Warren Buffett Acknowledges Tim Cook’s Financial Success for Berkshire, Praises Apple’s Unique Development Under His Leadership

Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has publicly lauded Tim Cook for his exceptional leadership at Apple, particularly in the wake of Steve Jobs’ passing. During a recent annual shareholder meeting, Buffett not only praised Cook’s approach to business but also announced his decision to step down. Under Cook’s stewardship, Apple has significantly refined its supply chain and introduced several new products that were not part of Jobs’ vision.

Buffett Recognizes Cook’s Impact on Berkshire Hathaway’s Profits

Buffett remarked, “I’m somewhat embarrassed to say that Tim Cook has made Berkshire a lot more money than I’ve ever made, ”emphasizing the notable increase in Apple’s stock value—a stunning 680% rise since he began investing in 2016. While Steve Jobs laid the groundwork for Apple, it is Tim Cook who has successfully broadened its horizons. This evolution is encapsulated in Buffett’s statement:

“Nobody but Steve could have created Apple, but nobody but Tim could have developed it as he has.”

Traditionally, Buffett has approached technology investments with caution. However, Apple’s performance has yielded remarkable financial outcomes, significantly boosting his portfolio. In 2024, Buffett was reported as the largest investor in Apple outside of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), solidifying his commitment to the tech giant.

By 2024, Berkshire Hathaway’s stake in Apple soared to an impressive valuation of $174 billion, a figure stemming from an initial investment of just $40 billion accumulated over several years. Notably, the conglomerate has made strategic adjustments by reducing its position, selling approximately 70% of its peak holdings of 905 million shares.

Thanks to Tim Cook’s visionary leadership, Apple has experienced a remarkable surge in stock prices, escalating from just under $15 to $205—a staggering 14-fold increase that has propelled the company’s market value past the $3 trillion mark. With Buffett announcing his exit as CEO, the mantle of leadership will be passed to Vice Chairman Greg Abel, marking a significant transition for the company.

Following Buffett’s departure, Tim Cook took to Twitter, stating, “There’s never been someone like Warren, and countless people, myself included, have been inspired by his wisdom. It’s been one of the great privileges of my life to know him. And there’s no question that Warren is leaving Berkshire in great hands with Greg.”As the story continues to unfold, we will provide further updates on this significant corporate shift.

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