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t Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting in Omaha, thousands of shareholders from around the world gathered to hear from CEO Warren Buffett. The event, known as "Woodstock for capitalists," was a weekend-long celebration of business and investing. As attendees strolled through exhibits featuring Berkshire subsidiaries like Dairy Queen and See's Candies, they collected swag and took photos with a giant Geico gecko statue.
Buffett, 94, surprised the crowd by announcing his intention to retire at the end of the year, handing over the reins to vice chair Greg Abel. The news sparked a standing ovation from the tens of thousands in attendance. On Friday, crowds shopped and socialized, with some bringing their families along. A young girl named Ellie Petersen even got to chat with Dairy Queen CEO Troy Bader while enjoying a Dilly Bar.
On Saturday, Buffett took questions for nearly five hours, drawing applause for his comments on trade and tariffs. He also shared his thoughts on the economy, investing strategies, and life in general. When asked about Berkshire's massive cash reserves, he said it was likely to be used for future acquisitions or investments. As the event wrapped up, Buffett announced that this would be his last time speaking as CEO, but he plans to remain an adviser to the company.
The annual meeting has become a major event, with shareholders showing up before dawn to secure good spots inside CHI Health Center. The crowd was diverse, ranging from young professionals to longtime investors, all united by their interest in Berkshire Hathaway and its iconic leader, Warren Buffett. As one shareholder noted, "Nobody wants to miss the last chance to see him before he goes away."
