-day at $498.20, Bollinger middle $500.27 and upper $509.15. Volume of 1.27M trails the 4.72M average, suggesting muted conviction.
Berkshire Hathaway stock trades at EV/EBITDA near 11.6 and price-to-sales around 2.89, alongside book value per share of $324.46. Notably, the only listed price target is $450, below spot, and analyst coverage is thin. Earnings are slated for February 21, 2026. For active traders, watch $500 as first support and $509–$512 as near resistance. Longer term, compounding remains the core thesis.
What Canadian Investors Should Consider
BRK-B reports and trades in USD. Canadians should plan for FX impact on returns, brokerage conversion costs, and any hedging preferences. Berkshire pays no dividend, which simplifies cross-border tax items, especially inside RRSPs or TFSAs. Many CA investors hold Berkshire Hathaway stock directly on U.S. exchanges via their broker. Check spreads, FX rates, and fees before placing orders.
Berkshire adds exposure to insurance float, rail, utilities, and a large equity portfolio. This can temper volatility versus single-sector bets. The Berkshire succession moment introduces perception risk, but fundamentals like underwriting discipline and regulated assets help. For Canadians, size positions so that FX swings and U.S. market moves do not dominate outcomes. Rebalance if weights drift after big moves.
What to Watch Next
Management commentary will matter most now. Investors will look for clarity on repurchase thresholds, M&A filters, and cash levels. Business leaders are already reflecting on Buffett’s playbook, reinforcing focus on discipline and clarity source. Expect the first Abel-era letter to set tone. Broader coverage notes that uncertainty may linger near term source.
Final Thoughts
For Canadians watching Berkshire Hathaway stock, the handoff from Warren Buffett to Greg Abel is a governance milestone, not a strategy overhaul. Near term, headlines can nudge the multiple and keep trading ranges tight around $500–$512. The medium-term case still rests on steady underwriting, regulated assets, opportunistic buybacks, and patient capital deployment. Practical steps: size positions with FX in mind, use limit orders near key levels, and review exposure after the first Abel-era letter and Q4 results. If the buyback program stays disciplined and cash is applied to high-return opportunities, long-horizon investors may see continued book value compounding. Keep expectations realistic and decisions grounded in valuation, not headlines.
FAQs
It can be, if you value disciplined buybacks, a strong balance sheet, and diversified cash flows. Short-term sentiment may wobble around the leadership change, but core operations are stable. Focus on valuation markers like price-to-book near 1.5 and watch how Greg Abel prioritizes cash deployment in early communications.
Watch $500 as first support, the 50-day near $498, and Bollinger upper around $509 as resistance. RSI near 53 suggests neutral momentum, with ADX near 12 implying no strong trend. A decisive close above $512 could open room toward $520, while a break below $497 would re-test the $490s.
The shares are in USD, so CAD returns will move with the exchange rate. Consider holding USD cash inside your account, comparing your broker’s FX rate, or using a hedging tool if available. Since Berkshire pays no dividend, cross-border tax issues are simpler, especially within registered accounts.
Buyback pace, any large acquisition, and guidance around capital allocation will be key. Also watch insurance underwriting results and utility regulatory updates. The next earnings date is February 21, 2026. Clear communication from Greg Abel could ease uncertainty and support the valuation multiple.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
