OMAHA, Nebraska — In his debut running Berkshire Hathaway

’s annual meeting, Greg Abel delivered what many shareholders came to see: a steady hand, a firm grasp of the sprawling conglomerate and just enough of his own style to reassure investors the post-Warren Buffett era is on solid footing.

The reviews from longtime shareholders and professional investors were broadly positive, even as many acknowledged the notable absence of Buffett, whose wit, storytelling and investing acumen have long defined the event.

“Very solid. No misspoke words. Thorough answers,” said Steve Check, founder of Check Capital Management. “Nice guy, but we sure don’t have the laughs that we had with Warren and Charlie [Munger].”

“Greg and company delivered on content, examination of businesses and confidence in outlook,” Macrae Sykes, a portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds.