In his November 10, 2025 Press Release, Warren Buffett opened with characteristic modesty and humor, writing, “I will no longer be writing Berkshire’s annual report or talking endlessly at the annual meeting. As the British would say, I’m ‘going quiet.’ Sort of.”
It marked the beginning of a generational handoff long anticipated by Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. “Greg Abel will become the boss at yearend. He is a great manager, a tireless worker and an honest communicator. Wish him an extended tenure.”
Buffett, now 95, reflected on longevity, luck, and the lessons of a lifetime in business and philanthropy. “As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m grateful and surprised by my luck in being alive at 95. When I was young, this outcome did not look like a good bet.”
He recalled childhood in Omaha, nearly dying from appendicitis in 1938, and the small-town simplicity that shaped his worldview: “A sled, a bicycle, a baseball glove and an electric train were coveted by me and my friends.”
Much of the letter celebrated the relationships that defined Berkshire’s culture—most notably, his six-decade friendship with Charlie Munger. “For more than 60 years, Charlie had a huge impact on me and could not have been a better teacher and protective ‘big brother.’ We had differences but never had an argument. ‘I told you so’ was not in his vocabulary.”
He also honored other Omahans—Stan Lipsey, Walter Scott Jr., and Don Keough—whose paths intertwined with Berkshire’s growth. Buffett observed, “Looking back I feel that both Berkshire and I did better because of our base in Omaha than if I had resided anywhere else. The center of the United States was a very good place to be born, to raise a family, and to build a business. Through dumb luck, I drew a ridiculously long straw at birth.”
Turning to his age and legacy, Buffett remained pragmatic. “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.”
Yet he acknowledged life’s unfair distribution of fortune: “In many cases, our leaders and the rich have received far more than their share of luck.”
Discussing succession, he was unequivocal about Berkshire’s future: “Greg Abel has more than met the high expectations I had for him… I can’t think of a CEO, a management consultant, an academic, a member of government – you name it – that I would select over Greg to handle your savings and mine.”
Buffett ended with a moral clarity that transcends finance. “Greatness does not come about through accumulating great amounts of money, great amounts of publicity or great power in government. When you help someone in any of thousands of ways, you help the world.
Kindness is costless but also priceless.” And, with a final touch of humor and humanity: “I wish all who read this a very happy Thanksgiving. Yes, even the jerks; it’s never too late to change.”
You can find the entire press release here:
Berkshire Hathaway Press Release – I’m Going Quiet
For all the latest news and podcasts, join our free newsletter here.
Don’t forget to check out our FREE Large Cap 1000 – Stock Screener, here at The Acquirer’s Multiple:
