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- Manlobbi
Halls of Shrewd'm / US Policy❤
No. of Recommendations: 6
With the Annual Meeting just days away, it would be a good time to discuss any surprises and predictions that may come our way on Saturday.
I'll start first:
I think there is a good chance that WEB formally gives up his position of CEO.
He has publicly stated that he has given up many day to day things in his life.
He has also fully pulled back from commenting in the press, something he loved his entire career.
This started way before Trump was elected, so I don't think this is just about hiding from comments on that.
It feels like he is CEO in title only, and his comment in this year's letter that "it won't be long" until Greg is CEO could refer to more than just his life expectancy.
To me it just feels that this year's meeting won't just be another "business as usual " affair and that real change is afoot.
What are your predictions for Saturday?
No. of Recommendations: 1
"I think there is a good chance that WEB formally gives up his position of CEO."
I posted this exact thought a while back. 90% odds IMO
No. of Recommendations: 7
What are your predictions for Saturday?
That he will have carefully thought through anything he says; and that any material statements will be what, in his opinion, is the best possible choice for the long-term success of the company and its shareholders
--sutton
No. of Recommendations: 7
"I think there is a good chance that WEB formally gives up his position of CEO."
...
I posted this exact thought a while back. 90% odds IMO
I have had the same thought. I don't think anyone here is wishing for this, however.
My other thought is that he really likes to be in control, and understands the advantages of that. So he probably wouldn't shift to an "advisor" or "VP of capital allocation" kind of role, other than a simple board seat. He'll want the new boss to have the full power to make decisions that he had, not someone else looking over their shoulder and second guessing the choices. So I would expect that, when the time comes, it may be a pretty clean break.
Jim
No. of Recommendations: 9
For all real purposes, the baton has long been passed on. Even before the elevation of Greg and Ajit to the board. That too was a formality in my observation.
Looking back from, say, 2030 or further, this sort of leadership transition will be seen as the most unique amongst public companies. Unique from a whole bunch of perspectives including how long it went without formalities typical elsewhere. It IS the culture we are fortunate to participate in.
No. of Recommendations: 0
I'm equally worried he's going to make a comment that will spook the market about the macro economic environment specifically related to tariffs.
No. of Recommendations: 3
I think he could hang it up this year but I doubt it considering how interesting the moment is. He might get one more swing of the bat, bottom of the 9th, bases loaded, 3-2 count... I'd say 90% he isn't going to step down at the meeting itself -- that could cause a scene on many fronts.
I don't think he will say anything to disadvantage Berkshire either.
That said, at these very fair to borderline high prices, and with the meeting at hand, and at his age and with everything else going on right now with China, Russia, Israel, tariffs, Trump, DOGE, slowing GDP ... I have lightened a great deal and have a lot more sitting in short-term T-Bills than ever before.
