Berkshire meeting 'bazaar' features Buffett Squishmallows, 60th anniversary book and giant claw machine
The welcome sign at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
David A. Grogen | CNBC
OMAHA, Nebraska — Berkshire Hathaway shareholders are getting more bang for their buck at this year's meeting with the annual shopping event more interactive than ever.
The conglomerate's yearly convention kicked off Friday with a shareholder-only shopping event, called the 'Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains.' With over 20,000 square feet of showroom space at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha, the exhibit hall is offering goods from a myriad of the conglomerate's holdings, including Warren Buffett-themed apparel from Brooks Sports and Berkshire chocolate coins from See's Candies.
Buffett will take the stage 9am ET Saturday to address the most pressing issues investors face, including tariffs, the market volatility as well as the state of the economy. The 94-year-old investment legend will answer shareholder questions along with his designated successor, Greg Abel, and Berkshire's insurance chief, Ajit Jain. The Q&A session will be broadcast exclusively on CNBC. Plush Warren, Charlie and Omaha
Squishmallows in the images of Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger and Omaha at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Alex Harring | CNBC
The Squishmallow shopping display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Yun Li | CNBC
The Squishmallow shopping display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Yun Li | CNBC
Plush toy phenomenon Squishmallows once again stole the show. The ones modeled after the 'Oracle of Omaha' and the late Charlie Munger became the biggest hits at the shopping event, as shareholders snapped up over 1,000 snuggly dolls per hour.
This year, Squishmallows also introduced a new limited-edition dog character called 'Omaha.'
The Squishmallow shopping display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Yun Li | CNBC
Berkshire inherited Squishmallows parent Jazwares through its acquisition of Alleghany in the fourth quarter of 2022. These squishy toys became an instant sensation during the pandemic partly thanks to celebrity endorsements. In 2022 alone, the firm sold a whopping 100 million Squishmallow units — with prices ranging from $5 to $30.
At the shopping event, the company put on display its newest product — pillows for both kids and adults —slated to launch this summer. Berkshire shareholders get to buy special edition pillow cases featuring Buffett and Munger's cartoon figures. One very special book
The Berkshire Hathaway 60th Anniversary book seen at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Yun Li | CNBC
The Berkshire Hathaway 60th Anniversary book seen at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Alex Harring | CNBC
Only one book is for sale at Berkshire's book store Bookworm this year, 60 Years of Berkshire Hathaway, to commemorate the decades since Buffett took over what was then a failing Massachusetts textile company
Berkshire is selling 5,000 volumes of the limited edition book. Proceeds from an auction of copies signed by Buffett and author Carrie Sova will benefit the Stephen Center, a charity for homeless youth and adults in South Omaha. Satisfying the sweet tooth
See's Candies display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
David A. Grogen | CNBC
See's Candies, one of Berkshire's most-iconic brands, had shelves of themed chocolate concoctions available for purchase.
Tied to the camping theme for this year's meeting, See's sold a box of toasted marshmallow-flavored chocolates. The box was adorned with an illustration of Buffett next to a campfire. Other items for sale included chocolate coins with wrappers embossed with Buffett's face, as well as the company's famous peanut brittle. Room for dessert?
The Dairy Queen display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
David A. Grogen | CNBC
Dairy Queen, which Berkshire Hathaway acquired in 1998, provided a sweet treat for attendees while they racked up steps at the bazaar. The ice cream chain's Dilly Bars were sold for $1, while the Buster Bar went for $2. Running shoes
The Brooks Running display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
David A. Grogen | CNBC
Brooks Running shoes on display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Alex Harring | CNBC
Brooks Running hats on display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Alex Harring | CNBC
Long lines formed at Brooks Running as shareholders gravitated towards the 2025 special edition of its running shoes with special 'Berkshire Hathaway' branding on the side and the insoles. Many shareholders are also set to participate in the Brooks 'Invest in Yourself' 5K fun run and walk on Sunday, the morning following the annual meeting. Live from Omaha
Signage at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Alex Harring | CNBC
Attendees waited in line to take photos in front of CNBC's stage, where reporters like Mike Santoli and Becky Quick have been reporting. CNBC is the exclusive broadcaster for the meeting and has a livestream available online in English and Mandarin. Claw Crane
Feeling lucky? New to the bonanza floor this year was a gigantic claw machine.
For $10, attendees could try their luck at scooping up prizes tied to several of Berkshire's holding companies. Proceeds go to the Hope Center for Kids, an Omaha-based organization providing after-school and summer care for children. Living the lavish life
The NetJets display at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
David A. Grogen | CNBC
NetJets, which Berkshire bought in 1998, took shareholders inside a private plane. The private jet operator also sold company-branded gear. Getting it all home
Crowds at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Alex Harring | CNBC
Not enough space for plush toys, jewelry, running shoes and books in your carryon? AIT Worldwide Logistics has you covered. The shipper offered shoppers the service of having their purchases packed and sent home. It should be a popular service, with attendees seen lugging around Squishmallow bags that were equivalent in size to a child. Bling-bling
A jewelry display from Borsheims is seen at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Yun Li | CNBC
A jewelry display from Borsheims is seen at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, 2025.
Yun Li | CNBC
About 14 miles away from the main convention center, there's a separate shareholder-only shopping event at jewelry story Borsheims. Berkshire shareholders browsed through one-of-a-kind jewelry, engagement rings and watches available for purchase at a discount. This 24-carat black diamond necklace from Ruchi New York is selling for about $25,000.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
42 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
ICICI Lombard shares surge 5% as reports suggest a hike in the third party motor premium
ICICI Lombard stock rose 5% after reports emerged that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is reviewing a proposal to increase motor third-party (TP) insurance premiums for FY26. As of 1:43 PM, the shares were trading 5.58% higher at Rs 1,982.20. According to a CNBC-TV18 exclusive, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has recommended an average increase of 18% in motor TP premiums, with suggestions of a 20–25% hike for certain vehicle categories. Advertisement Motor third-party insurance is a mandatory policy for all vehicle owners in India. However, premiums have remained unchanged for the past four years despite rising claims and mounting losses for insurers. In FY25, motor TP insurance accounted for nearly 60% of total motor insurance premiums and 19% of the overall general insurance premium base. Sources told CNBC-TV18 that the Road Ministry is expected to take a final decision within the next two to three weeks. A draft circular outlining the revised premiums will be issued once the ministry grants approval. Analysts suggest that a 20% hike in TP premiums could improve insurers' combined ratio by around 4–5%, offering some relief to the sector. Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Billionaire Warren Buffett Is Buying Shares of a Mystery Stock: Here's Everything We Know
Berkshire Hathaway's first-quarter 13F contained a confidential treatment tag, which means Warren Buffett is building up a position in secrecy. Berkshire's first-quarter operating results provide a big clue that helps narrow down the sector(s) where this mystery stock can be found. While a former holding may be Buffett's mystery stock, a handful of large-scale companies ($50 billion-plus in market cap) from a specific sector could be the right answer. 10 stocks we like better than Berkshire Hathaway › Despite an endless sea of earnings reports and economic data releases, there are few events more anticipated by the investing community than the quarterly filing of Berkshire Hathaway's (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B) Form 13F with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A 13F provides investors with a snapshot of which stocks Wall Street's leading asset managers have been buying and selling, and it has to be filed no later than 45 calendar days following the end to a quarter. In other words, Berkshire's 13F lifts the hood for professional and everyday investors and allows them to see which stocks Buffett purchased and sold. Thanks to Berkshire's May 15-filed 13F, along with various other regulatory filings, we know that Buffett was a buyer of 13 stocks during the March-ended quarter, as well as a seller of eight stocks. Even though the Oracle of Omaha has been a net-seller of equities for 10 consecutive quarters, there's something about knowing which stock(s) Buffett is buying that tugs on the heartstrings and pocketbooks of investors. But what really stood out about Berkshire Hathaway's first-quarter 13F filing with the SEC was the attached confidential treatment clause. On rare occasion, select money managers (often prominent billionaire investors) can request confidential treatment from regulators to not report one or more existing positions on their quarterly filed 13F. The reason a fund manager would request this is because investors would pile in and drive up the share price if the position were publicly revealed. If a high-profile money manager with a sizable Wall Street following can quietly build up their stake in a public company, they can likely do so at an advantageous price. Over the last decade, Warren Buffett has leaned on this confidential treatment provision a couple of times. Most recently, Berkshire's billionaire chief began building up a large position in property and casualty insurer Chubb (NYSE: CB) under the secrecy of the confidential treatment tag. Between July 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, Buffett green-lit the purchase of nearly 26 million shares of Chubb, which was worth about $6.7 billion as of the end of March 2024. In the two trading days after this position was unmasked in mid-May 2024, Chubb stock rallied by more than $21 per share. Although Warren Buffett is being allowed to build up his position in secrecy, select filings from Berkshire Hathaway can help narrow down which stock(s) its billionaire chief is buying. For example, when Buffett has previously requested the confidential treatment tag, it's been for a sizable purchase (often a $4 billion to $8 billion stake). Considering that Buffett's company would absolutely be required to file a Form 4 with the SEC if its stake topped 10% (this figure is often 5% for beneficial owners), we know it has to be a large business. While a relatively inexpensive, brand-name company like Stanley Black & Decker might speak to Warren Buffett's knack for understanding consumer behaviors, it's only a $10 billion company. The company the Oracle of Omaha is secretly investing in likely has a market cap of $50 billion or considerably larger. This would allow Berkshire to invest billions of dollars without surpassing a roughly 5% to 10% stake. In addition to knowing that Buffett is buying shares of a big company, Berkshire Hathaway's first-quarter operating results and 13F help us pinpoint which area of focus this company can be found. Each quarter, Berkshire Hathaway's operating results provide a comparative breakdown of its cost basis, net unrealized gains, and fair value for its three investment areas of focus. By examining Berkshire's cost bases in these three areas, and comparing to the company's buying and selling activity via its 13F, we can put two and two together to figure out where Warren Buffett is doing his buying. In the "Banks, insurance and finance" category, Berkshire's cost basis fell from $15.71 billion in the fourth quarter (Q4 2024) to $14.27 billion in the March-ended quarter (Q1 2025). This drop is explained by the ongoing selling activity in Bank of America, as well as the disposition of Berkshire's stake in Citigroup. The second category, "Consumer products," showed a cost basis increase from $12.66 billion in Q4 2024 to $13.76 billion in Q1 2025. This can be entirely explained by Buffett's aggressive purchase of spirits stock Constellation Brands. The third category is "Commercial, industrial and other," whose cost basis jumped from $47.14 billion in Q4 2024 to $49.1 billion in Q1 2025. With only a few hundred million dollars in purchases for this broad-based category via Berkshire's 13F, it's clear that Buffett's mystery stock resides in this category. Lastly, we also know it's not any of Berkshire's existing holdings, since any buying activity would have shown up in the 13F or via Form 4 filings with the SEC. At the same time, there's plenty we can make logical guesses about, but don't know with any certainty. Arguably the biggest issue is that the "Commercial, industrial and other" segment comprises a boatload of potential sectors, including technology, healthcare, energy, and industrials. Almost 280 publicly traded companies have a market cap of at least $50 billion, and 136 of these companies can be traced back to the tech, healthcare, energy, and industrial sectors. That's a lot of dart-throwing! Historically, we know that Buffett isn't a huge fan of healthcare stocks, mainly because of the time and attention needed to keep up on clinical studies and Food and Drug Administration approvals. Something similar can be said about technology stocks, whose innovations aren't often fully understood by the Oracle of Omaha. For instance, even though Apple is one of Wall Street's most innovation-driven tech stocks, Buffett's attraction to Berkshire's No. 1 holding by market value has everything to do with its premier capital-return program and customers' loyalty toward Apple's physical products, including iPhone, Mac, and iPad. With this being said, it's unlikely to be a tech stock. Removing tech and healthcare leaves 54 potential stocks Buffett could be purchasing in secret in either the energy or industrial sectors. Though purchasing an energy stock in secret is more plausible than a tech stock in Buffett's portfolio, it's still unlikely. Energy has rarely played a large role in Berkshire's investment portfolio dating back to the start of the century. At the moment, combined investments in Chevron and Occidental Petroleum have given Buffett's company some of its largest energy exposure of the century. With two integrated oil and gas companies already among Berkshire's largest holdings, the addition of a third large energy stock seems improbable. The signs would appear to point to an industrial sector company, which would speak to Buffett's roots of investing in American manufacturing companies. Last month, I laid out my case why United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS) is most likely the secret stock Warren Buffett is buying. UPS is a former Buffett stock that maintains clear-cut competitive advantages, has a robust capital-return program, and is historically cheap. However, there are other potentially inexpensive industrial stocks that I can't eliminate as possible purchase candidates. For instance, UPS rival FedEx (NYSE: FDX) is another logical buy candidate. Logistics companies represent the heart of the American economy, and Buffett has strongly cautioned investors not to bet against America. In recent quarters, FedEx has found itself on better financial footing than UPS. Though Buffett hasn't made a sizable investment in a defense company in a long time, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) might make sense. Lockheed losing out on a contract to build the next-generation of fighter jets for the Air Force to Boeing has created a temporary price dislocation that might speak to Berkshire's billionaire chief. It could even be something as simple as heavy construction giant and Dow Jones Industrial Average component Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT). While Buffett isn't a fan of mining companies, he's also not oblivious to companies like Caterpillar that offer large-scale competitive advantages. Buffett's mystery stock is a big (brand-name) company that isn't listed in Berkshire's 13F, and it's more than likely a company you'll find in the industrial sector. But narrowing it down any more than this is a guessing game. Before you buy stock in Berkshire Hathaway, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Berkshire Hathaway wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $668,538!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $869,841!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 789% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 172% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 2, 2025 Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Sean Williams has positions in Bank of America. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Bank of America, Berkshire Hathaway, Chevron, and FedEx. The Motley Fool recommends Constellation Brands, Lockheed Martin, Occidental Petroleum, and United Parcel Service. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Billionaire Warren Buffett Is Buying Shares of a Mystery Stock: Here's Everything We Know was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tom Lee Predicts the S&P 500 Will Soar 10% in 2025. Here's the Best Way to Benefit.
Lee says he's more confident about the S&P 500 reaching his forecast than he was several weeks ago. The index already has advanced 20% since its April low. 10 stocks we like better than Vanguard S&P 500 ETF › The S&P 500 index, after two years of double-digit gains, has experienced some rocky times in recent months. Investors' concerns about how President Donald Trump's import tariffs may affect the economy and corporate earnings weighed heavily on the index in March and April, even briefly pushing it into a bear market. If tariff levels are high, they could result in rising prices -- and therefore costs -- for companies and individuals. But Trump's recent initial trade deals with the U.K. and China offered investors hope that tariffs will be manageable, and that's helped the S&P 500 regain a significant amount of territory. The major benchmark has climbed 20% since its low in April. Tom Lee, Fundstrat managing partner, has stuck with his prediction for S&P 500 gains for the full year and now says, with companies showing strength in recent times, he's even more confident the index will reach his forecast. Lee's forecast of 6,600 implies a 10% climb from the index's closing level on June 3. How can you benefit from a rising S&P 500 this year? Let's find out. First, a quick note about Lee's forecast. The analyst, in an interview with CNBC earlier this week, said that while reaching 6,600 seemed complicated a few weeks ago, it now seems as if the index may be set to make it happen. "I think businesses are in better shape now than they were in February," he said in the interview. "So, I think making 6,600 actually seems more achievable today than it did in February." In recent weeks, companies across industries have reported earnings for the first quarter of the year. Of the 98% of S&P 500 companies that reported as of May 30, 78% delivered a positive earnings-per-share surprise, and 64% announced a positive revenue surprise, according to FactSet. This has helped stocks advance, even as some elements of uncertainty remain in the market -- such as ongoing tariff discussions and mixed economic data. But if tariff or economic headwinds don't strengthen, the S&P 500 could continue to rise this year to reach Lee's forecast. Now, there's one very easy way to score a win from this movement, and it doesn't involve much time or effort. Instead, it involves one simple purchase, the purchase of shares of a fund that tracks the S&P 500. A fantastic low-cost one is the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO). This exchange-traded fund replicates the composition of the benchmark, setting it up to deliver an identical performance. I call the Vanguard fund "low cost" because its expense ratio is only 0.03% -- ETF fees are expressed as expense ratios, and you should always choose one with a ratio of less than 1% so it won't hurt your long-term returns. This fund fits the bill by a long shot. Investing in this or a similar ETF is a great way to bet on the S&P 500's performance because it offers you exposure to the entire benchmark with one simple operation. And this means you don't have to worry about assembling a basket of the most heavily weighted S&P 500 stocks to attempt to reflect the benchmark -- instead, this investment offers you exposure to the full index. So, should you join in Tom Lee's optimism about the S&P 500 and buy shares of the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF now? It's a great idea, and here's why. If Lee is right, you'll set yourself up for gains in the near term. The positive corporate earnings we've seen at the start of the year along with an improvement in market sentiment in recent months could set the index on the right track. And any potential good news regarding the import tariff situation and the economy at any point in the coming months could offer further catalysts. But here's the best news of all: History shows us the S&P 500 always has advanced over the long run. So, even if the S&P 500 doesn't make it to Lee's target by the end of the year, a purchase of an S&P 500 tracker today could offer you a major win down the road. Before you buy stock in Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $668,538!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $869,841!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 789% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 172% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 2, 2025 Adria Cimino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Tom Lee Predicts the S&P 500 Will Soar 10% in 2025. Here's the Best Way to Benefit. was originally published by The Motley Fool Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
