Berkshire Hathaway Moves Toward Full Divestment of Kraft Heinz Stake

A significant shift in the ownership of Kraft Heinz appears imminent. Regulatory filings indicate that Berkshire Hathaway has registered the potential sale of approximately 325.4 million shares in the food giant. This move would represent an almost complete exit by the major shareholder and coincides with a period of strategic disagreement regarding the company’s future direction.

Upcoming Earnings in Focus

For investors, this uncertainty arrives at an inopportune moment. The market’s attention is now fixed on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, when Kraft Heinz is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter results. Analysts, anticipating a challenging environment, project earnings of about $0.61 per share. These figures will need to demonstrate whether the core business possesses sufficient stability to withstand the potential departure of its most significant anchor investor.

Despite recent volatility, with shares currently trading at $24.45 and having lost 12.51% of their value over a 12-month period, the stock remains pertinent for income-focused investors. This is due to its dividend yield of roughly 6.55%, even as the price decline weighs on sentiment.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Kraft Heinz?

Strategic Split at the Heart of the Dispute

The planned divestment marks a clear departure under the leadership of Greg Abel, who officially assumed the role of CEO at Berkshire Hathaway on January 1, 2026. As Abel reassesses the holding company’s portfolio, the withdrawal seems primarily driven by divergent views on Kraft Heinz’s strategic path forward.

The central point of contention is the company’s proposed separation into two independent, publicly-traded entities. The plan, targeting completion in the second half of 2026, would split the business into “Global Taste Elevation Co.” and “North American Grocery Co.” The former is designed to consolidate high-growth sauces and condiments, while the latter would focus on staple products such as Oscar Mayer and Kraft Singles. Reports suggest that Warren Buffett has expressed criticism of this initiative, placing him at odds with the current management team at Kraft Heinz.