To The Moon

On May 3, the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting will take place in Omaha, Nebraska — and this year’s gathering is capturing global attention for good reason.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Warren Buffett’s acquisition of Berkshire Hathaway, a milestone that highlights not just his longevity, but his enduring relevance in investing. At 94 years old, Buffett has confirmed he will attend in person. While his successor, Greg Abel, will take on a more prominent role, Buffett’s full participation is highly anticipated.

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A)

For investors worldwide, this is more than an annual meeting. It’s a rare opportunity to hear from someone whose principles have shaped the financial decisions of generations. Personally, I’m excited to hear his thoughts on today’s market — because even a few words from Buffett can sharpen the way I approach investing and trading.

Value Investing in 2025: A Timeless or Tested Strategy?

Buffett’s investment philosophy — buying great businesses at fair or undervalued prices and holding them long-term — still resonates deeply with me. Especially in an era of market noise, meme stocks, and short-termism, value investing stands out as a strategy rooted in rational thinking, patience, and discipline.

It’s not about timing the market or chasing the hottest sector. It’s about identifying durable companies with strong fundamentals and reasonable valuations, then holding through ups and downs.

But that’s easier said than done.

The Real Challenge: Following the Philosophy

From my experience, value investing is simple in theory but hard in practice. In bearish markets, for example, when prices drop and panic sets in, it can be difficult to act — even when high-quality companies appear to be trading at bargain levels. The hesitation comes from fear: What if the stock falls further? What if I'm wrong?

That’s the paradox of value investing: true value often emerges during uncertainty, but uncertainty is when it’s hardest to buy. This is why the strategy demands not just research, but conviction — belief in your analysis and the long-term potential of the business. It also requires mental discipline: resisting FOMO (fear of missing out), tuning out market noise, and focusing on what matters most — intrinsic value.

Rethinking Value: Beyond Traditional Metrics

In 2025, the very idea of "value" is evolving. It’s no longer just about low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios or discounted cash flows. Many modern companies derive their value from intangible assets — brand strength, data ecosystems, customer loyalty, and intellectual property.

Buffett himself has invested in companies like Apple, which may not have looked traditionally cheap, but offered durable competitive advantages. This suggests a modernized lens on value: quality at a reasonable price, not just cheapness for its own sake.

Retail investors should take note — understanding a company’s economic moat and pricing power may be more important today than just hunting for low multiples.

Mastering the Psychological Game

Temperament may be more important than intelligence in investing. It’s true. The ability to remain calm during volatility, to avoid emotional decisions, and to stay committed to a strategy — these are the skills that separate successful investors from reactive ones.

In a world where social media and fast news cycles amplify every market move, maintaining emotional balance is a superpower. The market will always test your patience. Value investing rewards those who don't flinch.

The Power of Cash and Optionality

One of Buffett’s most underrated strategies is maintaining ample cash reserves. While some view this as being overly cautious, Buffett sees cash as a strategic asset — a source of optionality. When panic strikes and others are forced to sell, he’s ready to buy.

Retail investors can learn from this: you don’t have to be 100% invested all the time. Holding cash doesn’t mean you're doing nothing; it means you're preparing to act when the odds are in your favor.

Circle of Competence: Know What You Know

Another Buffett principle worth emphasizing is the circle of competence — the idea that you should only invest in businesses you truly understand. In today’s market, it's tempting to jump into the latest trends — AI, biotech, crypto — without fully grasping them. But investing outside your knowledge base increases the risk of error.

Staying within your circle helps you make more confident decisions, improves your ability to evaluate risk, and reduces the chance of reacting emotionally to temporary setbacks.

Compounding: Not Just for Money

Buffett often talks about compounding — not just of capital, but of knowledge, habits, and discipline. The investor you are today should be smarter, more experienced, and more measured than the one you were a year ago. Small improvements in decision-making, research habits, and emotional control compound into major long-term advantages.

For retail investors, this is an empowering idea: even if your portfolio is small, your ability to grow as an investor is unlimited.

What to Watch for at the 2025 Meeting?

As I prepare to tune in to this year’s event, here are some questions I’ll be listening for:

• How does Buffett assess today’s macroeconomic climate? Are valuations still attractive with elevated interest rates and inflation?

• What role will Greg Abel play going forward?

• What timeless advice will Buffett leave for retail investors?

Final Thoughts

Value investing may not always be in fashion, but it endures — because it’s grounded in fundamentals, discipline, and long-term thinking. In a time when many chase quick gains or react impulsively to headlines, the lessons from Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway offer a welcome reminder: great investing is about clarity, conviction, and character.