In a feat that stands as one of the greatest achievements in investing history, Warren Buffett transformed a struggling textile company into a trillion-dollar conglomerate, delivering returns exceeding 6,000,000% over six decades.
When Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway in 1965, its shares were trading at around $15–$19 each. By the end of 2025, as he stepped down as CEO, Class A shares had reached approximately $755,000 USD—equivalent to about ₹6.8 crore at prevailing exchange rates. This extraordinary growth, often highlighted in Indian media as turning a modest investment into lakhs or crores, underscores the magic of long-term compounding.
According to Berkshire Hathaway’s reports and analyses, from 1965 through 2024, the company achieved a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 19.9%, resulting in a cumulative return of over 5,500,000%. Including 2025’s performance—a gain of around 10.9%—the total return climbed to approximately 6,100,000%. In contrast, the S&P 500 delivered a CAGR of roughly 10.4% over the same period, with cumulative returns around 46,000% including dividends.
This outperformance turned even small investments into fortunes. For instance, $10,000 invested in Berkshire Hathaway in 1965 would have grown to over $600 million by the end of 2025. Buffett’s strategy—rooted in value investing, patient long-term holding, and strategic acquisitions in insurance, railroads, energy, and consumer brands—drove this success.
On December 31, 2025, at age 95, Buffett officially retired as CEO, passing the reins to Greg Abel on January 1, 2026. Abel, a longtime Berkshire executive who joined in 2000 and oversaw the energy division, has been groomed for years. Buffett remains chairman, ensuring continuity in the company’s decentralized culture.
As of early January 2026, Berkshire Class A shares are trading around $744,000–$754,000 USD, reflecting minor fluctuations in the post-transition period. While the “Oracle of Omaha” era ends, his legacy endures: a testament to disciplined investing and the power of compounding over decades. For investors worldwide, including in India where such stories inspire millions, Buffett’s journey from a $15 stock to generational wealth remains unparalleled.
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