Buffett’s Big Day: Berkshire Hathaway’s 2025 Annual Meeting

Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old Oracle of Omaha, is set to host Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting this Saturday in Omaha, Nebraska. Dubbed the “Woodstock for Capitalists,” the event is expected to draw tens of thousands of investors from around the globe, eager to hear Buffett and his top lieutenants—Vice Chairman Greg Abel and Vice Chairman Ajit Jain—discuss the conglomerate’s future.

This year’s meeting comes at a pivotal moment. Berkshire Hathaway has amassed a record $334 billion in cash reserves, prompting speculation about how Buffett plans to deploy this capital. Recent investments include stakes in Constellation Brands and increased holdings in SiriusXM and Occidental Petroleum, while trimming positions in companies like Bank of America and Ulta Beauty. Analysts are keen to learn whether Buffett will continue this strategy or pivot in response to market conditions.

The backdrop to this gathering is a volatile economic landscape. The S&P 500 has declined over 3% year-to-date, while Berkshire’s shares have surged about 19%, earning it a reputation as a “safe haven” amid uncertainty. However, CFRA analysts caution that a weakening economy and Buffett’s advancing age could pose risks. Buffett has previously expressed concerns about tariffs, likening them to a “tax on goods” and an “act of war,” and investors are eager to hear his thoughts on the current trade environment.

Succession planning is also on the agenda. Buffett has designated Greg Abel as his successor, but questions remain about who will lead Berkshire’s $250 billion equity portfolio. Investment managers Todd Combs and Ted Weschler currently oversee about 10% of the portfolio, and some investors are advocating for more transparency regarding their roles and investment strategies.

Attendees can expect a 4½-hour Q&A session, where Buffett and his team will address a range of topics, from market cycles and inflation to Berkshire’s long-term investment philosophy.

For many, this year’s gathering represents a unique opportunity to gain insights from one of the most successful investors of all time. Whether you’re attending in person or tuning in remotely, the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting promises to be a memorable event.