Warren Buffett

Warren Edward Buffett is an American investor, business magnate, and philanthropist, widely regarded as one of the most successful investors in history. Known as the "Oracle of Omaha," he is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate holding company. Buffett's value investing philosophy, emphasizing long-term growth and fundamental analysis, has made him a global icon in finance. His net worth consistently ranks among the world's highest, and he is celebrated for his frugal lifestyle and commitment to philanthropy, having pledged to donate over 99% of his wealth to charitable causes.

Key Facts

Career and Investment Philosophy

Buffett began his investment career in the 1950s, founding Buffett Partnership Ltd. in 1956. He transformed Berkshire Hathaway from a struggling textile company into a diversified giant with holdings in insurance (e.g., GEICO), energy, consumer goods (e.g., Coca-Cola, Apple), and transportation. His approach focuses on buying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals, holding them indefinitely, and prioritizing intrinsic value over market fluctuations. Key principles include:

• Value Investing: Inspired by Benjamin Graham, emphasizing margin of safety and thorough analysis.
• Long-Term Focus: Avoiding short-term speculation; Berkshire's average holding period exceeds 10 years.
• Management Integrity: Investing in businesses with honest, capable leadership.
• Economic Moats: Preferring companies with sustainable competitive advantages.

Under Buffett's leadership, Berkshire Hathaway's stock has delivered an average annual return of about 20% from 1965 to 2022, significantly outperforming the S&P 500.

Major Achievements and Awards

Buffett's accomplishments include transforming small investments into massive wealth and receiving numerous accolades:

• Berkshire Hathaway Growth: Turned a $10,000 investment in 1956 into billions; the company's market cap exceeded $700 billion in 2023.
• Investment Milestones: Notable successes include early stakes in American Express, The Washington Post, and Apple.
• Awards and Honors:
  • Presidential Medal of Freedom (2011) for philanthropic leadership.
  • Time 100 Most Influential People (multiple years).
  • Forbes 400 list of richest Americans (consistently top 5 since 1980s).
• Publications: Authored annual shareholder letters since 1965, considered essential reading for investors; co-authored "The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America" (1997).

Philanthropy

Buffett is a leading philanthropist, pledging to give away 99% of his fortune. Key initiatives:

• The Giving Pledge: Co-founded with Bill Gates in 2010, encouraging billionaires to donate most of their wealth; over 200 signatories as of 2023.
• Donations: Has gifted over $50 billion to charities, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
• Buffett Foundation: Supports causes like nuclear threat reduction and women's rights.

Personal Life and Legacy

Buffett resides in Omaha, Nebraska, in the same modest home he bought in 1958. Known for his humility—driving an ordinary car and favoring simple meals—he embodies his belief that "price is what you pay, value is what you get." His legacy extends beyond finance to inspiring ethical business practices and global philanthropy.