Warren Buffett writes final letter: 'I was late in becoming old'
It marks end of an era for Berkshire Hathaway, which he built into a financial powerhouse
Warren Edward Buffett, the legendary investor and longtime chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has published his final formal letter to shareholders in 2025, marking the end of an era for the company.
Best known as the "Oracle of Omaha", Buffett built his fortune through value investing.
He transformed Berkshire Hathaway into a financial powerhouse by acquiring a variety of companies.
At 95 years old, Buffett – with an estimated $148.2 billion net worth – announced he is “going quiet” and stepping down from active leadership as Greg Abel takes over as CEO.
Buffett is renowned for his philanthropy, co-founding the Giving Pledge and pledging to donate over 99% of his wealth to charity.
Those who reach old age need a huge dose of good luck, daily escaping banana peels, natural disasters, drunk or distracted drivers, lightning strikes, you name it.Warren Buffett (final letter to shareholders)
Investment guru, generous giver
Buffett grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and built one of the world’s most successful investment firms through his disciplined value investing approach.
Beyond business, he is known for philanthropy, having pledged the vast majority of his wealth to charitable causes, including through foundations led by his children.
When balance, sight, hearing and memory areall on a persistently downward slope, you know Father Time is in the neighborhood. I was late in becoming old – its onset materially varies – but once it appears, it is not to be denied.Warrent Buffett
In his final letter, Buffett committed to accelerating his giving plan, donating 2.7 million Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares to four family charitable foundations, including The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation.
5 main points from Buffett’s final letter:
#1. Stepping back: Buffett will stop writing Berkshire's annual shareholder letter and speaking at annual shareholder meetings.
#2. Praise for successor: Greg Abel is endorsed as a highly capable successor who understands Berkshire’s businesses deeply.
#3. Philanthropic acceleration: The sharing of his stock with family foundations is part of his plan to give away most of his fortune.
#4. Ongoing connection: Buffett will continue communicating annually through Thanksgiving messages to shareholders and his children.
#5. Words of wisdom: He urged shareholders to learn from mistakes, value kindness, choose heroes wisely, and emphasised humility.
“Don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes — learn at least a little from them and move on.”Warrent Buffett
What’s next for Buffett?
Though retiring from day-to-day duties, Buffett plans to continue writing an annual Thanksgiving message and focus on philanthropy and supporting his family foundations.
Buffett’s final letter is a heartfelt reflection on his journey, his values, and his hopes for Berkshire Hathaway’s future under new leadership.
Greatness does not come about through accumulating great amounts of money... When you help someone in any of thousands of ways, you help the world.Warren Buffett
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