Warren Buffett's 2024 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 2023 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 2022 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 2021 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 2020 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 2019 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 2018 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Buffett addresses the significant insurance losses from major hurricanes, yet notes that Berkshire’s financial strength remained unshaken. He celebrates the final victory of his S&P 500 bet against Protégé Partners, proving the superiority of passive investing over active management. The letter also explains how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly boosted Berkshire’s net worth and GAAP earnings.

This letter focuses on the success of Buffett’s decade-long bet that an S&P 500 index fund would outperform a basket of hedge funds. He critiques the high fees of active management and emphasizes the power of low-cost indexing. Buffett also discusses the massive share repurchases at Apple and their impact on increasing Berkshire’s ownership stake without spending additional capital.

Celebrating Berkshire’s 50th year, Buffett and Munger provide separate essays on the company’s history and future. Buffett outlines the 'Berkshire System,' emphasizing decentralized management and the permanent nature of their capital. He discusses the transition from a struggling textile mill to a diversified conglomerate and expresses confidence in the company’s resilience and culture after his eventual departure.

Buffett introduces his new investment managers, Todd Combs and Ted Weschler, praising their performance and cultural fit. He expresses disappointment in failing to make a major acquisition despite a large cash pile. The letter emphasizes the importance of the 'Big Four' investments and the continued growth of Berkshire’s insurance float as a source of low-cost capital for the conglomerate.

This letter introduces a formal share buyback policy, set at 110% of book value, as a tool for capital allocation. Buffett explains the distinction between price and intrinsic value while detailing the acquisition of Lubrizol. He also defends his large investment in IBM, focusing on the company's ability to generate cash and repurchase its own shares to benefit long-term holders.

Buffett highlights the transformative acquisition of BNSF, emphasizing its role as a productive asset for decades. He discusses the massive capital expenditures required for railroads and utilities, contrasting them with capital-light businesses. The letter also addresses the slow recovery in the housing market and the enduring strength of Berkshire’s insurance float, which provides low-cost funding for future investments.

Warren Buffett's 2009 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 2008 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 2007 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 2006 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 2005 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 2004 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Warren Buffett's 1998 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.

Buffett details the acquisition of Scott Fetzer and the major investment in Capital Cities/ABC, highlighting the importance of economic goodwill. He explains why businesses with high returns on tangible assets are superior to capital-intensive ones. The letter also marks the closure of the original textile operations, emphasizing that capital should not be committed to businesses with poor economics regardless of sentiment.

Warren Buffett's 1983 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, discussing business operations, investment philosophy, and capital allocation.