Warren Buffett to attend shareholder meeting but avoids questions

In the United States, Warren Buffett, the renowned billionaire and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, announced his plans to attend the company's annual shareholder meeting next year, despite his recent surprise retirement announcement. This shift marks a significant change in his traditional role at the event. The meeting, scheduled for the first weekend of May 2025, is expected to attract approximately 40,000 shareholders to Omaha, Nebraska, a phenomenon often described as 'Woodstock for Capitalists.' Whenever Warren Buffett was present at these gatherings, he famously participated in extensive question-and-answer sessions, delivering insights filled with his characteristic wit and humility. These sessions have drawn excitement and commitment from shareholders eager to learn directly from one of the world’s most respected investors. However, Buffett's upcoming attendance will differ from his usual approach; he will not engage with the audience or take questions on stage. Instead, he plans to sit with the board of directors. This decision sparked conversations about the future direction of Berkshire Hathaway under the guidance of his chosen successor, Greg Abel. Greg Abel has confirmed that there will be a question-and-answer session during the meeting, which will allow shareholders to interact with him and potentially other key executives at Berkshire Hathaway. This change is intended to ease the transition of leadership as Buffett continues to play a role in the company he has stewarded for decades, while allowing the new administration to shine. As shareholders prepare for the event, the evolving dynamics signify an important chapter in Berkshire Hathaway's storied history.