If Ackman indeed becomes the next Buffett, you'll want to buy Howard Hughes Holdings stock hand over fist. After all, Buffett's approach with Berkshire Hathaway resulted in an average annual gain of 19.9% over six decades.

Fast forward half a century, Bill Ackman, the billionaire hedge fund manager behind Pershing Square Capital Management, is looking to replicate Buffett’s success by creating a “modern-day Berkshire Hathaway.

Warren Buffett reaffirmed Greg Abel as his successor at Berkshire Hathaway, assuring shareholders of a smooth leadership transition.