ClaimsPeople

Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett led Berkshire Hathaway as chairman from 1970 and as CEO until January 1, 2026, and now serves as chairman emeritus and a board member.

1,556 claims collected, 281 researched, 78 resolved. Report of 5 November 2026, method 0.1.0+28da144b.

Scores by kind of claim

Each kind of claim is scored on its own, out of 100: the share that held up, with the range it likely falls in. Fewer resolved claims give a wider range.

  • Factual claims

    Statements about the present or the past, checked against the record: did they hold up?

    85 79 91

    High confidence, 51 factual claims resolved. From 14 documents, 2001 to 2026; 15 documents sampled from 31 candidates found.

    Not scored: 51 unresolvable, 45 checkable only against their own records.

  • Predictions

    Statements about events outside the person's control, checked once they fell due: did they come true?

    78 65 89

    Low confidence, 14 predictions resolved. From 6 documents, 2001 to 2024; 15 documents sampled from 31 candidates found.

    Not scored: 71 unresolvable, 2 checkable only against their own records. 10 more fall due later.

    Does not yet allow for how likely each prediction was when made.

  • Promises

    Commitments to the person's or organisation's own future action, with something to deliver: was it delivered?

    72 57 85

    Low confidence, 12 promises resolved. From 7 documents, 2001 to 2026; 15 documents sampled from 31 candidates found.

    Not scored: 17 unresolvable, 4 not yet due, 1 checkable only against their own records.

  • Guidance

    A company's own figures for its results over a period, checked against what it then reported.

    Insufficient record: 1 guidance claim resolved, 5 needed for a score.

    Not scored: 2 unresolvable.

All types combined: 82 (likely 76 to 87, high confidence), from 77 claims: 51 factual claims, 14 predictions, 12 promises. It mixes kinds of claim in different proportions for different people, so compare people kind by kind.

Warren Buffett's claims

1,556 claims, sorted by newest said. Choose a claim to read it in full.
VerdictKindSaidClaimTopic
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 It’s our job to price to absorb these and unemotionally take our lumps when surprises develop. Not checkable · 2025
Not researched Factual 2025 Berkshire does not use options or other one-sided forms of compensation for its executives and directors. Factual · 2025 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 We must never write inadequately-priced policies in order to stay in the game. Not checkable · 2025
Own records only Factual 2025 Carrie, whose grandfather was Bill Kizer, Sr., refused any payment for her extensive work on the new "Charlie" edition. Factual · 2025 Their own work or organisation
Not yet due Prediction 2025 Greg Abel will soon replace Warren Buffett, aged 94, as Berkshire CEO and will write the annual letters. Prediction · 2025 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 they repurchase their shares when it is sensible to do so, Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 I have had to rely on equities throughout my life. Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 Each of the five companies increase dividends when appropriate, Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 Berkshire can financially and psychologically handle extreme losses without blinking. Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 In effect, I have depended on the success of American businesses and I will continue to do so. Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 The fidelity disappointments can hurt beyond their financial impact, a pain that can approach that of a failed marriage. Not checkable · 2025
Unresolvable Promise 2025 Berkshire's 2025 annual meeting will have no movie and will convene earlier, at 8 a.m. Promise · 2025 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 The cardinal sin is delaying the correction of mistakes or what Charlie Munger called “thumb-sucking.” Not checkable · 2025
Unresolvable Factual 2025 In 2024 Berkshire made four payments to the IRS totaling $26.8 billion. Factual · 2025 Their own work or organisation
Unresolvable Guidance 2025 Berkshire expects 2025 dividend income from its Japanese investments of about $812 million, against interest cost on its yen-denominated debt of about $135 million. Guidance · 2025 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 If we change our minds, we will change the contracts we offer. Not checkable · 2025
Resolved true Factual 2025 In 2024, 53% of Berkshire's 189 operating businesses reported a decline in earnings, yet Berkshire did better than Buffett expected. Factual · 2025 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 Our holdings of the five are for the very long term, and we are committed to supporting their boards of directors. Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 I will be sleeping. Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 When discussing problems at specific subsidiaries, we do, however, try to follow the advice Tom Murphy gave to me 60 years ago Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 But there are plenty such as Pete who may have benefitted by attending a less prestigious institution or even by not bothering to finish… Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 As a public company, we are required to periodically tell you many specific facts and figures. Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 Fixed-coupon bonds provide no protection against runaway currency. Not checkable · 2025
Unresolvable Prediction 2025 Berkshire's insurance float is likely to grow a bit over time and, with intelligent underwriting and some luck, has a reasonable prospect of being costless. Prediction · 2025 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 And our experience is that a single winning decision can make a breathtaking difference over time. Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 2025 Berkshire will never prefer ownership of cash-equivalent assets over the ownership of good businesses, whether controlled or only partially… Not checkable · 2025
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 And it’s such a simple approach that it’s almost deceptive. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I would leave the capital allocation to Greg. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not researched Factual 5 May 2024 Ted Weschler, from Buffett's office, went to a business that was getting close to the brink, and within a couple of days Buffett's side offered it a solution. Factual · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Unresolvable Prediction 5 May 2024 The donor's scholarship program may end up supporting 150 students. Prediction · 5 May 2024 Philosophy, ethics and society
Not researched Factual 5 May 2024 Berkshire first bought National Indemnity in 1957. Factual · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 that’s worth reading three or four times. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I don’t believe in [a] lot of self-criticism or being unrealistic about either what you are or what you’ve accomplished or what you’d like… Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 And we don’t use it now at 5.4%. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I would not like to be running 10 billion now. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Unresolvable Factual 5 May 2024 There have been times in Buffett's investing life when he had so many opportunities he could have invested everything by nightfall. Factual · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 It gets very hard to predict who the winner will be. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I hope you’re right Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 And Ralph Nader probably has done more for the american consumer than just about anybody in history Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Unresolvable Prediction 5 May 2024 Buffett said he thought that, with present US fiscal policies, something has to give and higher taxes are quite likely. Prediction · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 You’re entering the best world that’s ever existed, and you want to find the people to share it with and the activities to participate in… Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 And if you get lucky, like Charlie and I did, you find things that interest you young. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Unresolvable Factual 5 May 2024 The meeting bookstore normally carries about 25 books, and Buffett said he thought about 2,400 copies of Poor Charlie's Almanack (fourth edition) were sold the day before. Factual · 5 May 2024 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I would certainly not know how to pick the winners in an industry like that. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I would say that that’s something that a more energetic management at Berkshire could pursue, because we do have the reputation. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Unresolvable Prediction 5 May 2024 Utah is very likely to treat Berkshire Hathaway Energy fairly on utility rates or compensation if it moves to public power. Prediction · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Not researched Factual 5 May 2024 Berkshire, after buying a furniture chain in Baltimore, quickly realized the purchase was a mistake. Factual · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 Well, our primary investments will always be in the United States. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 Charlie felt the same way. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I just look at what I can do every day. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 It’s extraordinary how much progress we’ve made, but it’s unbelievable how long it took to get it made. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 A good many of them are capital allocators, and others aren’t. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not researched Factual 5 May 2024 GEICO is now a $40 billion business, up from about $7 million when Buffett first called on it. Factual · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Unresolvable Factual 5 May 2024 Buffett said he thinks the number of Berkshire shareholders across the US who have given $100 million or more to local charities is many multiples of that of any other US public company. Factual · 5 May 2024 Philosophy, ethics and society
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 we feel that we’re far less likely to make any truly major mistakes in the United States than in many other countries. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Own records only Factual 5 May 2024 Warren Buffett alone made the decision for Berkshire to sell its Paramount stake, with no involvement from Ted Weschler or Todd Combs. Factual · 5 May 2024 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I think the system has really worked out very well. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I don’t know what the price of oil was going to be next year, but I knew that it was something to act on. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 if you’re lucky in life, make sure a bunch of other people are lucky, too. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 And [the] best thing to do was just pay them a commission one time and own the stock. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not researched Factual 5 May 2024 Someone who dies without a will is still subject to the state's rules on who inherits. Factual · 5 May 2024 Philosophy, ethics and society
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 So I don’t really think of whether it’s similar to 1999 because I’m not that good on chronology anyway. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not researched Factual 5 May 2024 GEICO's underwriting expense ratio is below 10%, and very few companies can compete with it. Factual · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 And that’s extremely hard to do in our present system. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I’d probably say, “Read Charlie.” Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not researched Factual 5 May 2024 Berkshire Hathaway made small acquisitions during the year before the 2024 annual meeting. Factual · 5 May 2024 Their own work or organisation
Unresolvable Prediction 5 May 2024 Buffett said he did not know, but his best speculation was that US debt will remain acceptable for a very long time because there is not much alternative. Prediction · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I think I know enough about consumer behavior to know that it’s one of the great products, maybe the greatest product of all time. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 American Express has a position in the credit card deal, which I think is extremely strong. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not researched Factual 5 May 2024 Buffett made Berkshire's commitment to Japanese stocks about five years before 2024. Factual · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 The distribution business is not a wonderful business, but it is a business. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 Well, I would say we won’t find another Ajit, but fortunately, he’s a good bit younger than I am Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I don’t understand why the damn lights go on when I even turn the switch, but those, those fellas really do. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 You want to be regarded as an asset to the country because you’ll find more solutions if you are an asset. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Own records only Factual 5 May 2024 Buffett receives very few calls from Berkshire's operating managers, close to zero. Factual · 5 May 2024 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 He believed in understanding what others would do, but he thought it was beneath him to actually use those methods to manipulate people. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 But I also think I’m poorer because I acquired the knowledge in the manner I did. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Own records only Factual 5 May 2024 Warren Buffett said he thinks he read Ben Graham's book about five or six times. Factual · 5 May 2024 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 the game isn’t quite as easy as it looks. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not researched Factual 5 May 2024 Climate change has caused far more wildfires, affecting utilities. Factual · 5 May 2024 Other global risks
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 You really have to have your mindset properly. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not researched Factual 5 May 2024 At the 2024 Berkshire annual meeting, the bookstore carried only one book, Poor Charlie's Almanack. Factual · 5 May 2024 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 It’s partway out of the bottle, and it’s enormously important, and it’s going to be [used] by somebody. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Unresolvable Prediction 5 May 2024 If anything happened to Buffett, Berkshire would be working extremely well the next day. Prediction · 5 May 2024 Their own work or organisation
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 First of all, I’d like to thank Melissa Shapiro, who put this whole event together. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 It’s going to take a lot of good ideas and smart people like Bill and Greg, not me. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I just like the feeling of being trusted. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 We do not have a perfect system in terms of boards or directors at all. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 Tom Murphy, who was the best, he was the best business manager I’ve ever known. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I feel, and you’ve got to feel, better about the future for your kids than you would have felt 100 years ago, no matter what the situation… Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 I hope we’re bigger in the industry ten years from now and 20 years from now than we are currently. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Unresolvable Factual 5 May 2024 In 2008 people did have money but were paralyzed and unwilling to act. Factual · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 But the fiscal deficit is what should be focused on. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 you have to be just plain lucky. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 The answer would be, in my particular case, it would be going through the 20,000 pages. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 we all have weaknesses and peculiarities and everything else. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 But I do think, as someone who doesn’t understand a damn thing about it, that it has enormous potential for good, [and] enormous potential… Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not checkable Not checkable 5 May 2024 We own Coca-Cola, which is a wonderful business, and we own Apple, which is an even better business. Not checkable · 5 May 2024
Not researched Factual 5 May 2024 Jay Powell does not control fiscal policy. Factual · 5 May 2024 Economics and markets
Unresolvable Factual 5 May 2024 Charlie Munger understood the importance of psychology, human behavior and incentives very early. Factual · 5 May 2024 Their own work or organisation
Back to the list

Not checkable

“It’s our job to price to absorb these and unemotionally take our lumps when surprises develop.”

Warren Buffett 2025 Berkshire Hathaway 2024 Annual Report (Berkshire Hathaway)

It’s our job to price to absorb these and unemotionally take our lumps when surprises develop.

Not checkable An opinion, value judgement or statement with nothing to check.

Cite this claim

Warren Buffett, “It’s our job to price to absorb these and unemotionally take our lumps when surprises develop.” (said 2025). Verdict: not checkable. Reliability API, claim c_af8e4f3efec1, method 0.1.0+28da144b. https://epistacklabs.com/claims/c_af8e4f3efec1

Claims without a verdict

Is a verdict here wrong, or do you speak for Warren Buffett? Reply on the claim's own page, with the form at its foot (how replies work). Verdicts are made automatically; how verdicts and scores are made.