Everyone Is Watching Greg Abel. But Another Berkshire Hathaway Stock Picker Is Quietly Winning in 2026.
Written by Thomas Niel for The Motley Fool -> Greg Abel may have taken over as CEO, but he's not the only one making key investment decisions at Berkshire Hathaway. Berkshire's positions in DaVita a
Greg Abel may have taken over as CEO, but he's not the only one making key investment decisions at Berkshire Hathaway. Berkshire's positions in DaVit
Read Full Story at Nasdaq News →Why This Matters
The spotlight on Greg Abel obscures a critical reality: Berkshire Hathaway's decentralized investment philosophy has always relied on multiple decision-makers, not just its CEO. Abel's rise may dominate headlines, but the firm's outsize returns often stem from the work of lesser-known portfolio managers like Todd Combs and Ted Weschler, whose stock-picking prowess could prove even more consequential in 2026. This dynamic challenges the assumption that leadership transitions automatically reshape investment strategies, revealing how Berkshire's identity is more distributed than its public persona suggests.
Background Context
Berkshire's investment model has historically operated like a holding company for autonomous managers, with Warren Buffett's endorsement serving as a unifying force rather than a directive. Abel, a career Berkshire executive, inherits a company where stock positions are often managed by executives who report to him but operate with significant independence—DaVita being a prime example. The 2018 addition of Combs and Weschler as portfolio managers underscored this structure, yet their contributions remain underappreciated outside financial circles.
What Happens Next
If DaVita's recent performance continues to outpace Abel's public investments, it could accelerate a shift in how Berkshire allocates capital, potentially elevating the role of specialized stock pickers over traditional acquisitions. Meanwhile, the market will scrutinize whether Abel's operational priorities—like his focus on energy and railroads—divert resources from equities. Watch for disclosures in Berkshire's 2025 filings, which may hint at whether the firm is doubling down on these managers or centralizing more control.
Bigger Picture
Berkshire's decentralized model reflects a broader tension in corporate governance: the balance between top-down vision and grassroots expertise. As passive investing grows dominant, firms like Berkshire that blend concentrated stock selection with operational discipline face unique advantages. The 2026 performance of its lesser-known managers could redefine what "Berkshire-style" investing looks like in an era where even Buffett's successors must prove their mettle beyond his shadow.
