Warren Buffett recently disclosed that he owns approximately $600 million of personal wealth outside of his Berkshire Hathaway stock, which is valued at $127 billion and represents almost all of his net worth. He revealed that he donated around $5.3 billion of Berkshire shares to philanthropic organizations over the last 18 years, totaling about $55 billion based on current value.
With only 0.5% of his net worth tied to assets other than Berkshire stock, it’s estimated that Buffett’s remaining $600 million fortune is likely spread across various investments, with his primary assets residing in his private portfolio of stocks and bonds. Reports suggest that Buffett has personally held substantial amounts of stock in companies like Wells Fargo, Walmart, and Johnson & Johnson, in addition to selling hundreds of millions of dollars worth of stock and bonds over the years.
This revelation sheds light on how Buffett is able to maintain a modest $100,000 salary from Berkshire, returning half of it back to the company each year. By earning significant dividends and bond income from his personal investments, he is able to cover expenses without having to sell off Berkshire shares, showcasing the strategic financial management that has made him one of the most successful investors of our time.
