Warren Buffett’s company reported a steep drop in earnings Saturday because the paper value of its investments fell, but the tens of thousands of shareholders filling an Omaha arena to hear Buffett answer questions at the annual meeting later can take heart that Berkshire Hathaway’s many businesses performed well. But this year a key ingredient is missing because it's the first meeting since Vice Chairman Charlie Munger died. Munger was famous in his own right for delivering zingers and sage advice. But his absence might create an opening for shareholders to learn more about the low-profile man who will one day replace Buffett as CEO. His name is Greg Abel and he already oversees all of Berkshire's non-insurance businesses.
