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. He is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and is renowned as one of the world's best investors. His net worth is estimated to be around $149.6 billion as of February 2025, making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
1962: Became a Millionaire
In 1962, Warren Buffett became a millionaire due to the success of his partnerships.
1988: Bought Coca-Cola Stock
In 1988, Buffett began buying The Coca-Cola Company stock, eventually purchasing up to 7% of the company for $1.02 billion.
1999: Top Money Manager of the Twentieth Century
In 1999, Buffett was named the Top Money Manager of the Twentieth Century in a survey by the Carson Group.
April 2006: Gain on Currency Contracts
By April 2006, Buffett's total gain on currency contracts was over $2 billion.
2007: Listed Among Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2007, Buffett was listed among Time's 100 Most Influential People in the world.
October 2008: Investment in BYD Company
In October 2008, Buffett invested $230 million for 10% of battery maker BYD Company, which runs a subsidiary of electric automobile manufacturer BYD Auto. This investment reaped over a 500% return in less than one year.
October 2008: Report on Books with Buffett's Name
In October 2008, USA Today reported that at least 47 books were in print with Buffett's name in the title.
2008: Ranked Richest Person in the World
In 2008, Buffett was ranked by Forbes as the richest person in the world, with a net worth of approximately $62 billion.
June 2009: Berkshire Hathaway Eighteenth Largest Corporation
As of June 2009, Berkshire Hathaway was the eighteenth largest corporation in the world, measured by market capitalization in the Financial Times Global 500.
2009: Gates Regains Top Spot
In 2009, Bill Gates regained the top position on the Forbes list, with Warren Buffett shifting to second place, as both men's values decreased due to economic conditions.
2009: Named Honorary Assistant Coach
In 2009, Buffett was named an honorary assistant coach and watched a Nebraska game from the sideline. He was also elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2009.
2009: Ranked Second Richest in the U.S.
In 2009, after donating billions to charity, 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, Buffett, along with Bill Gates, was named the most influential global thinker in Foreign Policy's report.
2011: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Buffett the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
September 15, 2012: Completed Radiation Treatment
On September 15, 2012, Buffett announced that he had completed his 44-day radiation treatment cycle.
September 2013: Net Worth Rises
As of September 2013, Buffett's net worth had risen to $58.5 billion.
August 14, 2014: Berkshire Hathaway Share Price Hits $200,000
On August 14, 2014, Berkshire Hathaway's share price reached $200,000 for the first time, capitalizing the company at $328 billion.
2017: Index Fund Outperforms Hedge Funds
By 2017, the S&P 500 index fund had outperformed every hedge fund that bet against Warren Buffett, proving his point about the advantages of low-cost index funds.
2018: Ranked 3rd in Forbes' List of Billionaires
In 2018, after making almost $3.4 billion in donations, Buffett was ranked 3rd in the Forbes' List of Billionaires.
