Warren Buffett's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Warren Buffett.

Warren Buffett is a highly successful American investor and philanthropist, serving as the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Renowned for his investment acumen, he's considered one of America's most prominent investors. As of May 2025, his estimated net worth of $160.2 billion ranks him as the fifth-richest person globally.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1962: Became a Millionaire

In 1962, Warren Buffett became a millionaire with the success of his partnerships, which by then had grown to 11 entities. He also started investing in Berkshire Hathaway.

1999: Top Money Manager of the Twentieth Century

In 1999, Warren Buffett was named the Top Money Manager of the Twentieth Century in a survey by the Carson Group, surpassing Peter Lynch and John Templeton.

April 2006: Gain on Currency Contracts

By April 2006, Buffett's total gain on forward contracts to deliver U.S. dollars against other currencies exceeded $2 billion.

2007: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2007, Warren Buffett was listed among Time's 100 Most Influential People in the world, recognizing his global impact.

September 23, 2008: Berkshire Hathaway Acquires Goldman Sachs Stock

On September 23, 2008, Berkshire Hathaway acquired 10 percent of perpetual preferred stock of Goldman Sachs.

October 2008: Buffett Buys General Electric Preferred Stock

In October 2008, Buffett agreed to buy General Electric (GE) preferred stock with special incentives, including an option to buy three billion shares of GE stock and a 10% dividend.

October 2008: Investment in BYD Company

In October 2008, Buffett invested $230 million for 10% of battery maker BYD Company, which also operates an electric automobile manufacturing subsidiary. In less than one year, the investment reaped over 500% return.

October 2008: Numerous Books in Print with Buffett's Name

In October 2008, USA Today reported at least 47 books were in print with Warren Buffett's name in the title. Buffett said that his own personal favorite is a collection of his essays called The Essays of Warren Buffett, which he described as "a coherent rearrangement of ideas from my annual report letters".

2008: Buffett Becomes Richest Person

In 2008, Warren Buffett became the richest person in the world with a net worth estimated at $62 billion by Forbes and $58 billion by Yahoo, surpassing Bill Gates.

2008: Richest Person in the World

In 2008, Warren Buffett was ranked by Forbes as the richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of approximately $62 billion.

June 2009: Berkshire Hathaway Ranked as Eighteenth Largest Corporation

As of June 2009, Berkshire Hathaway was the eighteenth largest corporation in the world based on market capitalization in the Financial Times Global 500.

2009: Election to American Philosophical Society

In 2009, Warren Buffett was elected to the American Philosophical Society, recognizing his contributions to intellectual pursuits.

2009: Second Richest Man in the United States

In 2009, after donating billions to charity, Warren Buffett was ranked as the second richest man in the United States with a net worth of $37 billion, surpassed only by Bill Gates.

2010: Most Influential Global Thinker

In 2010, Warren Buffett, along with Bill Gates, was named the most influential global thinker in Foreign Policy's report, acknowledging his impact on global issues.

2010: Merger with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Closed

In 2010, the merger with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) closed upon BNSF shareholder approval during Q1. This deal was valued at approximately $44 billion.