Berkshire annual meeting recap: Buffett says investing environment not ideal, sees ‘gambling’ in markets : US Pioneer Global VC DIFCHQ SFO NYC Singapore – Riyadh Swiss Our Mind

In his first annual meeting as CEO, Berkshire Hathaway’s Greg Abel discussed a wide array of topics from artificial intelligence to his efforts to grow the conglomerate.

Abel said the Omaha-based firm was thinking criticially about how to use AI to add value, saying that Berkshire wasn’t “going to do AI for the sake of AI.” Abel also walked through efforts to improve its railway and insurance businesses at the event, which has long been called “Woodstock for Capitalists.”

Abel was joined on stage by members of his leadership team, but chairman Warren Buffett made remarks from the audience. Abel celebrated his predecessor by hanging a jersey from the rafters of the CHI Health Center, where the event is held each year. A deepfake version of Buffett also asked a question, prompting a discussion on the cybersecurity risks tied to AI.

In a special sideline interview, Buffett told CNBC’s Becky Quick that he did not see the ideal investing environment. Ahead of the meeting, Berkshire’s latest financial report showed a record cash pile nearing $400 billion.

Some highlights from the annual shareholder meeting:

Abel doesn’t see a single successor to Charlie Munger as his top adviser

Berkshire Hathaway CEO Abel responds to 'who would serve as the Charlie for Greg'

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Berkshire Hathaway CEO Abel responds to ‘who would serve as the Charlie for Greg’

Asked who will play the Charlie Munger to his Warren Buffett, new CEO Greg Abel didn’t name a single person but talked about the team that surrounds him.

“You surround yourself with great people, and they’re already here,” he said.

Abel mentioned Adam Johnson, who serves as president of Berkshire’s consumer products, service, and retailing businesses and leads NetJets. He also mentioned Ajit Jain, vice chairman of insurance operations, and Katie Farmer, the CEO of BNSF Railway. All three of these executive spent some time on stage with Abel on Saturday.

“Across our CEOs, we’re so fortunate to have a great group that I would reach out to any of them on a specific circumstance and ask them for their input,” Abel said.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/02/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-annual-meeting-2026-live-updates.html