Here's what to expect from Berkshire's first annual meeting post-Warren Buffett

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  May 01, 2026 at 20:50  |  4:55  |  CNBC
Speakers
Greg Abel — CEO, Berkshire Hathaway

Summary

This video previews the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, the first without Warren Buffett. Becky Quick reports from Omaha, highlighting Greg Abel's debut as CEO and the $375 billion cash hoard. Board member Sue Decker emphasizes that operating earnings growth is now more critical than capital allocation. Ticket requests are down 10% but tens of thousands of shareholders are still expected.

  • Becky Quick previews the Berkshire annual meeting from Omaha.
  • Greg Abel will take the stage as CEO for the first time.
  • Greg Abel says $200B of the stock portfolio is stable.
  • Sue Decker notes that operating earnings growth is more important than capital allocation.
  • Sue Decker says a 12% increase in operating earnings equals a Burlington Northern.
  • Ticket requests are down 10% from last year.
  • The meeting is expected to draw tens of thousands of shareholders.
Trade Ideas
Operating earnings growth is key for Berkshire.
Sue Decker argues that the growth of Berkshire Hathaway's operating earnings is more important than the stock portfolio or capital allocation. She points out that operating earnings are now $45 billion after tax, and a 12% increase adds $5.5 billion, which is as much as Burlington Northern earns in a year. This implies that focusing on operational execution can add significant value without needing acquisitions, making Berkshire's core business the key driver of future returns.
Up Next

This CNBC video, published May 01, 2026, features Sue Decker discussing Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A/BRK.B). 1 trade idea extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Sue Decker  · Tickers: Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A/BRK.B)