Baron Funds Q3 2025 Letter From Ron

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of long-term investing in growth businesses and people, advocating for a shift from a "harvest mentality" to a "planting mentality" to create lasting societal benefits [5][6][24] - Elon Musk is highlighted as a transformative figure whose ventures, such as Tesla and SpaceX, exemplify the potential for innovation to change lives and drive sustainable abundance [7][15][19] Investment Philosophy - The firm focuses on investing in businesses that prioritize future growth over immediate profitability, aligning with the idea that true benefits may not be realized within one's lifetime [5][6][15] - The concept of "delayed gratification" is central to the firm's investment strategy, reflecting a belief in the compounding effects of long-term efforts [24] Notable Investments - The firm has seen significant returns from investments in Elon Musk's companies, with reported profits of approximately $13 billion, representing 25% of total realized and unrealized gains of $52 billion as of October 31, 2025 [15] - A specific investment of $335 million in X.AI, which acquired Twitter (now "X"), has grown to a current value of $1.4 billion, showcasing the firm's ability to capitalize on innovative opportunities despite initial skepticism [17] Market Position and Growth - The firm has evolved from managing $100 million in 1992 to $44 billion currently, indicating substantial growth and success in its investment approach [15] - The firm continues to focus on companies that are at the forefront of technological advancements, such as electric vehicles and space exploration, which are expected to have a profound impact on society [10][20]