Investors from around the world are flocking to Omaha, Nebraska, this weekend as Berkshire Hathaway gears up for its landmark 60th annual shareholders meeting, led by none other than Warren Buffett. With economic uncertainty and shifting market dynamics in the air, this year’s gathering is one of the most anticipated in recent history.
Berkshire Hathaway’s stock has defied the odds in a rocky year for Wall Street. While the S&P 500 has dipped 3.3%, Berkshire shares are up nearly 19%, underscoring investor confidence in the strength of Buffett’s conglomerate—even in turbulent times. Much of this optimism stems from Berkshire’s broad and diverse portfolio, which many see as a mirror of the U.S. economy itself. From BNSF Railway and Geico to real estate, energy, and clothing brands like Fruit of the Loom, the company’s reach is vast.
This year’s backdrop, however, is different. With U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies stirring uncertainty in global trade, shareholders are eager to hear Buffett’s take. The U.S. economy shrank in Q1 for the first time in three years, as companies scrambled to import goods before new tariffs kicked in.
“Because of how wide-reaching Berkshire’s operations are, it serves as a proxy for the broader economy,” said Cathy Seifert, an analyst at CFRA. “The key concern is how much tariffs will impact consumer demand and economic growth.”
Berkshire’s famed Q&A session—often described as a masterclass in investing and life—is expected to last over four hours. The 94-year-old Buffett, known affectionately as the “Oracle of Omaha,” will take center stage alongside his two vice chairmen: Greg Abel, his designated successor, and Ajit Jain. Investors also hope to get insights from portfolio managers Todd Combs and Ted Weschler, though their future roles remain unclear.
A major point of interest will be Berkshire’s swelling cash reserves, which hit a record $334.2 billion at the end of 2024. The company has now sold more stocks than it has purchased for nine consecutive quarters—prompting questions about Buffett’s investment strategy.
“Buffett isn’t talking about tariffs, but the way he’s hoarding cash suggests he sees something big coming,” said Robin Nasser, a CPA from California who traveled to Omaha for the meeting.
Earlier in March, Berkshire boosted its holdings in five major Japanese trading houses—including Itochu, Marubeni, and Mitsubishi—raising its stakes to as much as 9.8% in each. That move raised eyebrows and signaled Buffett’s long-term interest in global opportunities outside the U.S.
Before the Q&A kicks off, Berkshire will release its first-quarter earnings report, expected to include updated figures on its cash position and investment activities.
After the meeting, shareholders will vote on seven proposals related to topics like diversity, environmental impact, and artificial intelligence. Buffett and the board are opposed to all of them, setting the stage for potentially lively debate.
As the post-Buffett era draws nearer, this year’s meeting may offer rare insight into the future of one of the world’s most closely watched companies—and the man who built it into a financial empire.
