Buffett's Legacy Continues as Abel Takes Over Berkshire Hathaway
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 03 2026
0mins
Should l Buy ALLY?
Source: Fool
- Portfolio Overview: Berkshire Hathaway's stock portfolio is valued at $267 billion, with approximately one-quarter in financial stocks, representing 40% of the total value, highlighting the company's strong positioning in the financial sector.
- Ally Financial's Strategic Shift: Ally Financial exited the mortgage origination business last year to focus on auto loans, which improved its credit quality and net interest margin; analysts project a target price of $52.50, indicating a potential 24% return by 2026 as interest rates decline.
- Jefferies Financial's Market Opportunities: As a pure-play investment bank, Jefferies Financial benefits from the active M&A market, with investment banking revenue rising 12% last year; despite a 19% stock price drop due to losses related to First Brands' bankruptcy, analysts remain bullish with a target price of $77, suggesting a 26% upside.
- Buffett's Investment Recommendations: Ally Financial and Jefferies Financial are highlighted as Buffett's quality financial stocks, making them key targets for investors in February to capitalize on the recovery opportunities in the market.
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Analyst Views on ALLY
Wall Street analysts forecast ALLY stock price to rise
15 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 40.830
Low
48.00
Averages
53.71
High
70.00
Current: 40.830
Low
48.00
Averages
53.71
High
70.00
About ALLY
Ally Financial Inc. is a financial services company. The Company’s segments include Automotive Finance operations, Insurance operations, and Corporate Finance operations. The Automotive Finance operations segment is engaged in providing automotive financing services to consumers, automotive dealers and retailers, companies, and municipalities. Its Insurance operations segment operates as a complementary automotive-focused business, offering both consumer finance protection and insurance products sold primarily through the automotive dealer channel, and commercial insurance products sold directly to dealers. Its Corporate Finance operations segment provides senior secured asset-based and leveraged cash flow loans to U.S.-based middle-market companies, with a focus on businesses owned by private equity sponsors. The Company also includes a robust corporate finance business that offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Credit Card Companies Face Bipartisan Pressure
- Political Pressure Intensifies: Amid persistent inflation, Trump and Sanders have found common ground in seeking to lower credit card annual percentage rates, with Trump proposing a 10% cap and Sanders advocating for a permanent 15% cap, potentially reshaping the profitability of credit card companies.
- Cautious Industry Response: Major credit card issuers like Capital One are in a holding pattern amidst political rhetoric, fearing that if a cap is implemented, they will be compelled to cut credit lines, adversely affecting credit access for lower-income households.
- Profitability at Risk: Analysts predict that a long-term rate cap could reduce Capital One's earnings per share by 25% or wipe them out entirely, as credit card operations account for approximately 74% of its total revenue, primarily derived from interest on customer balances.
- Acquisition Impact Significant: Capital One's $35 billion acquisition of Discover last year will be affected by any interest rate limits, as Discover's credit card balances will also be impacted, further diminishing Capital One's competitive edge, especially without a robust payment network.
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- Gender Disparity Analysis: The survey reveals that single women exhibit significantly higher financial anxiety than single men, with 38% of women feeling anxious compared to 24% of men, reflecting the complex balance women navigate between emotional fulfillment and financial responsibility.
- Confidence in Financial Goals: While 42% of singles feel confident about achieving their financial goals, this is still lower than the 48% of those in relationships, highlighting the need for more attention and strategy in financial planning for single individuals.
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- Community Contributions: Wright donates over $50,000 annually to various organizations supporting children, educators, and seniors, reflecting his deep sense of responsibility and impact on the community, which enhances his dealership's reputation.
- Sponsor Support: Ally Financial, as the exclusive sponsor of the award for 15 consecutive years, has committed to donating $10,000 to a charity of Wright's choice, demonstrating its ongoing investment in the automotive industry and community.
- Transparent Selection Process: The TIME Dealer of the Year award is selected by a panel from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan, ensuring the fairness and authority of the selection process, which further enhances the award's industry influence.
See More
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- Industry Honor: Dave Wright was named the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year at the 109th National Automotive Dealers Association Show, highlighting his exceptional achievements and community service, standing out among over 20,000 dealers nationwide.
- Community Contributions: Wright supports various community initiatives, including Goodwill and local youth clubs, with annual contributions exceeding $50,000, demonstrating his deep commitment to social responsibility and community impact.
- Sponsor Support: As the exclusive sponsor of the TIME Dealer of the Year award for 15 years, Ally Financial has donated nearly $1 million, and this year will provide $10,000 to a charity of Wright's choice, further enhancing community development efforts.
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See More
Ally Financial: The Rise of Digital Banking
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- Strong Deposit Base: Ally ended Q4 with $144 billion in retail deposits, providing a low-cost funding source for its auto loan business, further solidifying its market leadership.
- Significant Profitability Improvement: In 2025, Ally's adjusted earnings per share surged by 62%, primarily driven by higher yields on retail auto loans and lower yields on deposits, with net interest margin expanding from 3.27% in 2024 to 3.43% last year.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Wall Street analysts forecast Ally's earnings per share to grow at a compound annual rate of 23.5% from 2025 to 2028, and despite risks in the automotive sector, its strong demand and risk management capabilities present a positive outlook.
See More
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- Portfolio Overview: Berkshire Hathaway's stock portfolio is valued at $267 billion, with approximately one-quarter in financial stocks, representing 40% of the total value, highlighting the company's strong positioning in the financial sector.
- Ally Financial's Strategic Shift: Ally Financial exited the mortgage origination business last year to focus on auto loans, which improved its credit quality and net interest margin; analysts project a target price of $52.50, indicating a potential 24% return by 2026 as interest rates decline.
- Jefferies Financial's Market Opportunities: As a pure-play investment bank, Jefferies Financial benefits from the active M&A market, with investment banking revenue rising 12% last year; despite a 19% stock price drop due to losses related to First Brands' bankruptcy, analysts remain bullish with a target price of $77, suggesting a 26% upside.
- Buffett's Investment Recommendations: Ally Financial and Jefferies Financial are highlighted as Buffett's quality financial stocks, making them key targets for investors in February to capitalize on the recovery opportunities in the market.
See More
Credit Card Companies Face Bipartisan Pressure
- Political Pressure Intensifies: Amid persistent inflation, Trump and Sanders have found common ground in seeking to lower credit card annual percentage rates, with Trump proposing a 10% cap and Sanders advocating for a permanent 15% cap, potentially reshaping the profitability of credit card companies.
- Cautious Industry Response: Major credit card issuers like Capital One are in a holding pattern amidst political rhetoric, fearing that if a cap is implemented, they will be compelled to cut credit lines, adversely affecting credit access for lower-income households.
- Profitability at Risk: Analysts predict that a long-term rate cap could reduce Capital One's earnings per share by 25% or wipe them out entirely, as credit card operations account for approximately 74% of its total revenue, primarily derived from interest on customer balances.
- Acquisition Impact Significant: Capital One's $35 billion acquisition of Discover last year will be affected by any interest rate limits, as Discover's credit card balances will also be impacted, further diminishing Capital One's competitive edge, especially without a robust payment network.
See More
Singles' Financial Independence: 51% Enjoy Money Freedom
- Singles' Economic Phenomenon: According to Ally Bank's latest report, 51% of single respondents state that being single allows them to manage their finances freely, indicating that single life may not be the economic disadvantage traditionally perceived, but rather offers greater financial autonomy and control.
- Gender Disparity Analysis: The survey reveals that single women exhibit significantly higher financial anxiety than single men, with 38% of women feeling anxious compared to 24% of men, reflecting the complex balance women navigate between emotional fulfillment and financial responsibility.
- Confidence in Financial Goals: While 42% of singles feel confident about achieving their financial goals, this is still lower than the 48% of those in relationships, highlighting the need for more attention and strategy in financial planning for single individuals.
- Independence vs. Pressure: Although 70% of singles believe they are performing well financially, 34% still report feelings of anxiety and 30% feel overwhelmed, indicating that managing finances alone requires careful planning and coping strategies.
See More
Dave Wright Wins 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Award
- Top Industry Honor: Dave Wright was named the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year, highlighting his exceptional leadership in the automotive sector and long-standing commitment to community service, showcasing his outstanding performance among over 20,000 dealers nationwide.
- Community Contributions: Wright donates over $50,000 annually to various organizations supporting children, educators, and seniors, reflecting his deep sense of responsibility and impact on the community, which enhances his dealership's reputation.
- Sponsor Support: Ally Financial, as the exclusive sponsor of the award for 15 consecutive years, has committed to donating $10,000 to a charity of Wright's choice, demonstrating its ongoing investment in the automotive industry and community.
- Transparent Selection Process: The TIME Dealer of the Year award is selected by a panel from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan, ensuring the fairness and authority of the selection process, which further enhances the award's industry influence.
See More
Dave Wright Wins 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Award
- Industry Honor: Dave Wright was named the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year at the 109th National Automotive Dealers Association Show, highlighting his exceptional achievements and community service, standing out among over 20,000 dealers nationwide.
- Community Contributions: Wright supports various community initiatives, including Goodwill and local youth clubs, with annual contributions exceeding $50,000, demonstrating his deep commitment to social responsibility and community impact.
- Sponsor Support: As the exclusive sponsor of the TIME Dealer of the Year award for 15 years, Ally Financial has donated nearly $1 million, and this year will provide $10,000 to a charity of Wright's choice, further enhancing community development efforts.
- Industry Influence: Wright's dealership is the only one in Iowa to be recognized as a Best Dealership to Work For 12 times, showcasing his success in improving employee satisfaction and operational efficiency, thereby strengthening his position in the competitive automotive market.
See More
Ally Financial: The Rise of Digital Banking
- Sustained Customer Growth: As of December 31, Ally Financial reported 3.5 million deposit customers, marking the 17th consecutive year of growth, which underscores its solid position and customer loyalty in the highly competitive financial services industry.
- Strong Deposit Base: Ally ended Q4 with $144 billion in retail deposits, providing a low-cost funding source for its auto loan business, further solidifying its market leadership.
- Significant Profitability Improvement: In 2025, Ally's adjusted earnings per share surged by 62%, primarily driven by higher yields on retail auto loans and lower yields on deposits, with net interest margin expanding from 3.27% in 2024 to 3.43% last year.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Wall Street analysts forecast Ally's earnings per share to grow at a compound annual rate of 23.5% from 2025 to 2028, and despite risks in the automotive sector, its strong demand and risk management capabilities present a positive outlook.
See More
Buffett's Legacy Continues as Abel Takes Over Berkshire Hathaway
- Portfolio Overview: Berkshire Hathaway's stock portfolio is valued at $267 billion, with approximately one-quarter in financial stocks, representing 40% of the total value, highlighting the company's strong positioning in the financial sector.
- Ally Financial's Strategic Shift: Ally Financial exited the mortgage origination business last year to focus on auto loans, which improved its credit quality and net interest margin; analysts project a target price of $52.50, indicating a potential 24% return by 2026 as interest rates decline.
- Jefferies Financial's Market Opportunities: As a pure-play investment bank, Jefferies Financial benefits from the active M&A market, with investment banking revenue rising 12% last year; despite a 19% stock price drop due to losses related to First Brands' bankruptcy, analysts remain bullish with a target price of $77, suggesting a 26% upside.
- Buffett's Investment Recommendations: Ally Financial and Jefferies Financial are highlighted as Buffett's quality financial stocks, making them key targets for investors in February to capitalize on the recovery opportunities in the market.
See More
