New Leader at Berkshire Hathaway

May 3, 2026, 17:30
USFinance

Introduction

Berkshire Hathaway had its big yearly meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. Greg Abel is the new boss. He took over after Warren Buffett retired.

Main Body

Greg Abel talked about how the company works. He gave details about the trains, energy, and insurance businesses. He said the company will use AI to work better. He also said the company will stay together and not break into smaller parts. The company made more money. Profits went up by 18%. The company has a lot of cash, about 397 billion dollars. Some investors are unhappy because the company did not buy back many shares. Fewer people went to the meeting this year. About 25,000 people came. Last year, 40,000 people came. People liked Warren Buffett more than the new boss.

Conclusion

Greg Abel gave clear information about the company. However, fewer people attended the meeting and some investors want more money back.

Learning

📈 Talking About Change

In the text, we see how to describe things that go up or down. This is very important for A2 learners when talking about money, weather, or people.

The Pattern:

  • Up →\rightarrow Profits went up by 18%
  • Down →\rightarrow Fewer people went to the meeting

🛠️ 'The' vs 'A' (The Basics)

Look at how the author introduces people and things:

  1. First time (New info) →\rightarrow Use 'A'

    • "Greg Abel is the new boss" (Wait, he is one specific boss, so we use 'the' here because there is only one leader).
    • "...gave details about the trains" →\rightarrow Specific trains owned by the company.

  2. Specific things →\rightarrow Use 'The'

    • The company →\rightarrow We know which company (Berkshire Hathaway).

💡 Helpful Words for A2

WordSimple MeaningExample from Text
RetiredStopped working because of ageWarren Buffett retired
DetailsSmall pieces of informationHe gave details...
HoweverBut / On the other handHowever, fewer people attended

Vocabulary Learning

retired
No longer working because of age or health.
Example:He is retired from the company.
company
A business that sells goods or services.
Example:The company makes cars.
trains
Rail vehicles that carry passengers or goods.
Example:Trains travel fast.
energy
Power that makes things work.
Example:Solar energy powers the lights.
insurance
A plan that protects against loss.
Example:She buys health insurance.
AI
Artificial intelligence, computer systems that think like humans.
Example:AI can play chess.
profits
Money earned after expenses.
Example:The profits grew by 10%.
cash
Money in coins or notes.
Example:He has a lot of cash.
investors
People who give money to a business.
Example:Investors hope for returns.
shares
Parts of a company that people own.
Example:She bought shares in the firm.