Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting begins soon: What to expect from Warren Buffett, likely questions

“The three of us will not get so much as a clue about the questions to be asked. We know [the shareholders] will pick some tough ones and that’s the way we like it,” said Buffett in a note ahead of the meeting.

What questions could be posed to the Chairman?

Shareholders will not be allowed to ask certain questions. Berkshire has requested shareholders to avoid raising questions on stocks being bought or sold. “Even if the information is public, we do not discuss how we arrive at our decisions,” said the company.

1. Geopolitical events 

Given the ongoing geopolitical tensions and global turmoil, Berkshire also informed shareholders that none of the panelists will discuss politics, but “any other subjects are fair game.” Nevertheless, these events will have an impact on the markets, so questions on Buffett's take regarding America's policy position are unlikely to be skipped.

2. Apple and AI

Berkshire Hathaway’s largest holding is Apple, which accounts for around 45 percent of its portfolio, and is worth around $165 billion. With the fervor around artificial intelligence (AI) in the technology space, Buffett could be asked about his outlook on AI or machine learning and how it could drive growth for mega-cap technology firms.

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3. Oil vs clean energy

Despite the world moving towards clean energy, Berkshire Hathaway raised its stake in major oil players Chevron and Occidental Petroleum in 2023. These two stocks account for the fifth and sixth largest holdings in Berkshire’s portfolio. Buffett bought 15.8 million shares in Chevron during the quarter ended December and further purchased stock in Occidental Petroleum, to take its shareholding to 28 percent.

Since stock-specific questions are prohibited, Buffett could be asked about the factors driving Berkshire’s bullishness in oil-based energy, especially considering the evolving energy landscape and increasing concerns about climate change.

4. Eyes on Japan

As Japan has set out on its recovery path, with its key index Nikkei 225 reclaiming 30-year highs, Warren Buffett has been bullish on the Japanese story. He owns stocks of five Japanese trading houses, Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo. What caught his eye in Japan and what does he see as long-term growth drivers of the Japanese economy?

5. Sparking out?

After holding 9.9 percent in Chinese automaker BYD since 2008, Berkshire Hathaway cut its stake to less than 8 percent in 2023. With the EV story having soured because of weak demand and excess supply, Buffet could be asked about Berkshire's long-term strategy on sustainable energy, the auto-sector and rapidly declining US-China trade relations.

6. Realty Bites

Berkshire Hathaway took an uncharacteristically short-term bet on homebuilder D.R. Horton. Berkshire added the firm to its portfolio in the second quarter of 2023, only for it to be liquidated in the December quarter.

Given the tenuous situation for homebuyers in America with many buyers being priced out of becoming homeowners, Buffett could be asked for his opinion on the condition of mortgages, the outlook on the real estate space and why Berkshire made an exception from its strategy of long-term holdings.

7. Buffett's Pearls of Wisdom

However, apart from queries about specific sectors or business, the Oracle of Omaha is also often posed with questions regarding his general strategies and perspective, which are often met with his quintessential humor, life lessons, and wit.

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