Warren Buffett to Donate $149 Billion in Berkshire Stock as He Steps Down as CEO

Warren Buffett has announced his intention to retire as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year, stating he will "go quiet" after stepping down from his leadership role.

The 94-year-old billionaire philanthropist revealed in his final annual letter to shareholders his plan to significantly increase his charitable giving by donating his remaining $149 billion in Berkshire stock holdings.

Reflecting on his current work life, Buffett mentioned he still maintains a five-day office schedule, working alongside "wonderful people" at the company.

He disclosed a recent donation of 1,800 Class A shares, valued at approximately $1.35 billion, which he converted to lower-priced B shares and distributed to four family foundations.

Buffett explained this move by stating, "To improve the probability that they will dispose of what will essentially be my entire estate before alternate trustees replace them, I need to step up the pace of lifetime gifts to their three foundations."

Earlier this year, Buffett had announced that Gregory Abel, 63, who has been with Berkshire Hathaway since 2000, would take over as the company's next leader.

Despite his upcoming retirement, Buffett expressed continued optimism about Berkshire Hathaway's future prospects and indicated he would retain a "significant amount" of Class A shares until shareholders feel comfortable with the new leadership.

With a fortune of $152.1 billion, Buffett remains among the world's five wealthiest individuals even as he transitions into retirement.

Earlier this year, the investment legend criticized tariffs implemented during the Trump administration, describing them as a "big mistake" and cautioning against using trade as a weapon.

Buffett also shared concerns about currency devaluation, calling it a "scary" trend and predicting that the US dollar would likely weaken against foreign currencies in 2025.