At 94, Warren Buffett ( Trades , Portfolio ) still draws a full house . This year's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B, Financials) meeting in Omaha mixed business, wisdom, and light-hearted charmwith long-term thinking at the center of it all.
Buffett said Berkshire's stakes in five major Japanese firmsMitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Itochu, and Marubeniare meant to last decades. He praised their culture and said Berkshire won't be pushing for change.
Trade policy came up too. He flagged tariffs and shifting rules as growing risksechoing concerns from Berkshire's latest earnings report.
Buffett reflected on the responsibility of managing others' money. Unlike many firms, he said, Berkshire doesn't walk away from bad bets. The outcomes stick.
He also called out Apple ( AAPL , Financials ) as Berkshire's most rewarding investment and the only earnings call he follows. He credited CEO Tim Cook for much of that success.
Buffett dismissed talk of stockpiling cash for his successor. It's still about waiting for the right dealnot appearances.
He left younger investors with a simple reminder: chase work you love. That, he said, leads to a longer, better life.
Despite travel delays, more than 20,000 made it to Omaha. Buffett Squishmallows, book signings, and Berkshire hats gave the event its usual mix of heart and humor.
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