Warren Buffett

Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1930, Buffett has compounded Berkshire's book value at approximately 20% annually since 1965 — turning a failing textile mill into one of the world's most valuable companies. Buffett's investment philosophy — buying "wonderful companies at fair prices" and holding them effectively forever — has made him a singular figure in financial history. His annual shareholder letters are considered required reading across the investment industry, and the Berkshire annual meeting in Omaha draws over 40,000 attendees. His portfolio decisions are closely watched as signals: when Buffett buys or sells a stock, it can move the price by several percent on the announcement alone. Beyond investing, Buffett's public commentary on markets, taxation, corporate governance, and economic conditions carries extraordinary weight. His observation that he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary became a signature political talking point. His "Buffett indicator" (total stock market cap to GDP ratio) is widely used as a valuation gauge. Buffett has pledged to donate over 99% of his wealth to philanthropy, primarily through the Gates Foundation and his children's foundations. He announced his succession plan, naming Greg Abel as his successor as CEO. At 90+ years old, Buffett remains active, with Berkshire sitting on over $150 billion in cash — a war chest that markets constantly speculate about.