Warren Buffett's first experience with investing began at the remarkably young age of 11. In 1942, he bought three shares of Cities Service Preferred at $38 per share for himself and three shares for his sister Doris. Despite his initial excitement, the stock quickly fell to around $27. However, Buffett held on, and it eventually rebounded to $40, at which point he sold his shares.
About Buffett
"Warren Buffett is one of the wealthiest people in the world, amassing his fortune through a successful investment strategy.
Buffett follows the Benjamin Graham school of value investing which looks for securities with prices that are unjustifiably low based on their intrinsic worth"
Warren Edward Buffett was born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska. He displayed an early interest in business and investing. By the age of 11, Buffett had bought his first stock. His knack for numbers and business was evident from a young age, and he continued to nurture this talent throughout his education. He attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and later earned a Master of Science in Economics from Columbia University, where he studied under Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing.
In 1962, Buffett began purchasing shares in a struggling textile manufacturing firm called Berkshire Hathaway. By 1965, he had taken control of the company. He gradually transitioned Berkshire Hathaway from a textile company into a holding company for his various investments.
Buffett's investment philosophy centered on purchasing businesses with strong management, good long-term prospects, and at a price below intrinsic value. This approach led to significant investments in companies like Coca-Cola, American Express, and later tech giants like Apple.
According to Warren Buffet, “The best investment—by far—is developing yourself.” In particular, he says, “I would say communications skills are the first area I would work on to enhance your value throughout life...because if you can’t talk to people, you’ll have a real problem selling anything—stocks or anything else.”
You must ultimately develop skills that other people are willing to pay for. You’re set for success when you do, Buffett says, or, as he puts it in financially-tinged language, “Your abilities can’t be inflated away from you
Buffett’s investing style is like the shopping style of a bargain hunter. It reflects a practical, down-to-earth attitude. Buffett maintains this attitude in other areas of his life. He doesn’t live in a huge house, he doesn’t collect cars, and he doesn’t take a limousine to work. The value-investing style is not without its critics but the proof is in the pudding regardless of whether you admire Buffett or you don't.
Warren Buffett, often referred to as the "Oracle of Omaha," stands as one of the most successful and influential investors of all time. His remarkable journey from a young entrepreneur with a keen interest in business to the leader of Berkshire Hathaway showcases his deep understanding of value investing, a philosophy he honed under the mentorship of Benjamin Graham. Buffett's disciplined approach, characterized by the pursuit of undervalued companies with strong fundamentals, has yielded unparalleled financial success and made him a guiding light for investors worldwide.
Beyond his investment acumen, Buffett is also renowned for his personal integrity, modest lifestyle, and commitment to philanthropy. His pledge to give away the majority of his wealth to charitable causes underscores his belief in using resources to benefit society. Through his writings, speeches, and annual letters to shareholders, Buffett has shared his wisdom, offering timeless lessons on investing, business management, and ethical leadership.
