Berkshire got into Squishmallows through its acquisition of Alleghany, which closed in the fourth quarter of 2022. While Alleghany’s main business is insurance, the company is also a conglomerate. It owns a few non-financial businesses, including Jazwares, which is a U.S. toymaker with brands like Pokémon and Squishmallows.网页链接

Abel recently loaded up on Berkshire Hathaway shares with his personal assets. The 60-year-old vice chairman added to his stake in Berkshire in March, bringing the total value of his holdings in the company to about $105 million.

“What really gives you some optimism for the future of Berkshire post Buffett Munger is him buying in a significant stake in the company,” said Bill Stone, chief investment officer at Glenview Trust and a Berkshire shareholder. “One of the beauties of Berkshire is that you always knew it was like an owner manager.”In 2022, Berkshire proposed spending nearly $4 billion to help generate more wind and solar power to Iowa. At the same time, the conglomerate has been dramatically increasing its exposure to two traditional energy companies — Occidental Petroleum and Chevron. Some shareholders want Abel to address these moves in the industry.

“That’s the question for him. Help us understand why you are simultaneously being aggressive with your solar and wind investments in Iowa, and buying oil and gas stocks at the same time,” said Bill Smead, Smead Capital Management chief investment officer and a Berkshire shareholder.

“Only time will tell. There are companies that have done exceptionally well after their founders passed, like Apple, but others have struggled, like GE,” said another long-time shareholder who asked not to be named.