Key facts
- Warren Buffett celebrated his 96th birthday.
- He stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway after six decades in charge.
- Buffett remains chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and continues to pick stocks.
- He has pledged to donate virtually all of his wealth to good causes.
- Berkshire Hathaway's stock has seen extraordinary growth since 1965.
- Buffett made a significant investment in Alphabet last summer.
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, is celebrating his 96th birthday. The past year has been particularly transformative, marked by his retirement as CEO and a significant new investment in Alphabet. Buffett continues his role as chairman, commuting daily to Berkshire's headquarters and remaining active in stock selection and evaluating potential acquisitions.
Buffett has also accelerated his charitable giving, pledging to distribute virtually all of his wealth, estimated at over $140 billion, to good causes by 2034. He shared life lessons during interviews, advising against debt, emphasizing the importance of good parenting, and encouraging people to find fulfilling work. He noted that high asset prices have led to a ballooning cash pile at Berkshire, expressing a desire to deploy capital into quality businesses.
Berkshire Hathaway's annual report highlighted Buffett's exceptional track record, with the company's stock achieving a 6,100,000% return between 1965 and 2025, far surpassing the S&P 500's performance. Key holdings like Apple, Coca-Cola, American Express, and Moody's have seen substantial growth under his stewardship.
Despite his age, Buffett remains engaged, recently warning of a "gambling mood" in the markets and describing the environment as not ideal for deploying cash. His investment in Alphabet last summer, which grew to nearly $38 billion by June, could represent his last major strategic move. Buffett expressed gratitude for his health and longevity, attributing his continued activity to luck.