About Warren Buffett
Warren Edward Buffett (born August 30, 1930) is an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist who has served as chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway since 1970. He is considered one of the most successful investors in the world and consistently ranks among the world's wealthiest people.
Buffett began investing at age 11, buying his first shares of Cities Service Preferred at $38 per share. Under his leadership, Berkshire Hathaway has grown from a struggling textile company into one of the most valuable corporations in the world, with a portfolio spanning insurance, railroads, utilities, manufacturing, and consumer brands.
His annual letters to Berkshire shareholders are required reading for serious investors — known for their clarity, wit, and timeless wisdom on business and investing.
Investment Philosophy
- Buy wonderful companies at fair prices — not fair companies at wonderful prices
- Invest with a long-term horizon: "Our favorite holding period is forever"
- Stay within your circle of competence — only invest in businesses you understand
- Look for durable competitive advantages (economic moats)
- Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful
- Price is what you pay; value is what you get
- Never invest in a business you cannot understand
Key Holdings (Berkshire Hathaway)
- Apple (AAPL) — Largest equity position; views it as a consumer products company
- Bank of America (BAC) — Major financial sector conviction bet
- American Express (AXP) — Held for decades; classic moat company
- Coca-Cola (KO) — Held since 1988; iconic brand with global reach
- Chevron (CVX) — Energy sector concentration added in recent years
- Occidental Petroleum (OXY) — Significant position built through multiple purchases
- Kraft Heinz (KHC) — Consumer staples long-term hold
Conviction Signals
- Long-term holding — rarely sells once a position is established
- Concentrated portfolio — top 5 holdings often represent 60–70% of equity portfolio
- Capital allocation discipline — holds large cash reserves until exceptional opportunities arise
- Buybacks as a signal — Berkshire buybacks signal Buffett believes the stock is undervalued
- Management quality focus — invests heavily in the quality and integrity of leadership teams