Berkshire annual meeting enters a new era without Buffett

Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting is changing as Warren Buffett steps back from center stage for the first time. The event, long known for Buffett's investment insights and personal style, is expected to shift toward a more businessfocused discussion under new CEO Greg Abel. Abel, who became chief executive at the start of 2026, will face questions from investors about Berkshire's recent underperformance, capital allocation and share buybacks. The company has trailed the S&P 500 by more than 30 percentage points since Buffett announced plans to step down last year. Analysts and investors also expect attention on Berkshire's equity portfolio, its approach to artificial intelligence and technology, and whether Abel can maintain confidence in the company's operating businesses while taking on a larger role in managing investments.