Legendary investor Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has once again made headlines worldwide by unveiling key details of his will while continuing his monumental commitment to philanthropy. At the age of 94, Buffett has donated another $6 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway shares this week, pushing his total lifetime giving to over $60 billion — an unprecedented example of wealth redistribution in modern history.
Even after this massive gift, Buffett’s net worth remains staggeringly high. Estimates place it between $150 billion and $169 billion, depending on fluctuations in Berkshire Hathaway’s stock price.
A Legacy of Giving
Buffett first pledged to donate nearly his entire fortune back in 2006 when he announced that over 99% of his wealth would be given to charity during his lifetime or through his estate. With this week’s donation of around 12.4 million Class B shares, Buffett stays firmly on course.
His recent contribution benefits five main foundations:
- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust received the largest share, approximately 9.4 million shares valued at nearly $4.6 billion.
- The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named after his late first wife, received close to 943,000 shares.
- The remaining shares went equally to the foundations managed by his three children — Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, and NoVo Foundation — with each receiving about 660,000 shares.
These donations not only continue Buffett’s tradition of giving but also reinforce his belief that the wealth he has amassed can do more good when used to address global challenges like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
Key Details of the Will
In this rare public disclosure about his estate plan, Buffett confirmed that 99.5% of his fortune will be donated to philanthropic causes after his death. He clarified that while the Gates Foundation will continue receiving annual donations during his lifetime, it will not be a beneficiary in his will. Instead, his children will be entrusted to oversee the distribution of the remaining wealth through a charitable trust.
He emphasized that his children will not inherit huge personal fortunes. Instead, they will act as trustees, managing the disbursement of the remaining wealth over a period of around ten years to maximize impact.
This plan echoes Buffett’s long-standing philosophy that great fortunes should not be handed down in vast sums to heirs, but should instead be used to benefit society at large.
Buffett’s Staggering Net Worth
Buffett’s wealth is almost entirely tied to the performance of Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate he transformed from a failing textile mill into a multi-sector giant.
As of late June 2025, Buffett’s estimated net worth fluctuates between $150 billion and $169 billion, according to Bloomberg and Forbes. Despite the recent donation, the company’s share price remains robust — and with the value of Berkshire Hathaway stock trending steadily upward over the past year, Buffett’s fortune remains among the top five globally.
📈 Berkshire Hathaway Share Price Trend (2024-2025)
| Date | Class B Share Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| June 2024 | $408 |
| December 2024 | $450 |
| March 2025 | $475 |
| June 2025 | $485 |
Source: Public trading data
This consistent growth shows how Buffett’s wealth continues to grow alongside Berkshire’s long-term performance — a testament to his enduring investment philosophy.
The Berkshire Hathaway Empire
Founded in the 19th century and acquired by Buffett in the 1960s, Berkshire Hathaway now spans more than 60 subsidiaries across multiple industries: insurance (Geico), railroads (BNSF), utilities (Berkshire Hathaway Energy), manufacturing, consumer goods, and major stakes in companies like Apple, Coca-Cola, American Express, and Kraft Heinz.
Its market capitalization sits near $900 billion to $1 trillion, making it one of the largest companies in the world.
Buffett’s steady leadership and famous “buy and hold” strategy have made Berkshire shares among the most coveted in the market. The Class A shares trade for hundreds of thousands of dollars apiece — maintaining their status as the most expensive publicly traded shares worldwide.
Succession: Berkshire’s Future After Buffett
While Buffett remains in robust health and mental form for his age, succession planning has long been a key focus for shareholders and market analysts alike. This year, Berkshire’s board confirmed that Greg Abel, Vice Chairman for Non-Insurance Business Operations, will officially take over as CEO on January 1, 2026. Buffett will remain as Chairman to ensure a smooth transition.
Abel has overseen Berkshire’s energy and utility businesses for years and is widely respected within the company for his deep understanding of its decentralized model. Buffett has often praised Abel as “the right person for the job” and noted that Berkshire’s structure and culture are built to thrive even when its legendary leader steps back.
Why Buffett’s Giving Matters Globally
Buffett’s philanthropy remains unique not just for its scale but for its approach. Unlike many wealthy individuals who set up tightly controlled family foundations that can persist for centuries, Buffett’s will favors swift, significant impact. His children, acting as trustees, will ensure that most of the wealth is distributed relatively quickly, minimizing bureaucracy and maximizing benefit to society.
This approach also reflects Buffett’s belief that the power of compound interest works best over time for investments but not necessarily for philanthropy — where immediate action can address urgent issues.
His partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates also set a precedent for modern billionaire philanthropy, encouraging other ultra-wealthy individuals to sign the Giving Pledge — a commitment to donate at least half of their fortunes during their lifetimes or in their wills.
A Life of Frugality and Big Ideas
Despite his massive fortune, Buffett remains famous for his modest lifestyle. He still lives in the same Omaha house he bought in 1958 for $31,500. He drives himself to work, eats at fast food chains, and famously loves Cherry Coke. This down-to-earth style has made him an icon for ordinary investors who see him as proof that discipline and patience can yield extraordinary results.
Final Thoughts
As Warren Buffett reveals more about his will and continues his record-breaking donations, he sets an example for what responsible wealth stewardship can look like in the 21st century. His actions reinforce his legacy as not only one of the greatest investors in history but also as a philanthropist committed to leaving the world better than he found it.
For Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, his transparency about succession and estate planning also provides confidence that the company’s culture of prudence, decentralization, and long-term thinking will survive for decades to come.
In Buffett’s own words, “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” His tree, planted over decades of smart investing and clear principles, will continue to shelter millions long after he is gone.
Stay tuned for more updates on Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway, and the world’s biggest movers in global business and philanthropy.
