Warren Buffett’s Thanksgiving Letter: A Gentle Farewell and a Legacy of Leadership

Updated: December 07, 2025 20:14

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Warren Buffett’s final Thanksgiving letter is a poignant farewell, celebrating leadership, legacy, and the future of Berkshire Hathaway. With Greg Abel taking the reins, Buffett leaves behind timeless lessons on humility, philanthropy, and long-term value investing, ensuring his wisdom continues to guide investors and leaders alike.

Warren Buffett, the legendary “Oracle of Omaha,” has penned his final Thanksgiving message to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, marking the end of an era that has shaped modern investing. With a blend of humility, wisdom, and characteristic wit, Buffett reflects on his journey, leadership philosophy, and the future of Berkshire under Greg Abel.

Key Highlights:

Leadership Transition: Greg Abel, long-time vice chairman overseeing Berkshire’s non-insurance divisions, will officially become CEO at year-end. Buffett has publicly praised Abel as a “great manager, a tireless worker, and an honest communicator,” expressing confidence in his ability to steward the conglomerate forward.
Philanthropic Gesture: In a move reflecting his lifelong commitment to giving, Buffett converted 1,800 Class A shares—worth over $1.3 billion—into 2.7 million Class B shares and donated them to four family foundations, accelerating his pledge to give away 99% of his wealth.
Philosophy and Values: Buffett’s letter emphasizes decency, respect, and kindness as the cornerstones of lasting leadership. He reminds readers that “the cleaning lady is as much a human being as the chairman,” underscoring the importance of humility and treating everyone with equal dignity.
Investment Outlook: Buffett notes that Berkshire’s enterprises have “slightly better-than-average prospects,” driven by a few sizable, non-correlated gems. He remains candid about market conditions, expressing that stocks are generally overpriced, but reiterates Berkshire’s commitment to long-term, disciplined investing.
Personal Reflections: The letter is deeply personal, with Buffett reminiscing about his friendship with Charlie Munger, his gratitude for life’s “magical ingredient,” and his wish for readers to “thank America for maximizing your opportunities.” He ends with a warm Thanksgiving message, encouraging everyone to be kind—even “the jerks”—and to always strive to improve.

Sources: Forbes, Fortune, Yahoo Finance, Investopedia, Economic Times, Berkshire Hathaway, CBS News

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