Warren Buffett Signals Final Investor Letter as Berkshire Hathaway CEO
Warren Buffett, the renowned chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has issued a heartfelt letter to investors that may signify his final communication in this role. At 95 years old, Buffett indicated he would cease writing the company’s annual report and participating actively in shareholder meetings, stating, “As the British would say, I’m ‘going quiet.’”
Key Insights from Buffett’s Final Investor Letter
Buffett’s latest eight-page letter is a reflection on his life, his career, and the principles that have guided him. He fondly recalled his upbringing in Omaha, Nebraska, and acknowledged the mentors who influenced his journey. Despite some physical challenges, he reassured readers of his good health, stating, “To my surprise, I generally feel good.”
Transitioning Leadership to Greg Abel
In his correspondence, Buffett confirmed his decision to step down, having named Greg Abel as his successor. Abel, currently the vice chair of the board, will take over as CEO and chairman at the beginning of 2026. Buffett expressed unwavering confidence in Abel, stating, “He understands many of our businesses and personnel far better than I now do.”
Philanthropic Plans and Share Distribution
Buffett also outlined significant philanthropic initiatives. Berkshire Hathaway announced the allocation of over 2.7 million shares to four family foundations. The distribution includes:
- 1.5 million shares for The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation
- 400,000 shares each for The Sherwood Foundation, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and NoVo Foundation
Berkshire Hathaway’s Current Standing
Under Buffett’s leadership since 1965, Berkshire Hathaway evolved from a textile producer into a powerhouse in investment management. The company is now the ninth largest in the United States by market capitalization, trailing only behind technology giants like NVIDIA and Amazon. Buffett’s success has established him as one of the wealthiest individuals, with a net worth exceeding $150 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Continued Engagement with Shareholders
Although he plans to reduce his public communications, Buffett expressed his desire to maintain a connection with shareholders. He intends to write an annual Thanksgiving message to his family and investors, highlighting the community’s generosity.
Buffett’s Personal Wisdom
Buffett concluded his letter with poignant advice, urging readers to learn from past mistakes and to embrace kindness. His thoughtful reflections included:
- “Don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes — learn at least a little from them and move on.”
- “Greatness does not come about through accumulating great amounts of money… When you help someone, you help the world.”
- “Kindness is costless but also priceless.”
- “Choose your heroes very carefully and then emulate them. You will never be perfect, but you can always be better.”
Buffett’s final note to investors encapsulates his philosophy on business, life, and gratitude, leaving a lasting impact on Berkshire Hathaway and its community.
