The principles and wisdom across future investments will echo Charles Munger’s legacy
Charles Munger, the esteemed counterpart, companion, and contrasting figure to Warren Buffett for nearly six decades in their journey of turning Berkshire Hathaway Inc. from a struggling textile manufacturer into a formidable empire, has passed away at the age of 99. His demise occurred on Tuesday at a California hospital, as confirmed by the company’s official statement in a press release. The cause of death was not given. Charles had been a prominent resident of Los Angeles for an extended period.
In an expression of condolence, Warren Buffett acknowledged Charles’s indispensable role in the growth of Berkshire Hathaway, stating, “Berkshire Hathaway could not have been built to its present status without Charlie’s inspiration, wisdom and participation.”
Insights about Charles Munger
In 1978, Charles Munger assumed the role of Vice Chairman at Berkshire Hathaway, solidifying his official association with the company. Throughout the majority of his tenure, Charles gained recognition as the witty and astute second-in-command to Warren Buffett. Renowned for his candid insights into the stock market and the economy, he became a trusted source of forthright advice within the Berkshire Hathaway leadership.
In addition to serving as Berkshire’s vice chairman, Charles Munger played diverse roles throughout his career—functioning as a real estate attorney, holding the positions of chairman and publisher at the Daily Journal Corp., serving as a board member for Costco, engaging in philanthropy, and even contributing to architectural pursuits. Despite amassing a considerable fortune estimated at $2.3 billion as of early 2023, Munger’s wealth remained eclipsed by Warren Buffett’s staggering net worth, which soared to an impressive $100 billion.
Charles’s investment strategies
Charles played a transformative role in shaping Warren Buffett’s investment strategy. His influence led to a shift in focus, moving away from distressed companies at lower prices towards a preference for higher-quality, undervalued businesses. This impact was notably observed in 1972 when Berkshire approved the purchase of See’s Candies for $25 million. At that time, See’s Candies boasted approximately $30 million in sales and generated a profit of $4.2 million—a decision that reflected his strategic guidance in steering towards businesses with superior quality and value.
