Berkshire Hathaway 2026: Buffett Steps Down, Abel Takes Over

The 2026 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder meeting, held in Omaha, Nebraska, marked a significant transition as 95-year-old Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO, making way for Greg Abel. The event, covered by CNBC's Becky Quick, was notable for its quieter and more subdued atmosphere compared to previous years. Berkshire Hathaway released its first quarter results, revealing an 18% increase in operating earnings to $11.35 billion and a record cash pile of nearly $400 billion under Abel's first quarter as CEO. The company also restarted stock buybacks, with Abel personally purchasing $15 million worth of shares. Long-time shareholders shared their experiences and enthusiasm for the event and the company.