Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway 2025: "Tim Cook made more money for us than I ever did"

At his milestone 60th Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old investment icon often called the ‘Oracle of Omaha’, reflected on the company's financial performance, the state of the U.S. economy, global trade, and the future of AI. Despite a drop in Q1 operating profits, Buffett appeared relaxed and optimistic — even throwing in some self-deprecating humor.

Here are 10 of the most memorable quotes from Warren Buffett during the 2025 meeting:

1. “Apple CEO Tim Cook made more money for Berkshire Hathaway than I ever did”

Buffett opened with a joke, tipping his hat to Apple’s CEO. “I’m somewhat embarrassed to say that Tim Cook has made Berkshire a lot more money than I’ve ever made Berkshire Hathaway,” he quipped. “Credit should be given to him.” Buffett added that Apple’s earnings call was the only one he tuned into last week.

2. “Trade should not be a weapon”

The legendary investor made a strong case against tariffs and protectionist trade policies, emphasizing that the U.S. should embrace global commerce. “We should do what we do best, and let others do what they do best,” he said, without naming any political leaders.

3. “The luckiest day of my life was being born in the US”

Despite economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainties, Buffett expressed confidence in America’s resilience. “We’ve overcome recessions, world wars, and unimaginable technological shifts,” he said. If he were to be born again, he joked, “I’d negotiate from the womb to be born in the U.S.”

4. “Stock market volatility in the past 30-45 days is nothing”

Buffett shrugged off recent market fluctuations. “Berkshire’s stock has been halved three times in my career. What we’re seeing now doesn’t even qualify as dramatic,” he said. The S&P 500 recently avoided entering a bear market after a rebound linked to easing U.S. tariffs.

5. “AI is real, but we don’t know who wins yet”

While acknowledging the impact of artificial intelligence, Buffett cautioned investors to remain skeptical of hype. “We’re in the early innings. A lot of capital will be spent, but it's unclear who will truly benefit,” he noted.

6. “Cash is not trash — we have $347 billion of it”

Berkshire’s cash reserves hit a record $347.7 billion, and Buffett defended the decision to hold on to it. “People complain about holding cash, but it gives us options. You never want to be forced to sell.”

7. “Insurance losses and currency changes hit our bottom line”

Q1 operating profits fell 14% to $9.64 billion, hurt by wildfire-related claims and foreign exchange fluctuations. Net income dropped 64% to $4.6 billion, largely due to unrealized losses on stock holdings — including Apple.

8. “We invest for the long run — not the headlines”

Buffett reiterated his value-investing philosophy. “We don’t buy stocks based on quarterly earnings. We buy businesses we believe in — and hold them.”

9. “Ajit Jain and Greg Abel are Berkshire’s future”

Buffett praised his top lieutenants, signaling continued faith in the company’s succession plan. “Ajit and Greg are world-class. I’m lucky to have them,” he said.

10. “This might be my last rodeo, but Berkshire is built to last”

Ending on a reflective note, Buffett hinted that this could be his final annual meeting. “I may not be here much longer, but Berkshire will be. Our culture is what matters most — and it’s stronger than ever.”