Warren Buffett, the most iconic value investor of all time, has officially announced his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the age of 94. With an average annual return of nearly 20% over six decades, Buffett’s strategies shaped modern investing. This post explores his legendary stock picks, his investment philosophy, and why his legacy will endure well beyond his retirement.
“I Got Old” — The Day a Legend Stepped Down
In May 2025, Warren Buffett declared his retirement from his CEO role at Berkshire Hathaway, marking the end of an era in the world of finance. At 94 years old, Buffett offered a characteristically simple explanation: “I got old.”
Yet, this is more than a personal decision—it's the symbolic closing of a chapter in investment history. Buffett’s retirement represents a shift in generational leadership and possibly the future of value investing itself.
Buffett’s Most Legendary Investments
What makes Buffett extraordinary is not just how much he earned, but how consistently he did it—calmly, rationally, and long-term.
Here are five of his most iconic stock investments:
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Coca-Cola (KO) – Purchased heavily in 1988. Today, Berkshire earns over $700 million annually in dividends from KO alone.
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American Express (AXP) – Bought during a scandal-induced dip in the 1960s. Now one of Berkshire’s core holdings.
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Apple (AAPL) – Initially skeptical of tech stocks, Buffett saw Apple as a consumer brand, not just a tech company. As of 2024, it accounts for over $170 billion in Berkshire’s portfolio.
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GEICO – Acquired starting in 1976, it laid the foundation for Berkshire’s insurance-powered investment strategy.
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Berkshire Hathaway itself – Originally a failing textile business, transformed into one of the world’s most valuable holding companies, thanks to Buffett’s vision.
Nearly 20% Annual Return — The Power of Compounding
Between 1965 and 2024, Buffett achieved an average annual return of approximately 19.8%, compared to the S&P 500’s ~10%.
That seemingly small difference, compounded over time, turned into a monumental gap. Buffett didn’t just outperform the market—he redefined what disciplined investing could achieve.
The Successor and the Road Ahead
Buffett has named Greg Abel, Berkshire’s Vice Chairman for non-insurance operations, as his successor. Abel, a Canadian-born executive, is widely respected for his quiet competence and strong alignment with Buffett’s principles.
He will officially take over as CEO on January 1, 2026. While Abel has promised continuity, the world will be watching: Can the philosophy of value investing thrive in a post-Buffett world?
Why Warren Buffett is the Greatest Investor of All Time
Buffett’s genius lies in his simplicity. He famously asked one question before buying a stock:
“Would I be comfortable owning this company even if the market shut down for 10 years?”
He invested in businesses with strong fundamentals, loyal customers, and honest management, never chasing hype or short-term trends. But more than his financial prowess, Buffett consistently prioritized integrity, patience, and generosity—donating over 99% of his wealth to philanthropic causes.
In Closing: A New Chapter Begins, But the Wisdom Remains
Warren Buffett’s retirement signals the end of one of the greatest chapters in financial history. But as he once said:
“I didn’t want to be the richest man. I wanted to be a good one.”
His impact goes far beyond profits. He taught the world how to invest with clarity and how to live with purpose. Even in retirement, his principles will remain a compass for generations of investors to come.
Warren Buffett isn’t just the greatest investor of our time—he’s a timeless example of wisdom, humility, and long-term thinking.
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