Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett, often referred to as the "Oracle of Omaha," is one of the most successful investors in history and one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. His achievements span decades, and he has had a profound impact on both the world of investing and global business. 

Investment Beginnings & Berkshire Hathaway

Buffett was born August 30, 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska. At age 11, he made his first stock purchase. By 13, he had filed his first tax return. In 1950, Buffett graduated from the University of Nebraska, then earned a master's degree in economics from Columbia Business School. It was at Columbia that he studied under Benjamin Graham, the “father of value investing.”

In 1965, Buffett took control of a struggling textile company, Berkshire Hathaway, and turned it into a massive holding company. Over the decades, he shifted its focus from textiles to acquiring a diverse range of companies in various industries. The company has grown into one of the largest and most respected conglomerates in the world, with holdings in industries such as insurance (GEICO), railroads (BNSF), utilities, and consumer goods (Coca-Cola, Dairy Queen).

Value Investing & Sustained Financial Success

Buffett is a proponent of value investing, a strategy pioneered by Benjamin Graham. He looks for companies with strong fundamentals, a competitive advantage, and long-term growth potential. Value investing emphasizes: (1) intrinsic value, i.e., assessing the real worth of a company, rather than its market price; (2) moats, i.e., a competitive advantage that protects a business from rivals; and (3) patience, i.e., holding investments for long periods of time.

Buffett’s personal wealth stems mainly from his large stake in Berkshire Hathaway, which he has held for most of his life. Under his leadership, Berkshire Hathaway's stock has skyrocketed, with its price increasing from $18 per share in 1965 to more than $400,000 per share today. Buffett’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 billion, though this fluctuates with the market. 

Accolades & Other Notable Achievements

• Buffett has been named to Time magazine’s 100 most influential people on multiple occasions.
• He’s been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the richest people in the world for decades.
• He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 by President Barack Obama.
• In 2010, Buffett and Bill Gates founded The Giving Pledge—a commitment by the world's wealthiest individuals to give away most of their fortunes during their lifetimes.

Warren Buffett’s Most Quotable Quotes

• “The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient.”
• “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”
• “You only have to do a few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong.”
• “You don't have to be a genius to be a successful investor, but you do have to be disciplined and patient.”
• “If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.”
• “Money is not everything. Make sure you earn a lot, but never have money as your goal.”