Despite global market turbulence, legendary investor Warren Buffett has yet again defied financial headwinds, amassing a staggering ₹1.9 lakh crore this year alone. With a net worth now touching ₹14.18 lakh crore, Buffett has secured his position as the sixth richest person in the world, overtaking Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates for the second time since 2008.
Buffett’s investment strategies have consistently yielded exceptional returns, even as the S&P 500 Index slumped 8% from its peak this year. In a year of economic uncertainty, just four of the world’s top 15 billionaires grew their wealth, and Buffett was at the lead.
The Buffett Playbook: Strategic Investments & Record Cash Reserves
Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway portfolio has emerged more potent in 2025, with seven key stocks outperforming the market, including:
- Berkshire Hathaway (+14%)
- BYD (+47%)
- New Holdings (+13%)
- Aon (+11%)
- T-Mobile (+16%)
- Verisign (+15%)
- Coca-Cola (+11%)
To this, Buffett has added a record cash reserve of ₹28.87 lakh crore, surpassing even Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. Most of the war chest has been accumulated by disposing of holdings in Apple and Bank of America, marking a change in his market strategy.
AI’s Silent Hand in Buffett’s Strategy
Unlike aggressive investors pouring directly into AI startups, Buffett has tactically backed companies leveraging AI for operational efficiency, such as Apple and Amazon. This risk-averse yet forward-looking approach has shielded his portfolio from the volatility seen in purely AI-focused firms.
Insurance Gains & Japanese Expansion
With strong fourth-quarter earnings, Berkshire Hathaway’s insurance division has been a significant profit generator. Additionally, Buffett has deepened his footprint in Japan, increasing stakes in major conglomerates such as Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Marubeni, Sumitomo, and Itochu, now collectively valued at ₹2.03 lakh crore.
A Measured Approach: Reduced Share Buybacks
For decades, Buffett’s share repurchase plan has been the signature move of Berkshire Hathaway’s financial strategy. But in 2025, there was a ₹25,932 crore cut in buybacks of shares, reflecting a stress on maintaining liquidity in times of economic uncertainty.
The Buffett Mindset: Timing Over Trend-Chasing
Even at the age of 94, Warren Buffett is still one of the most powerful men in world finance. As markets prepare for further volatility, Buffett’s timeless values of patience, discipline, and value investing again prove why he is still the Oracle of Omaha.
