Countryloves

 Over six decades of steering the Berkshire Hathaway empire, 94-year-old billionaire Warren Buffett made several investments that earned the company hundreds of billions of dollars—most famously in Apple, BYD, and Coca-Cola.

On May 3rd, Buffett officially announced he would step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of this year, marking the end of his 60-year reign at the helm of the investment conglomerate.

Often hailed as one of the greatest investors in modern history, Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway in 1965, back when it was a struggling textile mill. Over time, he reshaped it into a multi-sector powerhouse through acquisitions and strategic investments. Today, he owns approximately $169 billion in assets—$160 billion of which is in Berkshire stock. The company’s market cap has surpassed $1.16 trillion.

Buffett's remarkable track record has earned him legendary status on Wall Street and the nickname "The Oracle of Omaha"—a tribute to his hometown, where he was born, raised, and spent decades working.

Here are some of Buffett’s most successful and regretful investments throughout his storied career:

Profitable Investments

1. National Indemnity and National Fire & Marine

Insurance has always been a key pillar for Berkshire. In 1967, Buffett acquired National Indemnity and National Fire & Marine for $8.6 million—among his earliest ventures into the insurance industry.

The float (premium money collected before claims are paid) became a vital funding source for Berkshire’s other investments and helped drive the company’s growth. By Q1 of this year, Berkshire’s total float reached $173 billion.

2. American Express, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America

Buffett bought large stakes in these companies during times of turmoil—market crashes or corporate scandals. These holdings have grown by over $100 billion since acquisition, excluding the substantial dividends Berkshire has collected.

3. Apple

Despite his longstanding reluctance to invest in tech, Buffett began buying Apple shares in 2016, saying he viewed it as a consumer brand with exceptional customer loyalty. At its peak, the investment was worth over $174 billion, before Berkshire gradually began reducing its stake.

4. BYD

Following advice from Charlie Munger, Buffett bet big on Chinese EV company BYD in 2008 with a $232 million investment. At one point, this stake grew to over $9 billion. Berkshire has since trimmed its position and now holds $1.8 billion in BYD stock.

5. See’s Candies

The 1972 See’s Candies acquisition was a turning point in Buffett’s investment philosophy. Munger convinced him to focus on quality businesses with competitive advantages, not just cheap ones. Berkshire bought the company for $25 million and, by 2011, had earned $1.65 billion in pre-tax profits from it.

6. Berkshire Hathaway Energy

The energy sector has been a stable cash generator. In 2000, Berkshire bought MidAmerican Energy for $2.1 billion. It was later renamed and expanded to include PacifiCorp and NV Energy. In 2024 alone, this division brought in over $3.7 billion in profit.

Costly Mistakes

1. Berkshire Hathaway (the textile company)

Buffett has called his original 1962 purchase of the Berkshire textile firm his “worst investment.” The business struggled and ultimately shut down in 1985. Ironically, the stock has since soared from around $7–8 to over $800,000, making it a “bad decision that turned out well.”

2. Dexter Shoe Co

In 1993, Buffett paid $433 million in Berkshire stock to acquire Dexter Shoe. He later admitted this was a huge blunder—he gave away 1.6% of Berkshire’s equity for a company that turned out to be worthless.

Buffett has also expressed regret over missed opportunities. He passed on early investments in Amazon, Google, and Microsoft—costing Berkshire billions. He also abandoned plans to buy 100 million shares of Walmart, now worth nearly $10 billion.

Before the pandemic, Buffett soured on bank stocks, dumping 500 million shares of Wells Fargo amid ongoing scandals—many sold at around $30 each. He also sold JP Morgan shares for under $100. Both have more than doubled since.

Parenting is a intricate journey filled with challenges and decisions that have the power to shape a child's life. One of the most significant aspects of this journey is understanding when parental actions might be misguided and the potential consequences they hold. In certain situations, parents may turn to physical punishment or verbal scolding as a form of discipline. This brings forth a thought-provoking query: are parents wrong when they opt for disciplining their children through aggressive actions such as hitting or shouting?

While it is important to acknowledge that parents often act out of concern for their children's well-being and growth, the approach they choose to employ in disciplining can greatly impact a child's emotional and psychological development. Relying on physical punishment or constant shouting can result in negative outcomes that may outweigh any intended positive effects.

Firstly, research has indicated that harsh disciplinary methods can leave enduring emotional imprints on children. Instead of fostering understanding, these methods can cultivate fear and bitterness. Children who are constantly subjected to yelling or physical aggression from their parents may develop anxiety, low self-esteem, and behavioral problems that continue into adulthood.

Secondly, such disciplinary measures fail to impart vital life skills like conflict resolution and empathy. Children who experience aggressive discipline may learn to dread authority figures rather than comprehend the rationale behind their actions. Consequently, they might encounter difficulties in forming healthy relationships and practicing effective communication as they grow older.

Furthermore, the cycle of aggressive discipline can persist as children raised in such an environment might replicate these behaviors with their own offspring. This perpetuates a harmful cycle that has far-reaching implications for generations to come.

So, what can be undertaken to break this cycle and encourage more effective forms of discipline? Constructive communication is paramount. Parents should strive to establish an open and empathetic atmosphere where children feel secure expressing their thoughts and concerns. Additionally, educating parents about positive disciplinary techniques such as time-outs, loss of privileges, and constructive conversations can lead to more harmonious family dynamics.

The question of whether parents are wrong in resorting to aggressive disciplinary methods is intricate. Although their intentions might be rooted in genuine care, it is vital to recognize the possible long-term repercussions of such actions. Instead of resorting to physical punishment or shouting, parents can attain better outcomes by nurturing understanding, empathy, and open communication within the family. Breaking the cycle of aggressive discipline can result in healthier parent-child relationships and contribute to the emotional well-being of forthcoming generations.