Buffett's Legacy Drives Motley Fool Writer to Hold onto Berkshire Hathaway

A Motley Fool writer plans to remain a shareholder in Berkshire Hathaway (BRKB) until at least 2036, citing several reasons for their confidence in the company's long-term prospects. One reason is the culture instilled by Warren Buffett, who built the conglomerate into a $1 trillion worth entity with a nearly 20% annual return over 60 years.

Buffett stepped down as CEO at the start of 2026, but his successor, Greg Abel, has so far performed well in his role. Abel's investment portfolio includes top holdings such as Apple, American Express, and Alphabet, and he recently made a major acquisition by buying homebuilder Taylor Morrison.

Berkshire Hathaway is also notable for its diversification across various industries, including insurance, energy, and retail. Its companies include GEICO, Benjamin Moore, McLane, NetJets, Dairy Queen International, See's Candies, Fruit of the Loom, Pilot Travel Centers, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and the entire BNSF railroad.

Moreover, many of Berkshire's businesses are defensive, meaning they will continue to generate revenue even in an economic downturn. The company's energy operations, insurance businesses, and retail companies such as Dairy Queen are expected to remain resilient during tough times.