Buffett instead will be seated alongside the company's board of directors while his successor and current vice chairman and incoming CEO Greg Abel answers questions, the report said. At Buffett's request, Abel will take the stage next year, the report added, citing Susie Buffett, Warren Buffett's daughter and a Berkshire board member.

Billionaire Warren Buffett plans to attend, but not take questions, at next year’s Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting — a big change following his recent surprise retirement announcement.