Warren Buffett's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Warren Buffett, the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is a highly successful American investor and philanthropist. Renowned for his investment acumen, he is one of the world's most well-known investors. With an estimated net worth of $154.4 billion as of April 5, 2025, Buffett ranks among the wealthiest individuals 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.

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.

April 2006: Buffett's Gain on Currency Contracts

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

2007: Buffett's Bet on Index Funds

In 2007, Warren Buffett made a bet with numerous managers that a simple S&P 500 index fund would outperform hedge funds that charge exorbitant fees.

2007: Time's 100 Most Influential People

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

September 23, 2008: Berkshire Hathaway Invests in Goldman Sachs

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

October 2008: Buffett Invests in BYD Company

In October 2008, Warren Buffett invested $230 million for a 10% stake in battery maker BYD Company, which has a subsidiary named BYD Auto, an electric automobile manufacturer. Within a year, this investment yielded a return of over 500%.

2008: Buffett Becomes Richest Person in the World

In 2008, Warren Buffett became the richest person in the world, with his 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.

2009: Honorary Assistant Coach

In 2009, Warren Buffett was named an honorary assistant coach and watched the game against Oklahoma from the Nebraska sideline. Buffett was also elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2009.

2009: Second Richest Man in the US

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

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.

2011: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Warren Buffett the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

September 15, 2012: Completion of Radiation Treatment

On September 15, 2012, Warren Buffett announced that he had completed a full 44-day radiation treatment cycle for prostate cancer.

September 2013: Net Worth

As of September 2013, Warren Buffett's net worth had risen to $58.5 billion.

August 14, 2014: Berkshire Hathaway's Share Price Hits $200,000

On August 14, 2014, Berkshire Hathaway's share price reached $200,000 for the first time, valuing the company at $328 billion.

2017: Index Fund Outperforms Hedge Funds

By 2017, the S&P 500 index fund in Warren Buffett's bet was outperforming every hedge fund that had made the bet against him.

2018: Forbes' List Ranking

In 2018, after donating almost $3.4 billion, Warren Buffett was ranked 3rd in the Forbes' List of Billionaires.

April 5, 2025: Buffett's Net Worth

As of April 5, 2025, Warren Buffett's estimated net worth was US$154.4 billion, making him the fifth-richest individual in the world, according to Forbes.