Dear Berkshire Hathaway Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for May 3

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) (BRK.B) will host its annual shareholders meeting on Saturday, May 3, at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. This event, often referred to as the “Woodstock for Capitalists,” offers shareholders a unique opportunity to engage with the company’s leadership and gain insights into its operations and future plans. Shareholders are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating, as the event draws thousands of attendees from around the globe.

To attend the meeting, shareholders must request credentials in advance. Each shareholder is entitled to request up to four meeting credentials. These credentials not only serve as admission tickets, but also grant access to exclusive shareholder discounts at various Berkshire-owned businesses throughout the weekend.

Recent Developments Impacting Berkshire Hathaway

On April 9, BASF filed a lawsuit against Duracell, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, alleging theft of trade secrets related to lithium-ion battery technology. The complaint, filed in Delaware federal court, accuses Duracell of misappropriating proprietary methods developed by BASF for producing cost-effective, high-performance cathode materials — an essential component for powerful batteries.

Recently, social media reports falsely claimed that Chairman Warren Buffett endorsed President Donald Trump’s economic policies. Berkshire Hathaway promptly dismissed these reports as “false.” Buffett clarified that he is avoiding discussions on economic matters until Berkshire’s annual shareholder meeting on May 3.

Financial Performance and Stock Expectations

Berkshire Hathaway’s stock has demonstrated resilience amid market volatility. As of April 10, both share classes are up roughly 14% in the year to date. 

Both saw strong gains in the second half of the trading day on Wednesday, April 9, after Trump announced a brief pause to many tariffs, alongside an increase to 125% tariffs on China specifically.

Key Topics and Expectations for the Meeting

The upcoming meeting is anticipated to address several pivotal topics:

• Leadership Transition: With Warren Buffett acknowledging his advanced age, discussions around succession planning are expected. Vice Chairman Greg Abel has been identified as the designated successor, with Buffett expressing confidence in Abel’s capabilities.
• Investment Strategies Amid Market Volatility: Buffett has significantly increased Berkshire’s cash reserves, now holding $345 billion in cash and equivalents, which is 53% of the company’s net assets. This strategic move comes amidst warnings about America’s “fiscal folly” and exploitation by “scoundrels and promoters.”

Weekend Events and Activities

Beyond the formal meeting, shareholders can participate in various events:

• Borsheims Shopping: From April 26 through May 11, shareholders are eligible for special pricing at Borsheims, a Berkshire-owned jewelry store.
• “Invest in Yourself” 5K Run: Scheduled for Sunday, May 4, this event encourages participants to focus on personal wellbeing.
• Shareholder Discounts: Investors will get discounted goods and services at a host of Berkshire-owned businesses. This includes a $6 BBQ meal at NFM and a discount at Borsheim’s jewelry. 

Preparing for the Meeting

Attendees are advised to plan accommodations and travel well in advance, as Omaha experiences a significant influx of visitors during the annual meeting weekend. For those unable to attend in person, Berkshire Hathaway typically provides a live stream of the event, ensuring all shareholders have access to the proceedings.

The 2025 Annual Shareholders Meeting promises to be a landmark event, offering valuable insights into Berkshire Hathaway's operations and future outlook. Shareholders are encouraged to participate actively and stay informed about the company's strategic initiatives.

On the date of publication, Caleb Naysmith did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.