Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, will be front and center at the company’s annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on Saturday. Shareholders from around the world are gathering to hear from Buffett, who at 93 years old, has been at the helm of Berkshire since 1965.
This year’s meeting is particularly significant as it marks the 60th for Buffett, who has hinted at the possibility of stepping down in the near future. Investors are eager to hear from Buffett and his expected successor, Greg Abel, who was designated as the next CEO in 2021.
“I want to hear from Greg Abel,” said one shareholder who traveled from Chicago to attend the meeting. “I want to see what kind of person he is, what his vision is for the company and if it’s different from Buffett’s. I am not afraid of change.”
With Berkshire facing challenges such as how to grow without overpaying for acquisitions and what to do with the $167.6 billion of cash on hand, investors are keen to hear about the company’s future plans. The meeting will also be the first without Charlie Munger, Buffett’s longtime business partner, who passed away last year at the age of 99.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Buffett’s succession, shareholders remain optimistic about the company’s future. “I trust him,” said one shareholder. “He’s a brilliant man and he has a lot of brilliant people. He will get us through this. I’d hate to see him go, but I think they prepared for it well.”
As Berkshire releases its first-quarter results and shareholders vote on key proposals, the weekend promises to be filled with insights, discussions, and opportunities to connect with fellow investors.