95 & Still Teaching: 10 Investing Lessons from Warren Buffett’s Legendary Career
02 Sep, 2025

95 & Still Teaching: 10 Investing Lessons from Warren Buffett’s Legendary Career

 

Warren Buffett turned 95 on August 30, 2025, marking not only a personal milestone but also a pivotal moment in his career as he prepares to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway after 60 remarkable years at the helm.


Over decades, Buffett transformed a struggling textile company into a global conglomerate valued at over $1 trillion, with annual after-tax operating earnings nearing $45 billion , . As he transitions from CEO to stay on as chairman, his investment philosophy continues to illuminate the path for investors worldwide.


Here are 10 of his most enduring investing lessons:


Don’t Overpay for Stocks
Buffett maintains a strict valuation discipline—rarely buying above 15× forward earnings—even in cases like Apple and Coca-Cola.


Take Profits When Needed
While advocating long-term investing, he isn’t shy about trimming stakes in Apple, Bank of America, JP Morgan, and others when prudent.


Stick to What You Know
His investments lean toward familiar, fundamentals-driven businesses like insurance, railroads, and utilities.


Start Early
Buffett bought his first stock at just 11 or 12 years old—demonstrating how compounding works best over long horizons.


Embrace Concentrated Bets
A few select holdings—like American Express, Apple, Coca-Cola—constitute the bulk of his portfolio. Berkshire’s equity book at one point was nearly 70% in just five stocks.


Know Your “Circle of Competence”
Invest only in industries you truly understand. Buffett’s advice: “Know your circle of competence—and stick within it.”


Buy Businesses, Not Just Stocks
He values companies by their underlying fundamentals and management, not merely their ticker price.


Value Owner Earnings, Not Just GAAP
Buffett favors “owner earnings”—cash flows adjusted for maintenance capital—as the real gauge of a company’s health.


Be Opportunistically Contrarian
He doesn’t follow the herd. Rather, he buys when others are fearful and avoids hype—practicing disciplined, value-based investing.


Know When to Step Back—but Stay Engaged
At 95 and stepping down as CEO, Buffett remains active as chairman—showing that passion and mentorship matter, even in transition.
 

 Bottom Line:


At 95, Warren Buffett’s legacy remains a masterclass in disciplined, value-driven investing. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned investor, his principles—anchored in patience, clarity, and integrity—offer a timeless roadmap to long-term success.


This content is for educational and knowledge purposes only and should not be considered as investment or Trading advice. Please consult a certified financial advisor before making any investment or Trading decisions.
 

Our Recent FAQS

Frequently Asked Question &
Answers Here

Q1: Why does Buffett limit buying below 15× forward earnings?

It’s his way to avoid overvaluing businesses. By capping price-to-earnings, he ensures a margin of safety and better long-term upside.

Q2: Isn’t selling stocks contradictory to “forever” investing?

Not if the decision aligns with fundamentals. Buffett sells when business realities change or when reallocating capital improves returns. Only a few holdings remain truly long-term.

Q3: What does “circle of competence” mean for typical investors?

It means investing in areas you deeply understand—whether it’s your industry or products you use. Depth beats breadth in risk-adjusted returns , .

Q4: How do owner earnings differ from traditional metrics?

Owner earnings focus on real cash flows—reducing misleading GAAP figures by subtracting necessary reinvestment. This gives a clearer view of what the business truly generates .

Q5: Should I copy Buffett’s concentrated holdings?

Only if you have similar research capability and risk tolerance. Average investors often benefit from diversified holdings or index funds.

Q6: Is Buffett’s approach relevant for beginners?

Absolutely. Start early, stick to your understanding, favor quality over cheapness, and let compounding work. Even index fund investing aligns with many Buffett principles.
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