Warren Buffet, world’s 5th richest person, has $169 billion net worth: Here’s a look at his investments
Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old billionaire investor and the world’s fifth’s richest person, announced his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, effective end of 2025. He made this announcement on Saturday at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting in Omaha.
“Tomorrow, we’re having a board meeting of Berkshire, and we have 11 directors. Two of the directors, who are my children, Howie and Susie, know of what I’m going to talk about there. The rest of them, this will come as news to, but I think the time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive officer of the company at year end,” said Buffett.
Despite Greg Abel being named successor in 2021, the announcement’s timing caught many of the thousands of attendees off guard, though the succession itself wasn’t entirely unexpected.
Warren Buffett: Living with simplicity despite vast wealth
Although he possesses enormous wealth, Buffett maintains an understated lifestyle. His primary residence remains the same Omaha property purchased in 1958 for $31,500. Currently worth approximately £1.4 million, this home stands in stark contrast to the lavish estates owned by fellow billionaires. Additionally, he maintains a holiday property in Laguna Beach, California.
Buffett has pledged to donate the majority of his fortune, primarily to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His dedication to charitable giving has become as significant as his investment achievements.
Also Read | From Apple to Dexter Shoes: Warren Buffett’s top wins and biggest blunders in 60 years of investing
After 54 years at Berkshire Hathaway’s helm, Buffett’s departure marks a significant transition. His journey from a young lad inspired by “One Thousand Ways to Make $1000” to leading one of the globe’s largest conglomerates has inspired investors throughout the years.
A Career Built on Investment Rigour
Buffett’s approach exemplifies careful consideration and restraint. His February letter to shareholders reflected this stance: “Nothing looks compelling.” Berkshire’s cash reserves reached $334 billion by end-2024, with market observers interpreting this substantial holding as strategic preparation for potential market volatility.
This methodical investment stance reflects his core principles. “People who get too upset with price fluctuations … shouldn’t own a stock at all,” he stated to CNBC in 2018. His 2008 New York Times op-ed advised, “Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.”
His commitment to extended investment periods remains unwavering. “Our horizon for such commitments is almost always far longer than a single year. In many, our thinking involves decades,” Buffett emphasised earlier this year.
Financial Success in Challenging Times
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index reports his net worth at $169 billion, whilst Forbes estimates it at $168.2 billion as of May 3, 2025. His wealth increased by $16.4 billion this year, surpassing all other top ten billionaires.
His success contrasts sharply with other prominent billionaires’ losses: Elon Musk (-$135 billion), Jeff Bezos (-$42.6 billion), and Mark Zuckerberg (-$24.5 billion). Buffett’s strategic decisions, including selling technology and banking positions at advantageous prices, maintaining substantial cash reserves, and investing in high-yield U.S. Treasuries resulted in significant portfolio growth.
Also Read | Warren Buffett to hand over reins to Greg Abel: Top 10 things to know about ‘Oracle of Omaha’s’ successor at Berkshire Hathaway
Overseeing Substantial Investments
According to an ET report, as of late 2024, Buffett supervised a £267 billion equity portfolio. His investments include prominent international enterprises:
* Apple
* American Express
* Bank of America
* Coca-Cola
* Chevron
* Occidental Petroleum
* Amazon
* Japanese trading houses including Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo
* Domino’s Pizza
* Constellation Brands
* DaVita
* Sirius XM
* VeriSign
His investment strategy remains flexible, adapting to changing market risks. Recent results demonstrate the continuing importance of such adaptability.
The leadership now transitions to Greg Abel. With strong company fundamentals and established strategic direction, Berkshire Hathaway begins its next phase whilst maintaining Buffett’s core principles.
