For the first time, Warren Buffett will not be the central figure at Berkshire Hathaway‘s annual meeting on May 2, 2026, in Omaha. This marks a significant shift as Greg Abel has taken over as CEO at the start of the year.
The change comes amid challenging times for Berkshire. Operating earnings fell nearly 30% in the fourth quarter of 2025, largely due to a staggering 54% drop in insurance underwriting profits. Additionally, Berkshire’s shares have declined more than 5% year to date, trailing the S&P 500 index by over 30 percentage points since Buffett announced his plans to step down last May.
The annual meeting is expected to draw around 30,000 shareholders, eager to hear from Abel and the team. Abel has shown his commitment to Berkshire by using his entire after-tax salary of $15 million to personally buy shares.
This year’s gathering will undoubtedly feel different. As investor Macrae Sykes noted, “Clearly, nobody can replace Warren on the stage.” The absence of Buffett’s insights will leave a notable gap during this pivotal moment.
Berkshire has also resumed stock buybacks for the first time since 2024, repurchasing roughly $226 million worth of its own shares in March. This move reflects an effort to bolster investor confidence amidst declining earnings.
Bill Stone, an investment analyst, remarked on the company’s current situation: “I think part of it is really hard to expect a whole lot of earnings growth this year.” With uncertainties surrounding future performance and market conditions, shareholders are left with questions about what lies ahead.
The shift in leadership and recent financial challenges signal a new chapter for Berkshire Hathaway. As they navigate these changes, all eyes will be on how Abel and his team respond to shareholder expectations and market pressures.
