With a net worth of $138 billion as of August 2025, Warren Buffett ranks as the 9th richest person in the world, according to Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires list. Arguably the most respected and influential investor in history, the “Oracle of Omaha” has built his reputation on long-term thinking, transparency, and a lifetime of disciplined capital allocation.
Now 94, Buffett recently announced he’ll retire as the head of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of 2025, closing out one of the most iconic business careers of all time. His fortune is largely built on a single principle: long-term value investing. With that strategy, he’s created a financial empire spanning insurance, railroads, energy, and some of the world’s most recognizable brands.
Where Warren Buffett’s Wealth Comes From
Berkshire Hathaway Equity: Per Berkshire’s 2025 Proxy Statement, Buffett beneficially owns 206,359 Class A shares as of March 5, 2025. At a closing price of 692,600.00 as of August 4, that stake is worth $142.9 billion. His Forbes net-worth baseline of $142.4 billion reflects the fact that ~$5.2 billion of that equity is already pledged to philanthropic causes under his 99% Giving Pledge.
Annual Salary: Buffett’s base pay remains $100,000 per year, which has remained unchanged for more than 40 years. He receives no bonus, stock options, or performance awards.
Other Income & Personal Holdings: Beyond his Berkshire stake, Buffett’s residual income includes:
- Royalties and consulting fees from past business ventures
- Expense reimbursements (security, travel) from Berkshire Hathaway (Proxy disclosures)
- Modest personal investments in private partnerships and cash reserves
2025 Asset Breakdown
Buffett remains one of the most frugal billionaires in history. He still lives in the Omaha home he bought in 1958 for $31,500 and drives relatively modest cars. He has never been known for yachts, jets, or high-end art collections.
| Asset Type | Estimated Value | % of Net Worth |
| Berkshire Hathaway Stock (206,359 Class A shares @ $692,600) | $142.9B | 103.6% |
| Personal Cash & Other Investments | $1.5B | 1.1% |
| Real Estate & Personal Assets | $0.3B | 0.2% |
Percentages exceed 100% because Buffett’s net worth figure ($138B) reflects large, ongoing philanthropic pledges (99% Giving Pledge) that have reduced his personal share of Berkshire equity. All values are estimates drawn from SEC filings (Berkshire’s 2025 Proxy Statement SEC), reputable market data (BRK.A share price), and public records. Philanthropic commitments (99% Giving Pledge) and tax liabilities are excluded from asset values but explain the gap between asset totals and published net-worth figures. Actual realizable net worth may vary materially.
Timeline of Warren Buffett’s Wealth Creation
1941: Buys his first stock at age 11.
1956: Launches Buffett Partnership Ltd., using a strategy he learned from legendary value investor Benjamin Graham.
1965: Acquires a struggling textile firm, Berkshire Hathaway, and transforms it into a holding company.
1988: Buys a major stake in Coca-Cola, one of his most iconic and profitable long-term investments.
2006: Pledges to give away 99% of his fortune to charitable causes.
2016: Invests heavily in Apple, now Berkshire’s single largest holding.
2025: Announces retirement from Berkshire Hathaway, sending shares down 7% on the following trading day.
Investment Strategy: Buy and Hold, Forever
Buffett’s formula is deceptively simple:
- Buy businesses you understand
- Look for strong fundamentals and brand power
- Be patient and ignore short-term market noise
This philosophy helped turn stakes in companies like American Express, Coca-Cola, Moody’s, and Apple into billion-dollar positions. At the end of 2024, Apple still made up 28% of Berkshire’s stock portfolio, even after Buffett trimmed his position due to valuation concerns and tax strategies.
He has said his guiding principle is, “Our favorite holding period is forever.”
Philanthropy: $60 Billion and Counting
Buffett pledged in 2006 to give away 99% of his wealth, and as of mid-2025, he has already donated over $60 billion, mostly in Berkshire Hathaway stock. His philanthropy is channeled through:
- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation (named after his late first wife)
- Foundations operated by his children
In 2010, Buffett co-founded the Giving Pledge with Bill Gates, encouraging billionaires to commit to giving away at least half of their wealth. The movement now includes over 250 signatories worldwide.
Influence and Legacy
Warren Buffett’s influence stretches far beyond balance sheets. He is:
- The face of long-term investing
- A champion of shareholder transparency
- A global symbol of ethical capitalism
His annual shareholder letters are studied by MBAs, CEOs, and small investors alike. The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, dubbed “Woodstock for Capitalists,” draws tens of thousands to Omaha each year.
Even as he steps back from leadership, Buffett’s principles will continue shaping Berkshire and the broader investing world. Greg Abel, vice chairman of Berkshire’s non-insurance businesses, is expected to take over as CEO by the end of 2025.
Final Thoughts
Warren Buffett’s wealth is not the product of a lucky initial public offering or venture windfall; it’s a 75-year masterclass in discipline, value investing, and generosity. With most of his fortune pledged to philanthropy and a clear succession plan in place, Buffett’s legacy may prove even more valuable than his balance sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. As of July 2025, he’s worth $138 billion, according to Forbes.
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Roughly 6.0 % of the approximately 3.44 million Class A shares outstanding (per Berkshire’s 2025 Annual Report).
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Yes. He still resides in the same home he bought for $31,500 in 1958.
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He announced he will retire by the end of 2025, marking the end of his storied era at Berkshire Hathaway.
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Buffett has given away $60 billion to charitable causes and remains committed to the Giving Pledge.
