Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-04 05:11Core Insights - Warren Buffett, at the age of 95, officially retires as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on January 1, 2026, passing the leadership to Greg Abel, marking the end of an era in investment history [2] - Buffett's investment philosophy and strategies have significantly influenced global capital markets, with a focus on value investing and long-term wealth accumulation [2][12] Investment Journey - Buffett's investment journey began at age 11 with a $114.75 investment in Cities Service preferred stock, igniting his passion for the capital markets [2] - By age 16, his investment portfolio had grown to approximately $53,000 in today's terms, and he became a millionaire by age 32 and a billionaire by age 56, demonstrating a deep understanding of compound interest and market dynamics [3] Berkshire Hathaway's Transformation - In 1965, Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway, initially a struggling textile company, and transformed it into a diversified holding company, acquiring insurance firms, manufacturing companies, and consumer brands [3] - Since 1964, Berkshire Hathaway's A-class stock price has surged from about $19 to over $600,000 by the end of 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 by more than 140 times [3][5] Investment Performance - A $10,000 investment in Berkshire in 1965 would have grown to $550 million by 2025, while the same amount in the S&P 500 would be approximately $3.9 million, showcasing Berkshire's exceptional long-term returns [5] - As of 2025, Berkshire's market capitalization exceeded $1 trillion, making it the 11th largest publicly traded company globally, with a diverse portfolio including BNSF Railway, GEICO, and significant stakes in Apple and other major corporations [5][6] Key Investments - Buffett's investment in Apple, which began in 2016, has become Berkshire's largest holding, with approximately 900 million shares valued at over $65 billion, reflecting a 500% increase since the initial purchase [6] - Other significant investments include Coca-Cola, Bank of America, and American Express, which have also yielded substantial returns, embodying Buffett's value investing philosophy [6] Crisis Management - During the 2008-2009 financial crisis, Buffett made strategic investments in major companies like Goldman Sachs and General Electric, earning over $10 billion from these transactions and reinforcing his reputation as a stabilizing force in turbulent times [8] Philanthropy and Legacy - Buffett's personal net worth is approximately $150 billion, but he has pledged to donate 99% of his wealth, having already contributed over $60 billion to various charitable causes [9] - His investment principles, such as the circle of competence, margin of safety, and long-term holding, continue to influence investors worldwide, emphasizing the importance of understanding and patience in investing [11][12]