In 2025, the Oracle of Omaha revealed that Warren Buffett would be retiring. Having started off as a newspaper delivery boy in Omaha, the 94-year-old millionaire will leave his position as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of this year. During Buffett’s 60 years in charge, Berkshire grew to be a $1.16 trillion corporation. This article summarizes Buffett’s incredible career, including his early years, quick ascent, $169 billion net worth, and his favorite Warren Buffett books, and offers advice for aspiring Indian investors.
Latest Warren Buffett News: Retirement in 2025
Retirement in 2025 Berkshire Hathaway’s recent shareholder meeting in Omaha saw Buffett confirm he will retire as CEO at the end of 2025. He has picked his longtime aide, Greg Abel, 62, as his successor. The renowned company that Warren Buffett founded is marking “the end of an era” with this news. Buffett has steered Berkshire since 1965, and even at 94, he joked that he’d “hang around” in a lesser role, but the “final word” on company moves will belong to Abel.
Buffett’s announcement stunned many long-time shareholders. One experienced investor told Reuters, “Well, it’s the end of an era…” “It’s sad, but it’s life.” Berkshire’s stock has held up, climbing almost 19% in early 2025. nervous investors absorbed the news.) For India’s youth—students, entrepreneurs, or young SIP investors—this Warren Buffett news is more than a headline. Buffett is a role model because of his reputation for integrity and wise investing. As JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon puts it, Buffett represents “everything that is good about American capitalism.” Getting to know Buffett was even described by Apple CEO Tim Cook as “one of the great privileges” of his life.
In 2011, Warren Buffett and President Barack Obama met, demonstrating the investor’s global renown. –The White House News
Although famous worldwide, Buffett is best known as a student of Benjamin Graham’s value investing. At the age of 25, Buffett established his first investment partnership. He acquired Berkshire Hathaway, a struggling textile industry, in 1965 and subsequently turned it into a conglomerate of successful businesses and stock holdings (insurance, energy, consumer goods, etc.). Buffett’s shares have provided Berkshire stockholders with annual returns of nearly 20% over the course of decades, while the S&P 500 has returned about 10%. To put it briefly, Buffett has an unmatched track record of building up modest gains over decades to create enormous riche–Wikipedia
Why This Warren Buffett News Matters
Legendary career at Berkshire comes to an end with Buffett’s retirement. He built an enterprise worth $1.16 trillion out of a bankrupt business. To put things in perspective, the only companies with comparable market caps are tech behemoths like Apple and Amazon.
Succession and stability:
Greg Abel (Berkshire’s vice-chair for non-insurance business) will be CEO. According to Buffett, he thinks Abel will lead Berkshire to success. So far, Berkshire’s fundamentals (insurance float, cash reserves, core businesses) remain strong.
Investing climate:
Buffett’s conservative style—holding cash during downturns and favoring quality companies—has become a case study. In 2025 his own net worth still grew by $16.4 billion despite global market woes. Young investors in India should note: disciplined, long-term investing can pay off, even as others lose money.
All things considered, this news serves as a reminder of Buffett’s ongoing impact. Will Berkshire maintain its “Warren Buffett premiums,” as one investor asked, if he departs? Although the solution is yet unknown, his values endure. Indian readers now have the opportunity to reread Buffett’s life story, essential concepts (such as in the forms of rupees and SIPs, or including FDs), and the recommended books.
Who is Warren Buffett? From Omaha Paperboy to Billionaire
In 1930, Warren Buffett, sometimes known as the infamous Oracle of Omaha, was born as a paperboy in Omaha. His path from a Nebraska youngster to one of the wealthiest persons in the world is incredible.
Key turning points in Buffett’s life are as follows: 1930: Born in Omaha, Nebraska. His father was a stockbroker and U.S. Congressman.
1947: When Buffett was 17, he paid himself 10 cents an hour to carry newspapers and bought his first investment, three shares of Cities Service.
Benjamin Graham, the founder of value investing, was his teacher at Columbia Business School, where he graduated in 1950.
1956: Started Buffett Partnership Ltd. in Omaha with $105,000 of investor money. He applied Graham’s methods to buying undervalued stocks.
1962-65: Began buying shares in Berkshire Hathaway (a struggling New England textile company). By 1965 he was in full control.
1970s-1980s: Transformed Berkshire into an insurance and investment powerhouse. Made legendary investments (e.g., buying 6.2% of Coca-Cola in 1988 and an Amex stake earlier).
2006-2010: Surpassed fellow investors Bill Gates and Carlos Slim to become the richest man. Buffett agreed to give away >99% of his wealth to charity (mainly the Gates Foundation) as part of The Giving Pledge.
2025: Buffett’s official retirement as CEO, after 60 years at Berkshire’s helm.
These bullet points show Buffett’s progression from a teen investor to a finance icon. Notably, he never let his wealth change his lifestyle: for decades he lived in the same Omaha house and drove modest cars.
Berkshire Hathaway:
Buffett’s Company Berkshire” is Warren Buffett’s famed company—the one he runs. Buffett turned Berkshire into a holding firm that owned hundreds of companies. Think of it as an umbrella: it owns big firms in many sectors and also holds huge stock positions in market leaders. Key facts:
Business Groups:
Berkshire’s roots are insurance (Geico, General Re, etc.) and utilities (Berkshire Hathaway Energy). However, it also fully owns consumer brands such as See’s Candies, Fruit of the Loom, and Dairy Queen, which sells ice cream and clothing, respectively. It has stakes in dozens of other firms (Apple, Coca-Cola, etc.).
Flagship Investments:
Buffett’s $267 billion portfolio (2024) included stakes in Apple, American Express, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Chevron, Occidental Petroleum, among others. These long-term bets have driven much of his wealth.
Share Price:
Berkshire’s Class A shares (BRK.A) have multiplied many times over Buffett’s career. (For context, one share of BRK.
Performance Vs Market:
Regarding its engagement with the market, significant outperformance was demonstrated from 1965 onward, with Buffett’s Berkshire compounding at approximately ~20% annually; this return represents roughly double the ~10% yielded by the S&P 500. Thіs substantіal outрerformanсe effeсtіvely іllustrates how hіs іnvestment strategy augmented shareholder wealth.
Warren Buffett’s company comprises a critical element of his legacy. As Business Standard articulates, he “built Berkshire Hathaway … into a business valued at more than $1.16 trillion.” In recent years, Buffett has strategically used cash reserves to buy acquisitions at advantageous prices (selected equity stakes were invested in 2024 as a result of cash levels maintained by him). All these activities thoroughly substantiated his position as an exemplar of long-term investing—conveying a crucial lesson for Indian investors concerning steadfast perseverance.
Warren Buffett’s Lifestyle and Net Worth
The extent of Buffett’s affluence often engenders inquiry. Hіs standіng as one of the world’s wealthіest іndіvіduals іs wіdely aсknowledged. According to assessments by Forbes and Bloomberg, Buffett’s net worth is estimated at approximately $169 billion (as of May 2025). In Indian currency, this valuation translates to over ₹13.8 lakh crore. An almost unimaginable sum. Globally, he maintains a position among the top 5 wealthiest people. Remarkably, his fortune experienced growth of $16.4 billion during 2025; this significant expansion materialized despite considerable market turmoil, creditable to his astute financial moves. – Economic Time
Buffett in 2005. Hіs notably frugal lіfe рersіsts, thіs desріte рossessіng a net worth of ~$169B.
Thіs substantіal wealth notwіthstandіng, humіlіty сharaсterіzes Buffett’s рersonal lіfestyle. The Omaha home he procured in 1958 for $31,550 remains his principal residence. (That house, with a current valuation around $1.4 million, is notably modest when compared to the opulent mansions of other billionaires.) He retains an unassuming holiday cottage and notably utilizes an ordinary Cadillac. Eaсh mornіng, hіs routіne іnсludes enjoyіng a MсDonald’s breakfast and рerusіng newsрaрers. Buffett has indicated that there is “zero” plan to sell any Berkshire shares, and he has made it clear that he intends to leave practically all of his money to charity. Hіs сelebrated frugalіty and unwaverіng foсus on fundamental essentіals сonstіtute a dіstіnсtіve hallmark: thіs hіghlіghts that wealth aссumulatіon does not neсessіtate ostentatіous sрendіng. For Indian investors, a salient lesson may be that the sustained compounding of investments (like a SIP) possesses greater leverage than prevalent consumer spending trends.
Video credit: WSJ News Channel
Warren Buffett’s Books and Wisdom
Buffett’s passion for reading is well-established, and he has recommended numerous books to aspiring young investors. Hіs dedication sees hіm engaging іn reading for 5-6 hours daily. Subsequently presented is the following list of highly recommended Warren Buffett books and related educational materials for compassionate consideration:
“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham: Buffett calls this “by far the best book on investing ever written.” It teaches value investing and margin of safety. Buffett first learned these lessons at Columbia.
“The Essays of Warren Buffett” by Lawrence Cunningham: A compiled and organized version of Buffett’s annual shareholder letters. It distills his principles – buying quality businesses, staying patient, avoiding speculation.
“Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist” by Roger Lowenstein: A biography that covers Buffett’s early career and rise. Young investors will learn how he applied Graham’s ideas and turned a $175 investment into billions.
“The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life” by Alice Schroeder: A detailed biography authorized by Buffett. It covers his personal life, partnership days, and later success. Engaging for investors and entrepreneurs.
Selected Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Letters: Buffett writes to shareholders each year. Many of these letters (especially from 1970s–2010s) are educational and have timeless advice. Many are available for free on Berkshire’s website.
These books and letters offer practical wisdom. For example, Buffett emphasizes compounding: “The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest.” In Indian terms, that’s like starting a small SIP early and letting it grow for decades. He also warns against debt, advises staying calm in market crashes, and says to invest in what you understand (think FDs vs SIPs). The take-home: keep learning. As Buffett quipped, “The more you learn, the more you earn.”
Investing Lessons for Young Indians
Buffett’s career yields many lessons, especially for India’s youth just starting out with SIPs or the stock market. Here are key takeaways:
Long-term Vision: Buffett says his “horizon… involves decades”. He buys businesses to hold, not trade. Similarly, an Indian investor should think in terms of 5-10 years (e.g. SIPs in mutual funds) rather than quick flips. Small contributions (even ₹500 per month) grow hugely by compounding.
Value Over Hype: He warns “People who get too upset with price fluctuations… shouldn’t own a stock”. In practice, don’t panic-sell on volatility (like 2010 crash or 2020 pandemic dip). Instead, if a stock you chose temporarily falls, stay invested if fundamentals are strong. (It’s like not withdrawing your FD or SIP when markets swing.)
Circle of Competence: Invest only in what you understand. Buffett famously avoids tech stocks he can’t analyze easily (until Apple). For young Indians, this means if you don’t understand crypto or certain sectors, learn first. One can start with simple stock index funds or consumer companies before venturing into complex businesses.
Emergency Fund: Buffett keeps lots of cash for downturns. For Indian families, an emergency fund (maybe in a liquid bank or recurring deposit) is wise. It prevents panic-selling investments to cover expenses.
Rupees vs Dollars: Think in local terms. For example, Buffett’s patience in compounding is like leaving ₹1 lakh in an FD at 6% for decades – the eventual sum will surprise you. Small habits (sipping UPI rewards, cutting unnecessary spending) can “buy you” more investment capital later.
Be Patient during Crises: Buffett thrived by buying when others panicked. For instance, in 2008 he invested in American Express and Goldman Sachs. Today’s Indian investor can learn: recessions (or bear markets) are often the best time to buy quality assets on sale.
Ethics and Discipline: Buffett is known for his integrity. He avoided shady trades and always read the fine print. Young entrepreneurs and investors should do the same: pay taxes honestly, avoid “get rich quick” schemes, and follow disciplined financial plans (budgeting apps or spreadsheets can help – download our budgeting sheet to start!).
Buffett in 2005 at a student event. At 94, he still teaches that financial success comes from discipline and learning.
These lessons show that regardless of a global icon’s wealth, the basics remain simple: save some income, invest in good companies (or index funds), and give it time. In India, this could mean setting up a SIP in an S&P 500 or Nifty 50 fund and letting it grow, or regularly investing ₹5000 in a blue-chip company through UPI. Over years, thanks to compound interest, even small amounts can build significant wealth – much like how Buffett turned small sums into billions.
Video credit: Yahoo Finance YouTube channel
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Who is Warren Buffett and why is his retirement big news?
A: Warren Buffett (age 94) is one of the world’s most successful investors. As CEO of Berkshire Hathaway for 60 years, he built it into a $1.16 trillion empire. His retirement in 2025 marks the end of an era. Even without stock market concern, Buffett focused on buying great companies (like Coca-Cola, Apple) and holding them long-term. His advice and persona make this news important for investors worldwide, including India’s youth.
Q2: What is Warren Buffett’s net worth?
A: Buffett’s net worth is about $169 billion (roughly ₹13.8 lakh crore). This makes him among the top 5 richest people globally. Most of his wealth is in Berkshire stock. Remarkably, even in 2025 his fortune grew by billions because of smart investments.
Q3: How old is Warren Buffett and what is his background?
A: Born in 1930, Buffett is 94 years old (as of 2024). He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and made his first stock purchase at 11. He studied under Benjamin Graham and started an investment partnership in 1956. By 1965 he took over Berkshire Hathaway and turned it from a textile mill into a conglomerate.
Q4: What companies does Warren Buffett’s company own, and how have their share prices fared?
A: Berkshire Hathaway owns many businesses: insurance (GEICO), railroads (BNSF), utilities, and consumer brands (Dairy Queen, Fruit of the Loom). It also holds huge stakes in public companies: Apple, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, etc. Buffett’s long-term holdings have paid off – for example, Berkshire stock compounded about 20% annually since 1965. This means a ₹1 lakh investment at that time would have grown enormously by today.
Q5: What are some famous Warren Buffett books or recommended reads?
A: Key books include “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham (Buffett’s top recommendation) and “The Essays of Warren Buffett” (collections of his letters). Biographies like “The Snowball” (Buffett by Alice Schroeder) and “Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist” are insightful. These books explain his investing philosophy and life story in clear terms.
Q6: How can Indian investors learn from Warren Buffett’s strategy?
A: Buffett’s strategy centers on long-term, value-oriented investing. Indians can apply this by starting SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) in quality mutual funds or buying blue-chip stocks and holding them for years. Buffett advises using common sense: spend less than you earn, avoid unnecessary debt, and invest the surplus in well-run companies. Think of SIP compounding like Buffett’s strategy of reinvesting earnings. For example, ₹5,000 per month invested at ~12% annual return (long-term equity average) can grow handsomely over decades.
Q7: What does Buffett’s retirement mean for the stock market and beginners?
A: For beginners, the main takeaway is continuity, not panic. Buffett’s retirement was expected by many (he named Greg Abel as successor in 2021), so markets may not tumble on the news. Short-term market moves shouldn’t distract new investors. The fundamentals of long-term investing remain valid. If anything, it’s a prompt to review one’s own financial plan and ensure it’s aligned with stable, disciplined strategies (e.g., diversify, focus on quality, not emotional trading).
Q8: Is Warren Buffett still buying stocks now?
A: Even at 94, Buffett was active. He kept a huge cash pile ($334 billion by end-2024) to deploy during opportunities. In early 2025, he sold some tech shares at gains and held onto cash and bonds, showcasing caution. Young investors can note: it’s okay to keep some cash ready to invest during market dips, rather than being fully invested at all times.
Conclusion
Warren Buffett’s retirement in 2025 marks the close of an extraordinary chapter in investing history. His life – from a kid clipping coupons for stamps to a $169 billion fortune – is a powerful story of patience, learning, and integrity. For young Indians today, Buffett’s example offers practical guidance: start saving early (even via UPI-linked apps), invest in what you understand (blue-chip companies or index funds), and let compound interest work over years.
Remember: the spirit of Buffett lives on in every disciplined investor. Start your SIP today, stick to quality investments, and consider running down expenses (maybe download a free budgeting sheet to track your savings). As Buffett says, “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” Plant your trees – even ₹1000 a month – and watch them grow into the shade of financial security.
