The Berkshire Hathaway 2025 Annual Meeting held on May 3, 2025 marked the end of an era—and the beginning of a new chapter.
Warren Buffett confirmed he will step down as CEO by the end of 2025, handing over the reins to Greg Abel, a proven leader with Buffett’s full confidence. Though stepping aside, Buffett emphasized that he’ll still offer guidance when needed.
In the meeting, Buffett reaffirmed his lifelong philosophy of long-term value investing, underscored by his views on trade that is “Trade shouldn’t be a weapon; it’s a path to prosperity.”
Here are 40 remarkable quotes from Buffett’s speech at Berkshire Hathaway’s 2025 Annual Meeting:
“1/40: Trade shouldn’t be a weapon; it’s a path to prosperity.”
“2/40: Balanced trade benefits the world; don’t weaponize it.”
“3/40: U.S. grew great through trade; we must keep it up.”
“4/40: Trade as war is risky, but it’s key for global growth.”
“5/40: Born in the U.S., the luckiest country; still the best.”
“6/40: Berkshire’s $347.7B cash is too big; we await deals.”
“7/40: Size hurts Berkshire’s performance; it’s a challenge.”
“8/40: Greg Abel will be CEO by 2025; he’s ready to lead.”
“9/40: Abel’s capital allocation matches Munger’s brilliance.”
“10/40: I’ll step down as CEO but guide Abel as needed.”
“11/40: Berkshire’s future is bright with Greg at helm.”
“12/40: Sold Apple stock, but it’s still our biggest holding.”
“13/40: Apple’s biz beats Coca-Cola, AmEx; we’ll stay in.”
“14/40: Apple sale was strategic, not bearish on its future.”
“15/40: Cash grew; no compelling buys found yet.”
“16/40: Pessimism in markets is where I’ve made best bets.”
“17/40: I don’t fear financial chaos; I see opportunity.”
“18/40: Markets won’t adapt to you; leave emotions out.”
“19/40: Volatility is normal; adapt, don’t outsmart it.”
“20/40: Sold $134B in stocks last year; cautious, not scared.”
“21/40: Tariffs are a mistake; they risk trade wars.”
“22/40: U.S. deficit is unsustainable; we can’t ignore it.”
“23/40: Fiscal discipline needed; Powell can’t fix deficits.”
“24/40: Berkshire paid 5% of U.S. corp taxes: $26.8B.”
“25/40: Most money stays in U.S. equities; we trust growth.”
“26/40: Equities beat cash for long-term wealth creation.”
“27/40: Operating earnings best measure Berkshire’s progress.”
“28/40: We don’t predict short-term markets; focus on value.”
“29/40: Munger was Berkshire’s architect; I was builder.”
“30/40: Munger never lied to me in all our years.”
“31/40: Japan trading house investments could last forever.”
“32/40: We avoid AI hype; stick to what we know.”
“33/40: Geico’s job cuts were tough but kept us competitive.”
“34/40: Energy biz still uses coal; we’re adapting slowly.”
“35/40: Mistakes fade; great decisions blossom forever.”
“36/40: U.S. economy is the American miracle; don’t bet against it.”
“37/40: Care for those with life’s short straws; they deserve it.”
“38/40: Stable currency needs D.C.’s wisdom, vigilance.”
“39/40: Berkshire’s goal: grow earnings, cut shares, seize chances.”
“40/40: I hope to be back, but Berkshire’s in good hands.”
Buffett’s timeless investing strategy remains simple but powerful:
Buy great stocks/companies, hold them long-term, and focus on their intrinsic value—not market noise.
At Evergrowth BioHealthcare Capital, we follow this same principle. We invest in groundbreaking biotech companies with long-term value potential—not fleeting market sentiment and focusing on what truly matters.
Buffett’s Golden Age came to an end. However, you can still enjoy his market beating performance through those who successfully adapted his philosophy like our fund, Evergrowth.
Follow us on our social media channels::
🌐 Website: evergrowthinvest.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Dr. Harvey Tran | Evergrowth BioHealthcare Capital
🐦 X/Twitter: @DrTranBioSci
📸 Instagram: @evergrowth_invest