Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel said patience in allocating capital is one of the company's greatest strengths during the 2026 annual meeting [1].

This stance is critical as the conglomerate manages massive cash reserves while navigating a volatile global economy. By prioritizing patience over immediate action, the company aims to secure long-term growth and maintain its reputation for disciplined investing.

Abel said May 2, 2026 [1], that the current capital-allocation approach is aligned with the interests of owners and shareholders [2]. He said that this disciplined method allows the firm to wait for high-quality opportunities rather than rushing into suboptimal acquisitions.

According to Abel, the company is specifically looking at long-term growth opportunities in the technology sector and artificial intelligence [3]. These areas represent a strategic pivot or expansion for the firm, which has historically been cautious regarding high-growth tech stocks.

Abel said the ability to remain patient is a core competitive advantage for Berkshire Hathaway. This philosophy ensures that the firm does not overpay for assets during market peaks, a strategy that has historically preserved the company's capital.

The CEO's remarks come as shareholders continue to monitor how the company will deploy its liquidity in an era of rapid technological disruption [3]. By aligning their strategy with the owners, the leadership intends to maintain stability while seeking the next generation of industrial and digital assets.

Patience in allocating capital is one of our greatest strengths

Abel's emphasis on patience signals a continuation of the conservative investment philosophy established by Warren Buffett. By explicitly mentioning AI and technology, the company is acknowledging the necessity of adapting to digital transformation, but doing so on its own timeline rather than following market hype. This approach aims to mitigate risk while ensuring the conglomerate remains relevant in a tech-driven economy.