Warren Buffett’s successor, Greg Abel, is leading Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. The event is taking place amid cautious optimism and a focus on the company’s future investment strategies.

Shareholder Weekend Tradition

The annual shareholder weekend is a long-standing tradition, attracting tens of thousands of investors and Berkshire enthusiasts. Activities include discount shopping and a 5K run, fostering a sense of community among attendees.

A New Era for Berkshire

This year’s gathering is the first since Warren Buffett transitioned the CEO role to Greg Abel. Buffett will be present in the audience as Abel leads Saturday’s annual meeting.

Stock Performance and Buybacks

Since the succession plan was announced, Berkshire Hathaway’s stock has underperformed the S&P 500, falling 12 percent compared to the index’s 25 percent gain. However, investor Steve Check believes the stock was previously overvalued and is now reasonably priced.

Abel has already resumed share buybacks in March, a practice that was paused since May 2024. Berkshire currently trades at around 1.4 times book value.

Investment Strategies and Economic Factors

Berkshire Hathaway has remained largely silent on the impact of external factors like tariffs, rising oil prices, and declining consumer confidence on its businesses. Experts like Lawrence Cunningham suggest investors are cautiously awaiting evidence of Abel’s leadership.

Attendance and Omaha’s Economy

There has been a slight dip in attendance, particularly from international visitors, potentially due to Buffett’s reduced on-stage presence. Omaha’s tourism is heavily reliant on the annual influx of Berkshire shareholders.

Berkshire’s Vast Portfolio and Abel’s Challenge

Buffett transformed Berkshire into a US$1.03-trillion conglomerate with a diverse portfolio including Geico, BNSF railroad, Dairy Queen, and Squishmallows. Abel, known for a hands-on approach, faces the challenge of deploying Berkshire’s substantial cash reserves, which totaled approximately US$373-billion at the end of 2025.

Financial Performance and Key Holdings

Despite a 6 percent decline in operating profit and stagnant revenue in 2025, Berkshire’s financial strength remains a key asset. Abel manages 94 percent of Berkshire’s US$300-billion stock portfolio, with significant holdings in Apple, American Express, and Coca-Cola. Ted Weschler oversees the remaining 6 percent.

The weekend will feature product showcases from over two dozen Berkshire businesses, including Dairy Queen, which anticipates selling nearly 26,300 ice cream bars.

Abel will deliver a one-hour presentation followed by a 2.5-hour question-and-answer session with key executives, a shorter format than the five-hour sessions previously led by Buffett and Charlie Munger.