Warren Buffett to Address Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Amid Strategic Shifts and Leadership Transition

Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting in Omaha marks its 60th anniversary. Warren Buffett, 94, will discuss strategic moves, investment strategies, and views on US tariffs and AI with successors Greg Abel and Ajit Jain. The company's revenue reached $371.43 billion, with a record $334.2 billion in cash reserves. Buffett reduced stakes in Apple and Bank of America, investing in Japan's top trading companies. His potential uses for cash reserves include stock buybacks, new investments, or energy sector capital expenditures.

Omaha, NE — Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) is set to host its 60th annual shareholder meeting on Saturday, May 3, in Omaha, Nebraska. The event, often dubbed "Woodstock for Capitalists," will see Warren Buffett, 94, address a range of topics, including market volatility, trade tensions, and the company's significant cash reserves.

The meeting comes at a time of heightened investor uncertainty, with persistent questions about the future of the U.S. economy and global markets amid President Donald Trump’s tariff negotiations. Buffett is expected to discuss Berkshire’s growing cash pile, now totaling more than $334 billion, and its strategic moves, including reducing stakes in Apple (AAPL) and Bank of America (BAC), and investing in Japan's top trading companies.

Berkshire Hathaway's revenue reached $371.43 billion in 2024, with a record $334.2 billion in cash reserves. The company’s first-quarter (Q1) earnings will be released during the meeting, providing further insights into its financial health. Buffett will also address his succession plans and the future leadership of Greg Abel, the company's vice chair and designated successor.

Apple stock has fallen more than 15% in 2025, prompting Buffett to trim his stake significantly last year. Berkshire now holds 300 million shares of Apple, down from around 900 million shares in 2024. Buffett cited tax considerations as a reason for the sales, suggesting he was managing capital gains amid concerns about rising federal tax rates. With Washington's political landscape shifting again, investors are looking for an update on his thinking.

Berkshire stock is up more than 17% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500, which is down 5%. Coca-Cola (KO), another core Berkshire holding, has gained 16.5% this year and represents 9.3% of its portfolio as of December 2024.

Potential uses for Berkshire's cash reserves include stock buybacks, new investments, or capital expenditures in the energy sector. Buffett's cautious stance in uncertain markets has led to a shift away from Big Tech and into globally diversified firms. With a sizable war chest, Berkshire remains well-positioned to act when opportunities arise.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. ET with Buffett's introductory remarks, followed by an extended Q&A session. Vice Chair Greg Abel, his designated successor, and insurance chief Ajit Jain will join him in the morning. In the afternoon, Buffett and Abel will take questions without Jain.

Investors are eager to hear Buffett's views on the U.S. economy, global markets, and Berkshire's strategic direction. The meeting promises to be a significant event for those looking to understand the future of one of the world's largest conglomerates.

References:
[1] https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/berkshire-hathaway-meeting-draws-investor-focus-to-apple-stake-cash-market-outlook/chLUK1VRb0v
[2] https://www.indexbox.io/blog/warren-buffett-to-address-key-questions-at-berkshire-hathaways-annual-meeting/
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/berkshire-hathaway-brk-b-financials-121711260.html